History

Lorne McDougall established the club in 1982, shortly after the opening of the Canada Games Complex. Lorne is one of the original members still swimming with the club. In the beginning, there were just a few competitive swimmers as many thought it would be more rehab for back injuries, a consistent practice. Roy Warren, former Aquatics Supervisor, now retired, was the liaison with the Canada Games Complex to help get the club up and running. McDougall had swum with the Manitoba Masters Aquatic Club in Winnipeg and based the club on their model. In the early years, there was a strong connection to Manitoba Masters where members travelled to Winnipeg to participate in Pop Sidwell Swim Meets and Manitoba Provincials. Winter travel could be troublesome so eventually members participated in Masters Swim Ontario activities. McDougall also was a member of the Masters Swim Ontario executive and this increased interest in MSO activities. Some members have travelled to places such as New Zealand and Japan and have also participated in the inaugural World Masters Games held in Toronto in 1985. Since that time, interest has ranged from fitness/social to the competitive aspect of swimming. Many members participate in Provincial and National Championships. Over the years, membership has ranged from former Olympians, competitive swimmers, triathletes to fitness swimmers.