Lethbridge Herald

Quebec town forbids nudity in pool locker rooms

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A Montreal-area town has decided to forbid all nudity in the locker rooms of its municipal pools — a level of discretion that has one man wondering if it doesn’t go too far.

Brossard advised residents in its newsletter this month it wouldn’t allow men or women to walk around naked in their respective locker room and showers.

For now, the penalty is a simple warning. The city says it had to act after being inundated with complaints about nudity in what it considers a public space.

Longtime resident Roland Berard, 67, says he finds the new rule “regressive.”

“I don’t agree with having to cover up in the men’s locker room when I’m changing and when I’m taking a shower,” he said. “I agree to be discreet.”

Berard, who swims in the mornings when it is adults who are mostly present, said he doesn’t see a problem changing or showering while naked.

The 30-year Brossard resident said he’s never had an issue, even when his own children took swimming lessons at the same pools.

He wonders if educating kids about the human body shouldn’t just be left up to parents.

“I just thought it was a bit regressive to do that based on — I don’t know how many complaints the city has had — complaints of people having other people’s nudity imposed on them,” Berard said.

He said he’s not looking to create conflict and will comply, but thinks it’s an issue worthy of discussion.

Eric Leuenberge­r, aquatic activities director for the City of Brossard, said the move comes amid widespread discontent among a wide range of pool users.

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