Elisabeth Humphrey
You may not know this, but Lowertown is home to one of Canada’s oldest covered pools. Once known as Champagne Bath, now the Champagne Fitness Centre, the historic pool is located at 321 King Edward Avenue at the corner of York Street, in an unassuming red brick building. Champagne Bath was opened in 1926 as a much needed bathing and recreation facility for Lowertown residents.
Champagne is a bright and clean four-lane, 25-yard pool, with a charming mural on its sundeck that depicts swimmers in 1920s swim costumes. A new sauna and sundeck stretch the length of the pool, great spots to soak up some sun on a wintery day. The facility also has a small gym and a boxing club.
Since 2007, the Champagne has been home to the Ottawa Centre Masters Swim Club (OCM). Masters swim clubs offer coached swim practices to adults ages 18 and up. OCM welcomes swimmers of all abilities and backgrounds. Former competitive swimmers, triathletes and people wanting full-body exercise can all find a great workout with the club. The club has an excellent and dedicated coaching staff that will provide work-outs, encouragement, coaching and technique help. OCM trains hard-but they enjoy social events, including brunches and ‘Pool to Pub’ nights, where they try out local ByWard Market restaurants after a practice in the pool.
The OCM spring session starts March 31st, and runs until June 21st. More information about the club can be found on their blog: http://ottawacentremasters.blogspot.ca. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OCMswimming, or send an email to ottawacentremasters@gmail.com.