The City of Edmonton has changed its attire guidelines at public pools to allow all adults and minors accompanied by their parents to swim bare-chested, saying the policy was adopted to conform to the province’s Human Rights Act.
Edmonton started reviewing the swimming attire guidelines in 2019, and implemented the change in June 2022, a spokesperson for the city told The Epoch Times.
“After thoughtful consideration, the City of Edmonton determined it cannot deny anyone from accessing a City-owned and operated indoor or outdoor pool because they wish to swim while not wearing a top,” he said, adding that “our swimming guidelines must not discriminate on the basis of gender.”
Webster noted that the city authorities realize that some people may feel uncomfortable with this measure.
“However, this is a human rights issue and we have an obligation to treat all individuals equally when using City pools,” he said.
Taking photos or videos at recreation facilities without staff permission is not allowed, according to the city’s guidelines.
The Epoch Times asked whether the city has so far received complaints or reports of harassment as a result of this policy, and whether there are mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable individuals, but didn’t receive a response.
The spokesperson also didn’t clarify if there was an official announcement made about the policy change since it took effect last June.
Priya Bhasin-Singh, director for Edmonton’s aquatics and leisure centres, told the Edmonton Journal that the city didn’t receive any feedback in relation to the swim attire policy change until after local media reported the issue this week. She said recent comments show mixed reactions toward the policy.“We’ve seen feedback both ways,” she said.
She also told the Journal that the application of the policy to minors is still under consideration.
