A Vancouver Island man is concerned about the level of nudity within the change room at his local recreation centre.

Norm Waddell lives in Duncan and receives physiotherapy at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre. He says the men鈥檚 changing room is constantly filled with elderly men who indulge in 鈥渆xcessive nudity鈥�.

He acknowledged that the men are not engaging in any unlawful activities that he is aware of, but said the change rooms are for the public, and people using the rooms should feel comfortable in them.

Waddell said he spoke to officials at the CAC about his concerns, but was told that management was not aware of what legally constitutes excessive nudity in the change rooms.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think it鈥檚 right that these men make it so uncomfortable for others with their nudity,鈥� he said.

鈥淚 have a son who is not comfortable with it either. There are separate cubicals and shower stalls in the change rooms so these men should be made to use them.鈥�

North Cowichan Mayor Jon Lefebure said the municipality does occasionally receive complaints from people who are offended by others in the CAC鈥檚 change rooms.

But he said he can鈥檛 understand why someone would take exception to people鈥檚 nakedness as they change from street clothes to swimming gear in preparation to enter the pool.

鈥淧eople changing from clothes to bathing suits is part of using the pool,鈥� he said.

鈥淔or people who are sensitive, we have separate cubicles and showers that they can use by themselves.鈥�

robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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