Member Policies & Facility Rules

For the protection, safety and enjoyment of all users, we ask that the following rules are followed:

• In using Dalhousie University’s Dalplex facility, members and guests are subject to all university policies, including the Code of Student Conduct and the University’s harassment policies. Should you experience uncooperative or disrespectful behaviour, please let our staff know and we will do our best to rectify the situation.
• No food or drink other than non-breakable water bottles is permitted in activity areas, pool or locker rooms.
• Open toe footwear, bare feet and swimwear are permitted in the pool area only.
• Children under 14 are not permitted in the fitness hall.
• All personal trainers or coaches providing services in Dalhousie’s athletic facilities must be employed by and/or be official volunteers of the Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation, with the exception of private rentals or when the Department determines there to be extenuating circumstances. The supply of services within Dalplex and other Dalhousie athletic facilities remains proprietary to Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation.
  
• Children over school age may not use locker rooms of the opposite sex. Please use one of our Universal Change rooms if you would like to change together.
  
• Gym bags are not permitted in fitness hall unless placed in the storage racks provided.
  
• Dalplex is a smoke-free and scent-free facility. Dalhousie University asks people to avoid wearing scented personal care products, as fragrances can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and other medical conditions. For more information on Dalhousie’s scent free policy please visit www.dal.ca/scent-free. Smoking is not permitted on the Dalhousie campus.
• Dalplex does not condone profanity or insulting slogans on members’ attire. Dalplex reserves the right to govern appropriate apparel while using the athletic facilities. Proper athletic wear is required for exercise including appropriate shirts, shorts/athletic pants and athletic footwear in all areas.
• We request that members please report violations of the rules or damaged equipment to the building supervisor on duty or to the Client Experience Centre staff.
• Dalplex staff have the right to revoke membership privileges based on non-compliance to established policies and procedures.

• Photo ID must be presented for all membership purchases, day pass purchases and guest pass use.
  
  
• Memberships are non-transferable and membership card sharing will result in suspension of membership privileges.
  
  
• All prices are subject to HST.
  
  
• Payment options include cash, debit, DALCARD, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
  
  
• Family passes: consists of 1 adult and their common-law partner and their children under the age of 20. Family members must be related by blood, marriage, common-law or legal guardianship to be eligible.
  
  
• Children under 12 years of age must be supervised by an adult 18 years or older at all times while in the facility.

• Members are required to carry their membership ID cards to access the building. Staff reserve the right to ask for Dalplex ID at any time.
• Children under 12 are not eligible to receive Dalplex ID cards and MUST be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian 18 years of age and over, with a valid Dalplex membership.
• Spouses/partners and children 12 years and over must have their own Dalplex ID cards, even if on a family membership.
• The sharing of ID cards is forbidden; membership cards are not transferable. Sharing cards will result in suspension for both the cardholder and the Dalplex member involved.
• Members and students who forget their card will be given 15 grace entries per year (January 1-December 31). Once these are used, members/students must produce a valid membership card or purchase a replacement to gain access. Lost Dalplex membership cards will be replaced for a fee. Students must contact the DalCard office to acquire a new student card.
• At Dalplex, a family is defined as a member, their common-law partner/spouse and their children. Dependent children are those under 20 years of age and living at the same address as the parents/guardians.
• Members are not permitted to employ or use personal trainers or coaches who are not employed by and/or are not official volunteers of the Department of Athletics and Recreational Services while using Dalhousie athletic facilities.

• If membership cancellation occurs before the completion of the initial 12-month term, a cancellation fee of $50 will apply
• All cancellations must be requested in person at the Dalplex Customer Service desk or in writing via dalplexinfo@dal.ca. Regretfully we cannot accept cancellations over the phone.
  
  
• Non-use of the facility does not void the membership agreement and fees will not be refunded.

Cancellation of Paid-In-Full Membership:

• Cancellation requests must be made with a minimum of 30 days notice.

Cancellation of Pre-Authorized Payment Membership:

• Cancellation requests must be made a minimum of 30 days prior to the next preauthorized payment due date.  

