Staff shortage impacts city aquatics and playground programs

THUNDER BAY —Aquatics and playground programs provided by the City of Thunder Bay will be impacted by an ongoing staffing shortage this summer.

The city still plans to operate all seven indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities as well as nine playground locations.

However, it's being forced to modify hours and services based on staffing capacity.

In a report to councillors, city administration says it's confronted by a shortage of lifeguards, and by an increasing challenge recruiting frontline staff for other recreation programs such as playgrounds.

The COVID-19 pandemic, associated facility closures, and nation-wide staffing shortages in multiple sectors have amplified the problem for the 2022 summer season.

The confirmed complement for aquatics programs so far is 28 (+6 on call) whereas prior to the pandemic the city had 55 staff (+30 on call).

The current confirmed total for playgrounds personnel is 15 leaders, compared with up to 40 leaders pre-pandemic.

As part of the effort to recruit more lifeguards, the starting wage was increased from $15.71/hr to $16.70/hr on May 15.

It will be raised further to $19.35/hr as of July 1. 

Administration is expected to present further recommendations for developing, recruiting and retaining lifeguards in September.

Despite having to modify parts of the schedule, it says providing aquatics programs at all seven pools and beaches this summer will serve the broadest user base possible, provide safe swimming opportunities, and allow important learn-to-swim and aquatic certification programs to be offered. 

Initially, Churchill and Volunteer Pools will only be open two days a week, but the report states that hours could be increased if more staff become available.

To start the season, playground programming will be offered five days a week at McKellar School, North McIntyre Community Centre, West Arthur Community Centre and the Current River rink shack, but only one day per week at Ogden School, North End Community Centre, Jumbo Gardens Community Centre, Oliver Road Community Centre and Vickers Heights Community Centre.

In a normal year, playground services operate at the nine sites either five, three or two days a week depending on the location.