Loyalist Township welcomes swimmers back to revamped pool July 20

Just in time for the dog days of summer, the Barr Homes Aquatic Centre in Amherstview is slated for a soft opening on July 20, 2026. The opening comes four years after the former aquatic centre shuttered its doors.

Jim Hegadorn, Mayor of Loyalist Township, described the opening as the return of an important community asset.

“When the old pool closed, we heard strongly from residents that it had been very important to them,” said Hegadorn. “It’s a huge boost to the community to have a pool.”

The new aquatic centre has several advantages with the new upgrades. Firstly, explained Hegadorn, it is larger. While the old pool had five lanes, the new one has eight. It is 25 metres. 

“This extra capacity will allow for competitions,” added Hegadorn.

The new pool, known as the Latham Lap Pool features starting blocks, a diving board, a video scoreboard sponsored by the William James Henderson Foundation, and a touchpad timing system. 

The pool ranges in depth from 1.1 meters in the shallow end to 3.2 meters in the deep end. It is suitable for lap swimming, competitive events, and aquatic programming.

“This extra capacity will allow for competitions,” added Hegadorn.

Aside from an expanded offering of programs, Hegadorn noted the new centre will also have a warm, therapeutic pool. Known as the Savage Family Leisure Pool, it is a separate warm-water leisure pool including features such as a water curtain, bubble jets, etc. The pool has a maximum depth of 1.4 metres.

“This will be a great facility to have in our community, especially a community the size of Loyalist, which is not a big township to support a project like this,” said Hegadorn.

As with any major project, the challenges associated with brining the new aquatic centre to fruition were no different.

“There are construction challenges when your new construction connects to a 50-year-old building,” said Hegadorn. “It’s also been an expensive project. We are thankful for the support from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the City of Kingston.”

The City of Kingston provided financial support knowing the new aquatic centre would serve residents in that city’s west end.

“So far, we have addressed all the challenges successfully and are ready to open,” Hegadorn emphasized.

The Barr Homes Aquatic Centre will be located at 322 Amherst Drive. A grand opening is planned for the Fall 2026. For more information about the new centre, please visit: https://www.loyalist.ca/explore-and-play/recreation/aquatics-and-swimming/barr-homes-aquatic-centre/#HowdoIgetamembershipfortheAquaticCentre