Make it three straight provincial lifesaving awards for Oakville

Being recognized for lifesaving measures in the province is becoming old hat for Oakville.

For the third straight year, the Town of Oakville has been awarded Lifesaving Society Ontario’s David W. Pretty Cup.

The award is handed out annually to the municipal affiliate with the largest lifesaving program in a community with a population between 100,000 and 250,000.

The Town of Oakville offers a variety of aquatic programs, including learn to swim, leadership courses and recertification, and swim to survive school programs.

“Council and I are proud of the recognition the Town of Oakville is receiving for delivering great programs and services in high quality facilities,” said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton.

Earlier this month, the town also received the 2023 Parks and Recreation Ontario Aquatics Facility Design Award. The Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre has been recognized for its excellence in aquatics facility design and the innovative ways it meets the community’s needs.

“A big thank you to staff for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our town’s livability and to our partners Diamond Schmitt Architects, Graham Construction, Austin Carrol Pools and DEI Consulting Engineers for helping the town build the award-winning Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre,” adds Burton.

The Oakville Trafalgar facility features a 25-metre lap pool swimming pool and a warm lap swimming pool that are kept at 84°F and each have a wheelchair access ramp into the water.

“Congratulations to our staff who are deeply committed to providing quality programs and services that residents value,” said Julie Mitchell, Director of Recreation and Culture. “The town is honoured to receive the 2022 David W. Pretty Cup for a third year in a row.

“We are also thrilled that the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre has been recognized for its excellence in aquatics facility design and the innovative and creative ways it meets the community’s needs. Providing our residents with sustainable, inclusive and innovative spaces is a top priority for the town.”