Cancellation of Dalhousie Faculty or Staff Membership with Payroll Deduction:

• Cancellation requests must be made a minimum of 30 days prior to the next preauthorized payroll deduction.  

Auto-Renewal Details

• The initial term of an annual Dalplex membership is 12 months.
  
  
• Memberships paid by monthly pre-authorized payments automatically renew for an additional 12 month term on the anniversary of the original term or any renewals thereof unless the member requests to cancel the membership in writing prior to renewal.
  
  
• If a member requests that we do not renew their membership after their initial 12 month term, the cancellation fee will be waived.
  
  
• Dalplex will provide the member with written notice of the upcoming auto renewal. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure all member contact information remains current.
  
  
• Membership fees will not be refunded if a member fails to cancel the membership prior to its automatic renewal as per the terms of our membership agreement.
  
  
• Complimentary memberships and multi-visit passes do not automatically renew.

Our membership freezing policy is as follows:

• Currently, memberships can be suspended or “frozen” for personal reasons once per membership year, at no cost, for a minimum of one (1) month and a maximum of four (4) months. As of August 1, 2023, a fee of $25 will be charged for this service.
• Additional personal freezes within the same membership year are permitted at a cost of $25 per freeze and are required to be for a minimum of one (1) month and a maximum of four (4) months. The freeze admin fee is due at the time of the freeze request. 
• Memberships can be frozen at any time for medical reasons for a minimum duration of one (1) month and require receipt of medical evidence from the member. There is no charge for a medical freeze.
• Members with family or add-on memberships can choose to freeze either one (1) or all memberships associated with their account. When a single membership is frozen, any additional time allocated to the membership will be divided equally among all associated memberships to ensure a consistent membership expiry date. When all associated memberships are frozen, they must be unfrozen at the same time
• A minimum of three (3) days written notice and the return of membership cards and parking permits is required prior to authorizing a freeze.
• Pre-authorized payments or payroll deductions will continue while memberships are frozen but membership expiry dates will be adjusted accordingly.
• The extended time (freeze credit) cannont be re-frozen and must be applied at the end of the membership year (anniversary date). Freeze requests cannot be back-dated. 
• No refunds will be issed for freeze time/credit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is anyone allowed to freeze their membership?

All full-year memberships are eligible for freezes. Semester based memberships are not eligible. 

Can I freeze my membership for more than 4 months?

YES, you can freeze your membership for longer than 4 months. A membership freeze for 1-4 months has a $25 admin fee while a freeze for 5-8 months has a $50 admin fee. 

If you have any other questions about our new freezing policy, please email dalplexinfo@dal.ca or you can speak directly to one of our Customer Service Supervisors by calling 902-494-6162.

The privacy of all members, guests and our staff is of the utmost importance to us. The use of camera/video enabled devices is strictly prohibited in the fitness hall, any locker rooms/change room areas, restrooms, showers or saunas.

If you are interested in capturing photos or videos for professional purposes, or if you have a media request, please contact sports@dal.ca

• In using Dalhousie University’s athletics facilities, members and guests are subject to all university policies, including the Code of Student Conduct, the University’s harassment policy and our User Code of Conduct. Should you experience uncooperative or disrespectful behaviour, please let our staff know and we will do our best to rectify the situation. 
• No soliciting 
• No food or drink (other than non-breakable water bottles) is permitted in activity areas, pool or locker rooms. 
• Open toe footwear, bare feet and swimwear are permitted in the pool area and locker rooms only. 
• Children under 14 are not permitted in the fitness hall or high performance training area. 
• All personal trainers or coaches providing services in Dalhousie’s athletic facilities must be employed by and/or be official volunteers of the Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation, with the exception of private rentals. The supply of services within Dalplex and other Dalhousie athletic facilities remains proprietary to Dalhousie’s Department of Athletics and Recreation. 
• Dalplex is a smoke-free and scent-free facility. Dalhousie University asks people to avoid wearing scented personal care products, as fragrances can trigger asthma attacks, allergies and other medical conditions. For more information on Dalhousie’s scent free policy please visit www.dal.ca/scent-free. Smoking is not permitted on the Dalhousie campus. 
• Dalplex does not condone profanity or insulting slogans on members’ attire. Dalplex reserves the right to govern appropriate apparel while using the athletic facilities. Proper athletic wear is required for exercise including appropriate shirts, shorts/athletic pants and athletic footwear in all areas. 
• We request that members please report violations of the rules or damaged equipment to the Client Experience Centre staff. 
• Dalplex staff have the right to revoke membership privileges based on non-compliance to established rules and regulations.

