City Beach Supervision Ends August 24 – No Extension to Labour Day

The City of Ottawa has confirmed that its supervised beach season will still end on Saturday, August 24, and will not be extended to Labour Day this year.

Although City Council had earmarked funds in the 2025 budget to potentially keep beaches open longer, city staff say they were unable to secure enough certified waterfront lifeguards to cover the additional weeks. According to the Recreation, Cultural and Facilities Services Department, at least 55–60 lifeguards are required to safely supervise all four city beaches.

Because many lifeguards are students, the earlier start of classes (especially in French school boards) and the early Labour Day weekend meant insufficient staff availability to continue beach supervision after August 24.

Residents can still visit the beaches after this date, but there will be no lifeguards on duty, and signs will be posted onsite to remind the public that the beaches are unsupervised.

Washroom facilities at Mooney’s Bay, Britannia and Petrie Island will remain open daily until September 1 (10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday–Sunday). Portable washrooms will remain in place until October. Westboro Beach will continue to be managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC).

Outdoor Pools and Splash Pads

While beach supervision is ending, several outdoor pools will remain open into September. Bearbrook, Crestview and Glen Cairn pools will stay open until September 14, operating with adjusted hours. The General Burns pool—which has been undergoing repairs—is expected to reopen on September 9 and remain open until October 3.

Other outdoor pools (including Beaverbrook, Corkstown, and Katimavik) will close on August 24, and the Entrance pool on Eaton Street will close on September 9.

Wading pools that opened on June 23 have now ended their season. Splash pads remain available until September 14, with the possibility of an extension if late-summer heat continues.