6/4/2010 8:00:59 PM

June 4, 2010

City of Toronto responds to help residents beat the heat

In response to unseasonably warm weather conditions, the City of Toronto is opening several of its outdoor pools early this year. Starting Saturday, June 12, six outdoor pools in Scarborough and North York will begin early swim schedules. On Thursday, June 17, another six outdoor pools in Etobicoke-York and Toronto-East York will also open ahead of schedule.

“Being responsive to the needs of residents is a priority for the City of Toronto,” said Mayor David Miller. “Opening pools early allows us to provide opportunities for residents to escape the heat and to get the most enjoyment possible out of these seasonal recreation assets. I invite all residents to take advantage of the leisure swimming programs at the City’s outdoor pools - they are free, accessible and open to everyone.”

Early opening dates and pools locations have been determined based on the availability of staff, completion of staff training and ability to get the pools open and ready for use from a technical and operational perspective.

The following outdoor swimming pools will open, with varying hours, on June 12:

North York District:
Grandravine Community Centre - 23 Grandravine Dr.
Goulding Community Centre - 45 Goulding Ave.
Oriole Resource Centre - 2975 Don Mills Rd. W.

Scarborough District:
Heron Park Community Recreation Centre - 292 Manse Rd.
Maryvale - 1325 Pharmacy Ave.
McGregor Park Recreation Centre - 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.

The following outdoor swimming pools will open, with varying hours, on June 17:

Toronto & East York District:
Donald D. Summerville - 1675 Lake Shore Blvd.
Alexandra - 275 Bathurst St.
Alex Duff Memorial - 779 Crawford Ave.

Etobicoke York District :
High Park Pool - 1873 Bloor St. West
Rotary Pool - 25 Eleventh St.
West Mall Pool - 370 The West Mall

Currently, 72 splash pads are open daily until September and operate from dawn to dusk. On Saturday, June 26, the City’s remaining 47 outdoor pools will open along with more than 100 wading pools. Outdoor pools and wading pools remain open for the season, until September 5. Hours of operation vary at each location. For schedules, locations and operating details, please call 311 or visit the City’s website at http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Parents are reminded to supervise their children at all times in pools, wading pools and splash pads. For more information about drowning prevention, visit the Lifesaving Society’s website at http://www.lifesavingsociety.com.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.