A recent independent survey conducted on the new outdoor pool at Simmons Sports Centre indicates that its length falls slightly short of the requirement for Swimming Canada certification.
The survey was part of the certification application process, and the City of Charlottetown announced that a detailed assessment will be carried out once the pool closes for the season to determine its exact length. The city confirmed that the pool, designed to be 25 meters long, is slightly below the acceptable length for certification.
According to a statement by the city, they are collaborating with the construction company responsible for the pool to verify its dimensions. Any necessary adjustments will be made by the company if required.
Swimming Canada mandates that pools must meet specific length standards for hosting competitions and swim meets. Michelle Killins, the organization’s director of sport development, mentioned that there is flexibility if a pool exceeds 25 meters in length but emphasized the importance of meeting the minimum requirement.
Killins noted that situations like Charlottetown’s are not uncommon and highlighted the need for clear communication with facilities during the planning stages to ensure compliance with regulations.
Acapulco Pools, the firm in charge of constructing the pool, acknowledged the survey results and is cooperating with the city to confirm the pool’s dimensions. They stated that a thorough assessment will be conducted post-season closure for precise measurements, and any necessary adjustments will be made to meet certification standards.
The exact degree of the pool’s shortfall from the regulatory standard has not been disclosed by the city or Acapulco Pools.
The Simmons Sports Centre, where the pool is located, opened on June 22, 2025, and features an NHL-sized rink with seating for 600 people along with an indoor walking track.
The sports centre’s opening, initially slated for October 2024, was delayed to address a leak in the pipes within the concrete ice surface slab. The project, approved by Charlottetown council in 2022, incurred a total cost of approximately $36 million.
The facility’s construction was hindered by supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing delays in its completion.