Cole Harbour Place closes saunas following health emergencies, inappropriate behaviour

Cole Harbour Place, a popular recreation facility in the Dartmouth area, made the difficult decision to permanently close its saunas due to ongoing safety and behavioral issues. The announcement was made this week, with General Manager Jen Heddon explaining the reasoning behind the closure.

The primary concern that led to the closure of the two dry saunas, located inside the men’s and women’s change rooms, was the number of medical emergencies that occurred as a result of overheating. Heddon shared that individuals were passing out in the saunas, possibly due to a lack of awareness about the potential dangers of heat and medication interactions. Additionally, some visitors were not staying properly hydrated while using the saunas, exacerbating the risk of heat-related incidents.

In addition to the medical emergencies, there were instances of individuals pouring water or other liquids on the heating elements in the saunas, creating a fire hazard. This behavior not only posed a danger to those using the facilities but also required a significant amount of attention from staff, diverting resources from other responsibilities.

Furthermore, Cole Harbour Place received reports of sexually inappropriate behavior occurring in the saunas, which was described as part of a concerning and ongoing pattern. While Heddon clarified that none of the reported behavior was criminal in nature or constituted assault, it was still deemed unacceptable within the facility.

Despite understanding that some patrons may be disappointed by the closure of the saunas, Heddon emphasized that it was necessary to address the numerous safety concerns. The facility is offering payment adjustments or refunds to members who considered the saunas to be a significant factor in their membership.

Moving forward, Cole Harbour Place is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors and will continue to provide a wide range of recreational activities and amenities. While the closure of the saunas may be disappointing for some, the decision was made with the best interests of the community in mind.