THE POOL AT Newtonbrook S.S. is one of 20 pools previously set for closure that school trustees voted to keep open at a board meeting on June 29.
The Ontario government announced that it will invest up to $15.8 million over the next two years, through the Toronto Lands Corporation, for capital repairs for up to 32 TDSB pools, beginning this summer. The investment supports the recommendation of the Aquatics Working Group led by former mayor David Crombie.
Those involved with the cause are positive about the news.
“I was very happy with that decision,” said Livia Hunter, a member of Let’s Make Waves, a community-based group that has worked to save school pools within the city. For Hunter, the struggle to keep school pools open has been both a personal and professional endeavour. A cardiovascular disease specialist, she grew up swimming in Toronto’s school pools, as did her three daughters.
“In today’s day and age of increasing childhood obesity, to close a recreational facility that is such a healthy, active lifestyle resource … [it’s] remarkable that anyone could consider it,” she said.
Hunter added that, while this marks a victory for her organization, there is still work to be done with regard to saving an additional 13 school pools slated to close this year.
“We’ll continue to get the message out to the community as best we can regarding potential benefits of permitting these 13 pools,” she said.
“I can’t imagine an international city like Toronto not providing that [access], especially when it’s an existing resource. We have these pools and they’re in great shape.”