Let’s dive in: City of Edmonton now allows topless swimming at its pools

With summer around the corner, the City has clarified their new aquatic attire guidelines and from here on out, make no mistake! All adults are allowed to go topless at an Edmonton pool.

“After thoughtful consideration, the City 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,” Senior Communications Advisor, Mark Torjusen wrote to Curiocity.

“This policy change is aligned with the recognition of gender, gender identity and gender expression protections found in the Alberta Human Rights Act.”

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According to Torjusen, the city began a process of reviewing the types of attire that could be worn while in recreation and leisure centres, as well as outdoor pools way back in 2019.

Then – following a series of engagement sessions with focus groups which included a diverse set of individuals from varying age groups, backgrounds, genders, gender identities and sexual orientations – the new guidelines were implemented in June of 2022.

“This policy change is aligned with the recognition of gender, gender identity and gender expression protections found in the Alberta Human Rights,” the statement read.

“We believe our swimming guidelines must not discriminate on the basis of gender and not exclude anyone visiting a City facility.”

Since last spring, the city has not received any public feedback about the adjustment – though, with the news of their decision resurfacing, there’s no telling whether or not this will change.

As always, if any more information comes to light regarding the topless pool guidelines in Edmonton, or any other major news – we’ll keep you updated, but until then, please remember to be respectful and of course, to be kind.

Happy swimming, Edmonton!