This week marks the end of an era for Victoria’s only public swimming pool. “After 55 years of valued service to the community, the Crystal Pool is going to close its door for one last time at the end of business this Friday,” said Derrick Newman, director of parks and recreation for the City of Victoria. The city has chosen to build a new pool at a cost of $209 million on same footprint as the old pool. That means the Crystal Pool will begin to be demolished later next year. “Really, the city has outgrown this facility,” said Newman. For dozens of people in Wednesday morning’s aquafit class, the old building has its charms and sentimental value. “I love this place, it has become a real part of my life,” said Kathleen Hedley. “I’m going to miss it a lot, I come here every day,” said David Holme. As a final farewell, the city is inviting residents to come for a final swim as well as to sign the memory wall that has been set-up in the lobby. “Check out some of the historical photos that we have on display,” said Newman. The Crystal Pool was built in 1971 predominantly as an aquatic centre with a 50-metre pool, hot tub and tot pool. Since then, changes have been made, including an added 48-metre slide, space—although limited—for fitness equipment, and accessibility adaptations. “The new facility will be Rick Hansen certified,” said Newman. The city is taking over the old YMCA location on Broughton Street in downtown Victoria while the estimated five-year construction period for the replacement pool is underway. The YMCA pool comes with its own set of issues. It’s much smaller than the Crystal Pool, and it’s leaking. “It’s a bird bath compared to this,” said Mary Addison. The city says it is working to fix the leak, but the YMCA pool won’t be operational until at least the new year. The Crystal Pool will be open for just two more days before closing its doors for good. Its replacement is slated to be completed in late 2030, but the pool users on Wednesday say that construction project means Victoria is losing an important piece of history in the process.
