Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 59 (CUPE 59) has released results of community feedback on the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre in Saskatoon. CUPE 59 launched an online survey to gather input from neighbourhood residents, regular pool users, and families with children enrolled in swimming programs.
“In less than two weeks, we received almost 250 detailed responses, an incredible show of public engagement and a clear signal that this facility matters deeply to the community,” said Eric Calaguian, president of CUPE 59. “People told us they want the pool to remain public, affordable, community-focussed, and accessible to everyone.”
The City of Saskatoon is currently planning to transfer operations of the Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre to a third-party organization once renovations are complete.
Calaguian emphasized that CUPE 59 has significant concerns about the impact of this plan.
“This move creates serious risks for public accountability, financial transparency, and job security of the frontline workers who keep this facility running,” said Calaguian. “Public recreation should remain in public hands and accountable to the people of Saskatoon.”
CUPE 59 continues to engage residents and is encouraging community members to add their voice of support by signing the petition here:
https://cupe59.ca/2025/11/28/sign-the-petition-harry-bailey-aquatic-centre-a-public-pool- for-the-public-good/
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