The User Code of Conduct was created to promote appropriate and respectful behaviour, and good sportsmanship within Dalhousie’s athletic facilities. It applies to all students, members/users, guests,participants, rental groups, parents and spectators within said facilities. Anyone displaying unacceptable behaviour may be asked to leave the premises, and suspension or termination of the day pass, rental, facility access or membership agreement may occur.

Unaccetable behaviour shall include, but not be limited to:

• Physical violence or threats of physical violence; 
• Use of obscene, vulgar, or threatening language or gestures in any manner to anyone at any time; 
• Taunting of students, members, players, coaches, officials or other spectators by means of baiting, ridiculing, or the use of abusive or demeaning language; 
• Willfully damaging property and/or equipment; 
• Using equipment or facilities with malicious intent; 
• Any other behaviour which a Dalhousie University employee finds to be inappropriate, disruptive or abusive in the circumstances.

Badminton, pickleball, racquetball, squash and table tennis must be booked prior to use (courts are reserved for 60 minute time slots).

• Dalplex members can book the court up to 3 days in advance.
• Multi-visit or day pass users can only book a court in-person, the day of. 
• Due to high demand, only one (1) court per sport can be reserved per member, per day. 
• Members must check in at the Client Experience Desk before using the court. 
• Court bookings are 60 minutes (1 hour) in length. 

How to book a court:

Only one member of the playing party is required to book a court. 

• Visit dalsports.dal.ca and select Racquet Court Bookings to book a court online. 
• Call 902-494-6818 and have your membership/ B00 number ready. 
• In-person bookings are also available at the Client Experience Desk. 
• Day pass holders can only book in person, for the same day. 

No Shows/Cancellations:

Please cancel at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your booking.

• Visit dalsports.ca or call 902-494-6818 to cancel your court. 

Repeated cancellations and/or no-shows may result in the loss of booking privileges.

Dalplex rents various pieces of sporting equipment from the Client Experience Centre for a small fee. Your Dalplex membership card is exchanged for the rental equipment and will be returned once all items signed out are returned.

You will be held financially responsible to Dalplex for the replacement cost of rental equipment lost, stolen or damaged while in your possession. Unreturned equipment will have a daily rental charge applied for each day the item is overdue. The rental fee is good for day of purchase only. 

Dalplex offers a variety of group fitness classes every week, led by a team of top quality, energetic instructors. Most classes are included in your membership, however additional programs like boot camps and self defence are available for an additional fee.

Space is limited per class and pre-registration is required. Classes can be booked up to three (3) days in advance.

How to book/register:

• Visit dalsports.dal.ca and select Fitness Classes to register for a class. 
• Call 902-494-6818 and have your membership/ B00 number ready. 
• In-person bookings are also available at the Client Experience Desk. 
• Day pass holders can only book in person, for the same day. 

No shows/cancellations:

Please cancel at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your class. Visit dalsports.ca or call 902-494-6818 to cancel your spot.

Repeated cancellations and/or no-shows may result in the loss of booking privileges.

• Minimum age for use of strength training or cardio equipment is 14 years old.
• Fully enclosed shoes or sneakers must be worn.
• Gym bags must be stored in lockers downstairs. Dalplex is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Taking photographs or video recordings is not permitted.
• Gym chalk is not permitted.
• Equipment is for use in the Fitness Hall only and is not permitted on the stairs or corridors.
• Wipe down all equipment after use with a cloth and cleaning spray supplied by Dalplex. Spray cloth first (not machine) and wipe down machines/mats/benches, etc.
• As a courtesy to other members, please limit time on your phone between sets.
• Food is not permitted.
• Do not drop the weights on the floor.
• The use of a spotter is recommended while using strength-training equipment.
• Weight collars (clips) must be used on all plate-loaded bars.
• Please return equipment to the storage racks provided.
• Please be courteous to other users at all times.
• Members must follow the direction of Fitness Hall monitors and facility staff at all times.
• Please report suspicious behaviour or facility/equipment problems to staff immediately.

