Contact Us
Online
Services

Frequently Asked Questions

When will programs be available and when am I able to register?
View the 2024 Summer Active Living Guide, (available June 6) to review programs activities.

Program registration will begin at 10:00 am March 14 for New Westminster residents, and March 15 for everyone else.

Why are there so few aquatics programs this spring?

Between May and June, a limited number of aquatics programs at təməsew̓txʷ will be scheduled to allow staff to evaluate and refine operations and offerings at the new facility. Look out for more programs and fuller schedule in the Summer Active Living Guide available in May.
 
What are the pool features?
  • Eight lane 50-metre lap pool
  • Diving boards: 1 & 3-metre spring board and 5-metre platform
  • Leisure pool with 3 swim lanes, lazy river, various water features, family and adult hot pools (ramp, transfer ledge, or lift), tot zone, and beach entry.
  • Steam room and sauna
  • Accessible gendered and universal change rooms with access to a motorized adult change table.
 
What are the community centre features?
  • Active rehabilitation and wellness spaces
  • Fitness studios for group fitness, and cycle classes
  • Expansive fitness centre featuring cardio, weights, stretching, and functional training areas
  • Two gymnasiums for multiple sport activities
  • Multi-purpose rooms for community recreation programs, meeting spaces, and special events
  • Community gathering spaces
  • Accessible universal washrooms and accessible change room with motorized adult change table
     

Is there a playground?

There are two playgrounds. Both will generally be open to the public, with the exception of the playground for children aged 0-5, situated adjacent to the childcare space. This playground will be closed to the public during daytime hours (about 1-2 hours a day) when in use by the childcare facility. Clear signage will indicate when this area is closed to the public.

What are the change spaces like?

Accessible gendered and universal change rooms will be available with lockers, private change stalls and showers, with soap provided. Two fully accessible change stalls with adjustable adult change tables are located in the universal change room and recreation side by the gymnasium on the first floor.
 
Do I need a coin or my own lock for lockers?
 
Lockers located in the accessible gendered and universal Aquatics change rooms are free and do not require a coin or a personal lock. Simply place items in the locker, lift handle, push locker closed, lower handle to close the locker, turn the key and remove.
 
Wallet lockers located near the gymnasiums are $0.25 for use. Gymnasium and Fitness Centre users are welcome to use the free lockers in the Aquatics area.
 
Can I bring food with us to the pool?
 
Food is not allowed on the pool deck or change areas. Space is available in the community living room to enjoy food and drink after your activity.
 
Will the pool(s) use chlorine?
 
Yes. A pre-swim shower helps to eliminate perspiration, body oils, and bacteria from entering the water. When you wash away the impurities, the chlorine in the pool doesn’t have to work as hard, leaving the water cleaner and the air we breathe fresher.
Learn more about how to Keep it Fresh!
 

How old should I be to swim alone?

Children must be at least 7 years old to swim alone. Children under the age of 7, must remain within arm’s reach of a caregiver 15+ years old. Maximum 2 children per caregiver.

How will the facility be more accessible?
 
  • The facility design and features following Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Accessibility certification which considers people of differing levels of physical mobility, as well as addresses gender and cultural sensitivities.
  • Accessible designated parking spaces, including provisions for van parking on both sides of the facility.
  • The pools will provide a range of access types including beach entry, ramp entry, transfer edge and lift, including ramps into the leisure pool and family hot pool.
  • Intermittent and dispersed seating in lobby, corridors, and viewing areas.
  • Accessible washrooms, showers, and change rooms.
  • Evacuation chair for stair area of refuge.
  • A variety of accessible fitness equipment to accommodate users with a variety of mobility needs.
 
What sports can I play in the gymnasiums?
 
The gymnasium will house many types of sports including but not limited to volleyball, basketball, badminton, pickleball, soccer, martial arts, etc.
 
How many Pickleball courts are there?
 
There are 4 pickleball courts. Three in the large gymnasium and one in the small gymnasium. The courts are designed to allow ample space for safety and competition style play.
 
When will rental space be available to book?
 
Requests for single booking rentals for parties and gatherings will be accepted April 29 for events taking place June 2 and beyond. Online booking is not available. Please contact the facility directly: 604.777.5100.
 
Rental Space Application forms for seasonal rental space (sport groups, schools, organizations) are available now for booking beginning in June.
 
 
How can I register my child for the new childcare facility?
 
The new licensed child care program at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre will be operated by the YMCA and will be able to accommodate 37 infant, toddler, and preschool-aged children. The centre anticipates opening in May 2024.
 
Sea Otter YMCA Child Care Centre will be a licensed early years child care program led by professional Early Childhood Educators. The program follows the YMCA’s Playing to Learn curriculum, which provides children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while enjoying a safe and welcoming environment.

Learn more
Join the waitlist