Ontario will invest up to $15.8 million over the next two years, through the Toronto Lands Corporation, to implement necessary capital repairs, including renovations and upgrades for up to 32 Toronto District School Board (TDSB) pools, including the pool at R. H. King Academy in Scarborough Southwest. This will help to make them more accessible for broader community use.

This investment supports the recommendations made by the Aquatic Working Group, headed by former Toronto mayor David Crombie. This group was formed to evaluate the condition of 39 pools that had been slated for closure and to make recommendations on which pools were essential.

“We have always believed these pools are important community assets. I am glad to see that there remains an opportunity for these pools to continue to serve the citizens of Toronto,” said Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education.

The province’s funding is contingent on the TDSB’s agreement to continue coverage of operational expenses. Other partners in the private sector and the City of Toronto will have a role to play to ensure that these pools remain open.

“Today’s capital investment supports the McGuinty government’s commitment to enhance sport and recreation facilities and their role in building the vitality and strength of communities,” said George Smitherman, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

Ontario announced on May 11, 2009, a contribution of $195 million to improve and enhance community recreation facilities across the province through the Ontario Recreation Program.

Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province.

Keeping Ontarians healthy is a key priority for the McGuinty government.