Holiday Hours

Dalplex is closed on New Years Day, Canada Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Reduced building hours are in effect on other holidays. Visit our website for holiday hours and closure information.

Facility Closures and Space Restrictions

Dalplex hosts a number of annual events and programs which result in temporary fieldhouse and/or pool closures or space restrictions. Use of the track is usually only affected by exams however, and all other activities/programs are temporarily relocated to Studley Gym or Sexton Gym whenever possible. Be sure to check our website for information on any activity location changes, area closures or reduced hours or cancellations for holidays and special events.

Events affecting fieldhouse availability:

• Dalhousie exams in December and April
• Dalhousie varsity athletics, clubs and intramural events throughout the academic year
• Dalplex & Dal Tigers day camps in the summer, Christmas/March breaks and PD School Days.

Memberships will not be adjusted due to the scheduling of these special events and programs.

Maintenance Periods

For maintenance purposes, certain areas of our buildings need to be closed as required to accommodate necessary repairs. Notice will be posted in advance. These actions are taken to ensure the integrity of the facility and the safety of our members and every effort will be made to schedule this work during non-peak usage periods and to complete it as quickly as possible.

Memberships will not be adjusted to account for loss of access to certain areas or amenities during repairs or maintenance.

Dalplex offers small, medium and large lockers for rent and sells combination locks. Please inquire at the Client Experience Centre for rental rates and availability. We strongly advise you not to bring valuables into the locker room even if you plan to leave them in a locked locker. Dalplex rents wallet-sized, key-activated security units to allow for storage of small valuables while in the facility.

There are a large number of day use lockers available. Members may use these lockers at no charge but must remove their items by the end of the day.

To be fair to all users, locks left overnight on day use lockers or expired rental lockers will be removed, as will the locker’s contents. Contents will be held for a period of 14 days, after which unclaimed items will be donated to charity. 

Lost and found items will be held for 7 days at the Client Experience Centre (902-494-3372) and then donated to charity. Dalplex is not responsible for lost, stolen or missing items.

Dalplex has six locker rooms for member use – three on the main level of the fitness centre and three on the lower level of Dalplex with access to the pool/ fieldhouse. There are women’s, men’s and universal locker rooms in each area. Universal locker rooms are available for adults with young children (under 12) or anyone who prefers a locker room with more privacy or a space that welcomes all genders. All locker rooms have washroom facilities, day-use and rental lockers, showers, private changing cubicles, a baby change table, and wall-mounted hand/hair dryers. 

Locker Room Rules

Reminder: Dalhousie University is a scent-free environment. Avoid wearing/ using scented personal care items when using Dalplex.

• Dalplex is not responsible for lost or stolen items. We recommend you do not bring valuables into the locker rooms and that you keep your locker locked at all times. 
• No loitering in the locker rooms. 
• School-age children may not use locker rooms of the opposite gender – please use one of the two universal locker rooms to change together.
• Locks left on day-use lockers at closing time will be cut and contents will be removed and stored at the Client Experience Centre. Unclaimed items are donated to charity after two weeks. 
• Please report suspicious behaviour or facility/ equipment problems to Dalplex staff immediately

Universal Locker Room Rules (in addition to rules listed above)

• These are locker rooms for everyone. 
• Clothing must be worn at all times while in the common areas. 
• Cubicles must be used for changing. 
• Swimwear must be worn when showering in the lower level universal locker room, as shower cubicles are not private.

One (1) Dalplex parking pass is included as part of your annual Dalplex membership. A maximum of one (1) additional pass can be requested for a second family member (family or add-on membership only) with proof of vehicle registration.

Exception: Dalhousie faculty, staff or student memberships. To park at Dalplex, faculty, staff and student members (and their spouses/dependant children) must purchase a university parking permit through Dalhousie Security Services.

