Ottawa's aging infrastructure is taking a toll on community amenities, as the beloved dive pool at Entrance Outdoor Pool in Bells Corners will remain closed for the entire 2026 summer season. The closure stems from safety concerns over the deteriorating condition of the dive tank, leaving residents worried about the future of local facilities.
Lifelong Users Disappointed
Natalie Patrick and her daughter Rebecca Marion, both longtime users of the Entrance Outdoor Pool, expressed frustration with the city for investing in new pools while their neighbourhood dive pool sits idle. Rebecca, now 14, first jumped off the diving board at age four with floaties on. After a lifeguard intervened, she learned to swim and has frequented the pool ever since.
“She wanted to go to that pool every single day,” Patrick said. The pool is a 10-minute walk from their home.
Infrastructure Gap Widens
College Ward Coun. Laine Johnson announced the closure on Facebook on June 11, citing the dive tank's condition and safety risks. This is part of a broader pattern as Ottawa grapples with a widening infrastructure gap, with many pools, community centres, and arenas in decline without funds for repairs or replacements.
“When they went to open the pool this season, they went, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s way worse than we thought it was going to be.’ The concrete is exposed to the elements,” Johnson said in an interview.
Main Pool to Open
The main swimming pool at Entrance, which recently received accessibility stairs, is scheduled to open on June 29. Dan Chenier, general manager of recreation, cultural and facility services at the City of Ottawa, confirmed that the dive pool will be closed for the 2026 swim season while investigations determine the best path forward.
“The city’s outdoor pools are by far one of the assets that are struggling the most right now across the board, which is concerning given how important they are as places for residents to cool off, stay active, and enjoy recreation during the summer months,” Johnson’s post stated.
Growing List of Aging Assets
The dive tank is just one example of Ottawa's aging infrastructure. During a city council meeting on June 2, numerous residents raised concerns about deteriorating community spaces as the city prepared its Long Range Financial Plan.
