Cranbrook is set to pilot a change in operating hours at the Western Financial Place Aquatic Centre with a later opening time and a midday closure three times per week.
City officials say the pilot program intends to increase operational efficiencies and maximize pool use.
“Our goal is to optimize our pool operations while ensuring that the needs of our patrons and the community are being met while using our staff resources as efficiently as we can,” says Trevor Thors, Director of Recreation and Culture.
Starting on March 31, the Aquatic Centre will open at 8 a.m. and close from noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
The city is also seeking public input through a survey to ensure the program assessment includes user insights and experiences.
“The decision to move forward with this pilot was made with care and consideration of current pool users and based on current trends and usage,” said Thors.
“This is why the community’s input is vital. As this is a pilot project, we are exploring all avenues to optimizing our operations for the public’s benefit.”
The decision to implement these changes comes after Cranbrook completed a citizen survey aimed at helping city council make budget decisions for 2025.
“One of the questions asked if the City were forced to reduce spending, which service or services could be reduced or eliminated,” said City staff.
“Thirteen percent of respondents suggested reducing recreational, cultural or music events.”
All patrons and user groups are invited to complete a survey about the new hours and you can find it online or at the Aquatic Centre pool desk.
“The City will be monitoring pool capacity, booking volume, patron utilization, revenue impacts, and public satisfaction throughout the pilot period,” said City officials.
“All of the data from the survey results and the City’s evaluation of operations will help guide the making of permanent changes to the aquatic centre operations, if required.”
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