Kearns visits swim competition at Nelson Pool

By Gazette Staff

June 21^st, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Final day of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays Long Course Summer Invitational meet that involved 17 swimming clubs from across the province and a total of 890 swimmers.

Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns made a surprise appearance, no she didn’t take to the pool, but she did talk to club President – Karl Meissner-Roloff and some of the swimmers who really didn’t have any idea as to who she was.

Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns found time to congratulate some of the swimmers at Nelson Pool where the BAD Long Course 2026 Outdoor Invitational was taking place.

The 2026 Invitational has been a huge success.

Going forward there is some unease.

BAD has traditionally held their Invitational in June.  At this point, they have not been assured that the pool will be available in June of 2027, which makes it difficult for them to do their forward planning.

Invitational events are sanctioned by Swim Ontario.  BAD can’t approach Swim Ontario until the city has assured them that the space will be available.

Aquatic Clubs like to travel to event and they too have to plan ahead and set dates.

The 2026 Invitational was a blow out success.

Waiting for the GO signal.

Swimmers racing during the first lap of the 100 metre event.

The diving blocks used during practices and competitive events were donated to the city by the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays. One would have thought the pool was home base for the Long Course invitational events.