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FeedSchool pools need life preserver
Meeting planned for April 16 to discuss funding options
Karen Stintz - Ward 16 Councillor
THE HISTORY OF school pools in Toronto is a long one. They were constructed at a time when the municipal tax bill funded the local schools and the local municipality. At the time of amalgamation, the province changed the way local school boards were funded.
While there is a component of the municipal property tax bill that funds the school boards, the funding that the schools receive is based on a funding formula that is established by the province. The funding formula does not include a provision for school pools.
Over the last decade, the pools have been kept open through a variety of creative measures by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), with some help from the City of Toronto. Now, some school pools are being considered for closure.
While there is a growing awareness that these pools are an important community asset, it is unclear how the required funding will be provided.
In response to this situation, former Toronto mayor David Crombie was commissioned to review the financial situation and make recommendations to the TDSB on the necessary steps to keep the pools open.
One of the recommendations was that the TDSB partner with the city on a shared goal for sustainable funding for the pools.
I believe that keeping the pools open will require such a partnership. Coun. Bill Saundercook and I brought forward a motion that allows the public to bring their ideas to the city’s committee that considers school pools. The meeting will be on April 16th.
If you wish to make a deputation, please e-mail the Community Development and Recreation Committee, at www.toronto.ca/city_council/depu tation.htm, and indicate your interest to make a deputation.
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