COURTENAY, B.C. – The Comox Valley Aquatic Centre will be a judgement-free zone on Monday night.
The CVRD and the Pride Society of the Comox Valley are offering a free family all-inclusive swim on July 23 as part of the local annual Comox Valley Pride Week events.
The swim takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at centre, 377 Lerwick Road in Courtenay, and everyone is welcome.
“One of the things that we want to really to make sure (of) is, we have a universal washroom that’s accessible to all,” said CVRD senior manager of recreation facilities Jennifer Zbinden. “And outside of that our doors are open for everybody to come through for a swim.”
Zbinden said offering this community event in partnership with Comox Valley Pride demonstrates the CVRD’s commitment to ensure its facilities are welcoming and inclusive for all of patrons as well as CVRD employees.
This is the first time the CVRD has partnered with a Comox Valley Pride event.
“It’s a pretty exciting thing for us because one of the number one things for our facility is that we’re all-inclusive and of course accessible to all,” Zbinden said.
In terms of feedback, Zbinden said there’s “been nothing outside of big smiles from the community. It’s been fantastic.”
As part of its commitment to ensuring a welcoming environment for members of the public and its employees, the CVRD will be reviewing a gender inclusive policy in the coming year which will include the use of gender inclusive signage in its recreation facilities, stated a CVRD release.
“We appreciate the chance to take part in Pride week and look forward to working with our LGBTQ community, as well as other community groups, to create spaces together that make everyone feel welcome in our recreation facilities.”
