Half the Distance, Half the Possibility: Reflections on UWindsor’s Pool Choice

By Alex Penz

It’s often said that bigger is better — and in this case, that might be true.

In July 2022, the University of Windsor opened its brand new Toldo Lancer Centre (TLC), a $73-million project. The facility drew major attention, even earning the National Intramural and Recreation Sport Association’s 2023 Outstanding Facility Award. Part of the development was the new pool: eight lanes, 25 metres long.

Looking back on the process of building the TLC, it surprises me that the university chose not to construct an Olympic-sized, 50-metre pool. In the long run, those extra metres could create far more opportunity for UWindsor — especially the potential for an OUA swim program.

Source: UWindsor

To me, this was a missed opportunity. Without a 50-metre pool, a Windsor Lancers swim program is practically impossible. And swimming, it might surprise some, is one of the most popular university sports in Canada. There are more swim programs across U Sports (33) than football programs (27). This makes Windsor the second-largest school in Ontario without a swim program, behind only Toronto Metropolitan University.

One of the often-overlooked benefits of adding a swim program is increased enrollment. Take a look at Western University’s roster: 59 athletes. Using Ontario’s average tuition rate of $8,958, that could mean roughly $520,000 in tuition revenue for UWindsor. While there are costs associated with running a swim program, that kind of funding could help justify the investment in a larger pool.

A swim program would also elevate the university’s athletic reputation. Right now, UWindsor is the only Ontario university that fields teams in football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, hockey, and track and field — but not swimming. Adding a competitive swim team could push Lancers athletics into the upper tier of OUA competition.

A larger pool would also offer greater value to the local community. While the university currently runs swim lessons for all ages, a 50-metre pool would double the available water time, allowing for more lessons and wider access for families across Windsor-Essex.

Increased lane capacity would also create space for youth swim clubs and enable the school to host major swim meets at all levels.

Another advantage of a larger pool is expanded student employment. Yes, the operating costs would rise, but the number of on-campus jobs — lifeguards, instructors, supervisors — would rise as well. More student employment supports recruitment and could help build student buy-in for the higher operating costs. And more lane time means more opportunities for students who want to learn how to swim.

Overall, increasing the pool size would only enhance what the TLC already offers. While a larger pool carries additional costs, the benefits far outweigh them.

The current pool serves its purpose, but it’s hard not to imagine what could have been — and what still might be — if the University of Windsor chooses to think a little bigger.

Disclaimer: This article was written by a contributor from Lancers Lounge, a University of Windsor sports media initiative. The views, opinions, and analysis expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Powerplay Sports, its staff, or its affiliates. Content is published as part of our commitment to showcasing student voices and supporting emerging sports journalists.