The City of Hamilton is taking the first step toward a potential Olympic-sized aquatic facility. Councillors recently voted to study the feasibility of a 50-metre pool, including site requirements, capital and operating costs, and potential funding and partnership models.

The decision is yet to be ratified by council.

The report back, expected in early 2027, will assess if Hamilton needs the facility and will include input from local aquatic organizations and users.

As reported by the Hamilton Spectator, Mayor Andrea Horwath said there is “very little access” to an Olympic pool in the city and its surrounding municipal area.

The motion does not commit to building the pool but is intended to provide information on its feasibility. This, according to the Spectator’s article, will allow the council to make an “educated and informed decision” during the next term of office.

The motion says the review will explore partnerships or shared-use models with post-secondary institutions or the private sector. This, the motion says, will mitigate financial and logistical constraints.

David Hart, a former Olympic water polo player, told the newspaper that Hamilton was at the forefront of swimming in the mid-20^th century but has since fallen behind. The Hamilton water polo coach said his teams often travel to Brantford to train.

Hamilton’s new recreation master plan recommended the development of four new indoor pools by 2051.