Perimeter fencing for all new swimming pools built in Ottawa must have locking gates.

New swimming pools built in the city of Ottawa are now required to have a locking gate installed after city council approved a motion to amend the pool enclosure bylaw.

The motion, which was brought to city council by Kanata North councillor Marianne Wilkinson, calls for enclosure gates, erected after September 23, to be locked at all times, except when owners and visitors are leaving and entering the pool area.

According to an article in the Ottawa Sun, the motion to amend the bylaw was brought forward after complaints were received by Kanata-area residents regarding a gate leading to a private pool backing onto a park and walkway had been left open.

The initial request was to install locks on all pool gates backing onto public space. However, it was recommended by city staff that it would be better for all gates leading to private pools to have locks.

Council has also asked city staff to review whether properties with existing swimming pools should also be required to install locks on their pool enclosure gates. This amendment will be reviewed by city staff in 2010 with a recommendation to council in 2011.