City of Toronto outdoor pools officially open for summer

Today, Mayor John Tory officially opened the City of Toronto’s outdoor pools for their full summer schedule.

As soon as the school year ends, the City opens all of its outdoor pools to the full summer schedule. Mayor Tory was joined for this announcement by Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre) and local City Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) at the Parkway Forest Outdoor Pool in North York.

Fifty-four outdoor pools and 85 wading pools are open daily until Labour Day. More than 90 splash and spray pads have been open since the Victoria Day weekend for fun and heat relief and will remain open until Sunday, September 18. During summer, approximately 1,000 lifeguards supervise beaches, as well as outdoor and indoor pools, and 300 staff supervise wading pools.

Those planning to visit a City pool are encouraged to check location hours of operation on the City’s Swim & Water Play webpage: www.toronto.ca/swim. No reservations are required for leisure or recreational swim this year.

People visiting the City’s outdoor pools are reminded that:
• Supervision and/or swimming ability requirements are in place for children under 10 years of age at all City outdoor pools.
• Outdoor lane swim is free and open to swimmers seven years old and older for swimming continuous lengths or widths.
• Caregivers should supervise children at all times.
• Pool visitors must listen to the on-duty lifeguards.

Reservations are available for lane swim and Aquafit only. New reservation spots are released Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. for the week ahead.

Pool closures and service interruptions are updated routinely on the City’s Pool Closures & Service Alerts webpage: www.toronto.ca/data/parks/alerts/swim/index.html. Pool locations in operation are not on this list.

Filming locations for members of the media

Media requests to film pools can be accommodated at the following locations:
• Alex Duff Memorial Outdoor Pool, 779 Crawford St.
• McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
• Monarch Park Outdoor Pool, 115 Felstead Ave.
• Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

These designated locations will allow media to film from the pool deck without the need to call in advance. Media access will be allowed at these locations only and media must follow the instructions of staff at the site.

Quotes:

“Whether you’re a parent or caregiver bringing a toddler to splash and play or you’re meeting friends for fun or swimming for fitness, the City’s aquatic amenities are for everyone to explore, experience and enjoy this summer. I want to thank our City workers for ensuring that the pools are safe and ready to enjoy.”
– Mayor John Tory

“The City has restored full hours of operation to 54 outdoor pools just in time for the conclusion of the school year. Summer is the perfect time for Toronto residents to take advantage of the City’s recreation amenities and our pools are at the top of the list for many residents.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre)

“It’s wonderful to have people together again after a long winter. I hope that residents and visitors will enjoy a safe and memorable summer while visiting the City’s outdoor pools, wading pools, splash pads and spray pads.”
– Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee

“Our full swimming summer is officially here! I’d like to encourage all those who do enjoy the water this summer to keep safety tips top of mind and to swim safely. This includes supervising children and youth at all times and listening to on-duty lifeguards.”
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North)

SOURCE City of Toronto