Timmins offers free swimming sessions
The City of Timmins wants to help people get more active and it's doing that by offering some free community swimming sessions at its Archie Dillion Sportsplex Pool.
Beginning Sept. 16, families in Timmins are getting something for 'free.' Every Saturday afternoon, community swimming from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the sportsplex ‘won't cost a dime.’
“A lot of people out there can’t afford to get out for a family," said city councillor Bill Gvozdanovic.
"Today’s the first step in getting a free open swim for families; we’re going to start with two senior swims next week."
For a family of five with three children between the ages of 4 - 17 and two adults under the age of 60, it would cost about $29.
One local mother said not having to pay for one of these sessions is a big deal.
“Oh totally," said resident Laura Palmer.
"It gets a bit pricey.”
City officials said when free swims are offered during the Christmas holidays and March Break, many people take advantage of the opportunities.
“You can’t even fit a mosquito in the pool ok so it’s packed in there," said Gvozdanovic.
"I've been coming to the pool three days a week with my son for the last fifteen years so I see the trends that go on in the pool and you know we have to do our part and encourage them to get out and exercise with their families, seniors as well, and be mindful of the cost to people.”
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
“Every little bit does help," said resident Karissa Picotte.
"I find it draws more crowds when it’s free cause everyone’s kinda just looking for something to do with their kids on the weekend.”
Corporate sponsorships to help with this initiative are now available year-round which includes a free swim that's open to all ages, public recognition and a booth.
People over the age of 60 will have their opportunities on Mondays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Fridays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Poilievre calling on 'unelected' Senate to 'immediately' pass farm fuels carbon tax bill
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is pushing for MPs to call on senators to 'immediately' pass a bill that would exempt certain farm fuels from the carbon price.
Chicago Blackhawks to terminate Corey Perry's contract after finding 'unacceptable' conduct
The Chicago Blackhawks said Corey Perry engaged in unacceptable conduct and took a step Tuesday toward terminating his contract, the latest twist involving the veteran winger who was mysteriously scratched and sent home last week without explanation.
Short-term rental tax changes left out of Freeland's bill to implement fiscal update measures, here's why
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling an omnibus bill to pass measures she promised in last week's fall economic statement. Missing from the package are the government's promised plans to crack down on short-term rentals, while the Liberal promise to double the carbon tax rural rebate top-up, is included.
Frank the Tank, a tortoise found wandering a B.C. field, gets a new home
Adoption requests came from as far away as New Zealand, but Frank the Tank, a 17-kilogram tortoise found wandering in a Richmond bok choy field last month, will be staying in British Columbia.
French police arrest yoga guru accused of exploiting female followers
French authorities arrested the leader of a multinational tantric yoga organization Tuesday on suspicion of indoctrinating female followers for sexual exploitation.
OPINION Advice on dealing with 'quiet hiring' in the workplace
In a column for CTVNews.ca, personal finance writer Christopher Liew tackles 'quiet hiring' -- a term referring to companies that quietly hire from their own talent pool rather than look elsewhere -- and outlines some tips for employees on how to take advantage of the practice.
Customer sues Chopt eatery chain over salad that she says contained a piece of manager's finger
A customer has filed a lawsuit against the fast casual chain Chopt over a salad that she says contained a piece of the manager's finger.
Alex Murdaugh sentenced to 27 years for financial fraud after victims angrily confront him in court By Jeffrey Collins
For years, South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh looked his anguished clients in the eyes and promised to help them with their medical bills, their suffering or simply to survive. Then he stole most, if not all, of what he won for many of them.
High-fat flight is first jetliner to make fossil-fuel-free transatlantic crossing from London to NY
The first commercial airliner to cross the Atlantic on a purely high-fat, low-emissions fuel flew Tuesday from London to New York in a step toward achieving what supporters called 'jet zero.'