In spite of ongoing protests, it appears that the death knoll has rung for 39 Toronto school swimming pools. Commencing in June, the pools will be drained for the last time. By June 2009 all 39 pools will be permanently dry. The only pools that are remaining open for now are the ones used for special education classes or city run programs because the city council has agreed to cover the operating costs until 2011.

Shutting down a pool comes with a high cost as well – somewhere between $5,000 to $15,000 - for draining the pool, filter and piping, disconnecting electrical systems, and the removal and disposal of chemicals. What the actual loss of the pools is to the students is immeasurable.

In June 2008 the following Elementary Schools will lose their swimming pools:

Carleton Village Sr PS
Earl Grey Sr PS
Fern Avenue Jr & Sr. PS
Keele Street Jr PS & City Community Centre
Kensington Community School
Queen Alexandra Sr. PS.
Winona McMurrich Jr PS

In June 2008 the following Secondary Schools will lose their swimming pools:

Bickford Centre
Central Commerce Collegiate
Central Technical School (2 pools)
Danforth Collegiate & Technical Institute
Downsview SS
Forest Hill CI
George Harvey CI
George S Henry Academy
Jarvis CI
Monarch Park
North Toronto CI
Riverdale CI
Rosedale Heights SS
SATEC @WA Porter
Ursula Franklin Academy at Western Technical

In June 2009 the following schools will lose their swimming pools:

Allenby Jr PS
AY Jackson SS
Deer Park Jr & Sr PS
Glenview Sr PS
Bloor CI
Harbord CI
Humberside CI
Lawrence Park CI
Malvern CI
Northern SS
Oakwood CI
Parkdale CI
RH King Academy
Stephen Leacock CI
Western Technical-Commercial School
Westview Centennial

It’s inconceivable that we can’t come up with enough money for a program that contributes to the health and well being of our youth, especially when we have so many inflated salaries on the City of Toronto payroll. Do you have any suggestions?