Gatineau opens beaches, pools during heat wave

The outdoor pool at Parc Desjardins in Gatineau, QC. (Photo: City of Gatineau / Gatineau.ca)

GATINEAU, QC. — With a heat wave gripping the National Capital Region, the City of Gatineau says it is opening its beaches and outdoor swimming pools earlier.

The City says the Outaouais public health unit gave permission to open pools and beaches earlier, giving residents a chance to cool off during a heat wave in which more than 37,000 people are being asked to conserve water.

The following pools and beaches are open and will have their hours extended:

There are also 39 splash pads at municipal parks in Gatineau that are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

The City of Gatineau says outdoor swimming and wading pools will be limited to 30 per cent of their usual capacity to ensure physical distancing takes place. The pools will be closed for 15 minutes every hour, to give staff time to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces throughout each day.

Pool hours will be assessed daily, with updates provided on the City of Gatineau's website.