Registration for city spring swimming and rec programs begin this month

Registration for spring swimming lessons and recreational activities in the City of Ottawa will begin in mid-February.

Registration for spring swimming lessons and recreational activities in the City of Ottawa will begin in mid-February.

Sign-ups for swim lessons will start on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 9 p.m. All other non-aquatic spring recreation, before and after-school programs will start on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m.

"Explore something new from drawing, painting, music, martial arts, Zumba, yoga and other fitness programs. Try a science and technology activity or earn your swim certification levels," the city said on its website.

The cost of many recreational and cultural programs will go up this year after council approved a 2.5 per cent increase in the 2024 budget.

A new system intended to improve the experience for parents signing up for programs was introduced last August, but the system crashed and caused frustrations among parents. The city says it has fixed those issues and registration continued as normal last winter.

Residents can choose from the yearly 5-day a week program or the new daily option after-school activity club – based on availability – to accommodate hybrid work schedules. Residents can also participate in a number of virtual programs.

All programs are geared for children between the ages of 4 and 12.