At the City of Victoria, we are committed to embedding equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces and services. Our goal in recreation is to provide safe, inclusive and meaningful recreation opportunities for everyone. Our recreational programs aim to create a welcoming and respectful environment for individuals of all backgrounds, ages, abilities, gender identities, expressions and what makes each of us unique.
If you have a question or concern about City-wide policy, service accessibility or accommodations, please contact the Inclusion Coordinator at accessibility@victoria.ca. If you require assistance or require accommodations to access recreational programming, please contact the front desk staff or the Inclusion Coordinator.
Visiting Crystal Pool
We strive to provide meaningful access to our facility and programs.
• Three accessible parking spaces • Power operated front entrance doors
• Lifts on staircases to change rooms and fitness centre • Side entrance ramp access to universal change room • Grab bars in change rooms and showers and a shower with a seat • Accessible change rooms with power-operated doors • Accessible fitness equipment • Aquatic angel lift with access to leisure pool and main pool • Manual crank lift into main pool • Wheelchairs and aqua walker • Women’s and men’s change rooms, universal change room, three private dry change stalls • Universal change room with a designated wudu (ablution) space
Programs and Services
Summer Camp Inclusion Program
We want your child to have the best possible experience at camp and receive the support they need to thrive. If your child receives educational assistance at school or in other social settings, they may benefit from one-on-one support in camps. Families can request up to three weeks of inclusion support at no extra cost.
Our 2025 summer camp Inclusion program is currently at full capacity. We encourage parents and caregivers to join the waitlist; they will be notified immediately if a spot becomes available.
Step 1: Register for the Summer Camp Inclusion Program. You will be asked to provide information about your child and their unique support needs.
Step 3: Staff will confirm the available support for families registered in the Summer Camp Inclusion Program by May 31. Waitlisted families will be notified of available camp spots as they become available.
Ratios: Inclusion staff work in one to one and one to two ratios with children in camp settings. The Summer Inclusion Coordinator will determine available staff support and pair up families with an Inclusion Leader before camp begins.
Training: Inclusion staff use positive behaviour support principles and have access to various communication and regulation tools to help support kids during their participation in camp. All staff provide a criminal record check and have been trained in basic child protection protocols.
Complex Care Needs: Inclusion staff are not trained to provide toileting or feeding assistance, perform functional transfers or physically restrain children. If your child has complex care needs, we recommend contacting Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network to determine appropriate care services.
If your child has a private or external support worker (including a family member) who would like to support a child in camp, please contact camps@victoria.ca three weeks prior to program start. All external support workers are required to have a criminal record check before attending city programs with a child.
Swimmers of all abilities are welcome at the City’s recreation facilities. Individuals with special accommodations have options available, including:
group lessons
private lessons
drop-in quiet swims for those with noise sensitivity
If you require support for registration and are looking for more information, please email the Aquatic Coordinator or call 250.361.0712.
Leisure Assistant Pass
The Leisure Assistant Pass is for people with disabilities of all ages. The pass allows a support person to join people with a disability during leisure activities. When presented, the pass grants one support person free or reduced admission. This supports participation without costing the person with a disability double for admission.
The City of Victoria’s Leisure Involvement For Everyone (L.I.F.E.) program improves access to recreation services and programs for individuals and families living on a low income. The City of Victoria and its regional partners are committed to ensuring residents have access and choices in their leisure opportunities.
Jumpstart offers programs intended to enrich the lives of kids in need. Jumpstart assists with registration costs for sport programs. Children aged 4-18 interested in sport, dance, or other organized physical activities may be eligible.
KidSport Victoria is part of a national network of community based volunteer groups. Its goal is to ensure that kids in financial need have access to sport and physical activity. Physical activity can encourage self-expression, goal setting and increased self-confidence in kids.
The Campership Program aims to remove financial barriers making it easier for youth to access enriching and fun camp experiences. The program supports low-income children and youth aged 4-15 with one free week of summer camp. The Campership Program is generously funded by public donations and community partners.
If a participant in a recreational program has an allergy, please describe the allergy on the registration form. For epinephrine injections and anaphylactic reactions, please complete the Anaphylaxis Action Plan below. All City programs are nut-free.
The City recognizes that scented products can cause adverse reactions for some people. To keep the air healthy for everyone, Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is a scent-free facility. Signs around the facility encourage avoiding scented products while in the building.
Children 10 years and older may sign themselves in and out of City of Victoria Programs with a completed permission form. Please ensure arrangements are made for the child to arrive home safely.
