Community, politicians, schools aim to save pools by raising revenue
Monarch Park and Earl Grey among nine pools that could close by Dec. 31
By Kris Scheuer
(Originally written Oct. 8 for Town Crier.)
The Toronto District School Board voted Sept. 16 to save another four pools on the critical list because there was sufficient permit revenue to keep them afloat. This includes the pool at Queen Alexandra Senior Public School.
Seven pools have closed permanently including at Danforth Tech.
There are nine other facilities left on a probationary list until the end of December. If money is fundraised, permits holders are found then the unlucky nine pools will stay open past this year.
Pools at Monarch Park CI and Earl Grey PS still in danger of closing if revenues fall short.
In the case of Monarch, the community has to find donors or permit holders to cover incremental operating costs close to $71,726. And for Earl Grey the amount is $55,940.
Public school trustee Cathy Dandy and city councillor Paula Fletcher held open houses at both schools Oct. 13 and 15 so groups could tour these pools. To find out more contact Dandy at 416-397-3083 or Fletcher at 416-392-4060.
Kris Scheuer 
UPDATE: on Jan. 19, the school board voted to “save” the remaining 9 pools including at Monarch Park and Earl Grey. This would not have happened without swim advocates finding groups interested in paying to permit the pool and generate operating revenue to keep them afloat.