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The City of Saskatoon announced on March 15, 2026 that the long-standing big blue waterslide at the Lakewood Civic Centre has been taken out of service following a recent inspection. Officials say the inspection revealed conditions that made the structure unsafe for public use, and as a result the slide has been closed permanently. The announcement has practical implications for patrons, but the city has also confirmed plans for a replacement: a new waterslide is expected to be installed and operational in 2027. The decision prioritizes public safety while beginning a short-term transition to construction planning.
The closure affects a feature many families associate with weekend visits and seasonal recreation programs. People arriving for Family Swim sessions expressed disappointment at seeing the slide fenced off, yet some welcomed the prospect of modern equipment and improved safety standards. City staff emphasized that the slide will be replaced rather than repaired, noting that the recent findings did not support continued use. While the slide is closed, other elements of the aquatic centre remain available: lifeguarded pools, lap lanes and lessons continue to operate under normal schedules, ensuring community access to core services.
Safety and inspection details
The City described the review that led to the closure as an inspection process carried out by qualified personnel to assess structural integrity and public hazard potential. During that review, staff identified issues that met the threshold for immediate removal from service. The authorities framed the move as a precautionary and permanent safety measure rather than a temporary shutdown for minor repairs. By public policy standards, when an element of a facility is judged unsafe, removing it from use prevents risk while the municipality evaluates long-term solutions. This approach aligns with best practices for municipal pool management and visitor protection.
Inspection outcome
The inspection concluded that returning the existing slide to service would not meet the city’s safety requirements without extensive intervention. Because those interventions were judged impractical or insufficient, the decision was made to close the attraction permanently. Officials noted that the structure would remain decommissioned and removed or replaced in due course. For patrons and families, that means the familiar slide silhouette will be absent from the facility until the new installation is complete. The city reiterated that taking decisive action now reduces liability and ensures the well-being of pool users.
Replacement plans and timeline
Replacement of the slide is slated for 2027, and city planners are already outlining how to integrate the project into the centre’s calendar. The planned process will include design selection, contractor procurement and staged installation. Municipal staff intend to use a phased construction approach so that vital services remain accessible throughout the build. The new attraction will be designed to contemporary standards, with an emphasis on safety features, durability and user experience. Community input and program needs are expected to inform final design choices as the project moves forward.
How construction will affect programming
Officials have said construction will be scheduled to minimize interference with regular pool hours, lessons and events. That means planners will coordinate start dates and noisy or disruptive work around peak times for swim classes and family sessions. While some work zones near the slide area may be temporarily restricted, the vast majority of the aquatic centre’s amenities will remain open. The city confirmed that swim lessons, lap swims and other organized programs will continue to operate, and staff will provide updates on any short-term changes to access or schedules.
Community reaction and ongoing operations
Reactions from frequent visitors varied: some mourned the loss of a childhood staple, while others welcomed an eventual upgrade that promises better safety and a fresh experience. Parents arriving for Family Swim voiced mixed emotions but largely understood the city’s safety-driven rationale. The municipality closed by assuring residents that core services will remain available and that transparent communication will guide the replacement process. In short, the Lakewood Civic Centre will continue to deliver aquatic programming while the city prepares for a modern slide replacement in 2027, balancing short-term disruption with long-term improvement.