KENORA – August 22, 2026 – The Kenora swimming facility at the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre is slated for major upgrades that officials say will allow it to host sanctioned swim meets.
Ontario MPP Greg Rickford announced the improvements August 15, standing poolside with coaches Janet Hyslop and Nicole Brown. According to the announcement, the upgrades include a new electronic timing system and conversion to a saltwater pool.
Rickford described the project as an investment in both athletes and community health.
“This is about community and vision,” Rickford said in the announcement video. “We want Kenora athletes to compete at home.”
Coaches highlighted several swimmers who train at the facility. Para-swimmer Sophie English was noted for recently breaking a Canadian record. Olympian Gabe Mastromatteo was also mentioned as an athlete with ties to the Kenora pool.
Hyslop and Brown said the new timing system will allow Kenora to host higher-level competitions for the first time in years, reducing the need for local swimmers to travel south for sanctioned events.
City officials have not released a full timeline or budget for the upgrades, but said work will focus on bringing the facility up to provincial competition standards.
The announcement was welcomed by swim families in the region, who say the upgrades could help keep more young athletes training in Northwestern Ontario.
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