Short term memberships (i.e.: multi-visit passes, day passes, term memberships, etc.) are not eligible for Dalplex parking passes - you can park at a meter, in a pay-and-display lot, on a side-street or in a non-metered spot on weekdays, 4:30pm-1am, and 7am-1am on weekends.

There are also five (5) accessible parking spots and six (6) electronic vehicle (EV) charging stations, all of which require a valid Dalplex or Dalhousie University parking permit. (The accessible parking spots require an accessible parking permit and only electronic vehicles may park at the EV charging stations.) Electric vehicle Charging Stations are to be used for charging plug-in electric vehicles or electric hybrid vehicles with a current Dalhousie Virtual Permit only. The vehicles must be plugged in and actively charging while in these spots.

The Dalplex parking lot is monitored by Dalhousie Security Services. Tickets are the responsibility of the member or visitor and any inquiries or disputes should be directed to Dalhousie Security Services and the issuing officer. Vehicles with Dalplex permits or no permit will be ticketed and/or towed if illegally parked in University designated spaces or at expired meters.

Due to limited parking on Dalhousie campus and in the Dalplex lot, a parking pass does not guarantee a space.

Parking Rules

• Dalplex parking permits are only valid for a maximum of 3 hours in certain sections of the Dalplex lot that have been designated as ”Dalplex Member Parking”. Your Dalplex parking pass is only valid in these designated spaces and is only required Monday to Friday, 7am-4:30pm. 
• Dalplex members can park in any other non-metered spaces Monday-Friday, 4:30pm-1am or 7am1am on weekends. 
• Metered parking is available at Dalplex at the cost listed on the parking meter. Permits are not valid at meters. 
• A parking permit is valid for a maximum of one year and must be renewed annually by exchanging your expired pass at the Dalplex Client Experience Centre. It is the member’s responsibility to ensure parking passes are current and valid. • Dalplex parking permits are non-transferrable between vehicles and/or users. Members must provide a vehicle registration in their name before a pass can be issued. 
• Please ensure that your permit (including number and expiry) is clearly displayed and facing outward from your vehicle’s rear-view mirror. 
• Any vehicles illegally parked in University designated spaces or at expired meters, in fire lanes, or in other areas not specifically designated for parking will be subject to ticketing, immobilization, and/or towing at any time. 
• Do not store valuables in your vehicle and please keep your vehicle locked at all times. Dalplex is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles or their contents.

General Pool Rules

• Children 12 years and under MUST be supervised by an adult (18+ years) at all times in all areas of the facility.
• Children aged 7 years and under MUST remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian (18+ years) at a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children.
• Children 7 years and under are not permitted in the deep end without a properly fitted PFD.
• Children 7 years and under who wish to swim in the water without an adult who is within arm’s reach or swim in the deep end without a PFD must achieve “special swimmer status.”  Please see a Lifeguard for more details.
• It is important to note that a foam noodle is not a replacement for a PFD. It is unsafe and a liability issue.
• Children over school age may not use locker rooms of the opposite sex. Please use our Family Change Room if you would like to change together.
• Please walk with caution on the pool deck as it is wet and slippery. No running!
• Outdoor footwear are not permitted on the pool deck.
• Spitting, spouting or nose-blowing in the pool is strictly prohibited.
• Food, beverages or breakable items are not permitted on the pool deck.
• Dispose of gum in a garbage can before entering the pool.
• All patrons must take a shower before entering the pool.
• Anyone with open cuts, sores, bandages, colds, coughs or infected eyes are not permitted in the pool.
• Proper swim attire is required.  Cut-off shorts, underwear, sports bras and loose-fitting clothing are not permitted.
• Diving is only permitted in the deep end.
• Starting blocks are reserved for competitive training only.
• Do not walk on or swim under the bulkhead.
• Do not sit or hang on the lane lines.
• Please exit the water at the end of the lanes (indicated by lane lines). Do not swim through them.
• No rough-housing in the pool at any time.
• Foul language is not acceptable anywhere in the building.
• Patrons are not permitted to sit on each other’s shoulders.
• Do not stand on the mats.
• Pool toys must remain in the shallow end.
• Do not throw any equipment or toys or hit others with them.
• Fitness belts are not flotation devices. They are only available for fitness classes.