Background:

1. In April 2008, the TDSB appointed David Crombie to propose a long-term sustainable solution for the continued use of 39 of its pools currently slated for closure in June 2009.  Crombie created the Aquatics Working Group (AWG), open to any stakeholder strongly motivated by the possibility of creating a well thought out and accessible aquatics program.  The AWG have hosted open, regular meetings regularly since September 2008.  More information about the AWG can be found at www.torontosportscouncil.com .
2. For part of its work, the AWG have hired Altus Group, an independent consulting firm to conduct individual capital cost assessments for each of the 39 pools.  Part of the takeaway from this audit was (1) the majority of pools are not in really poor condition and worthy of being restored, and (2) the actual operating costs are lower than what was originally reported.  
3. The AWG has assigned each of the 39 pools one of three designations:  high-risk for closure, medium-risk, and lower-risk.   Designations are based on four considerations: expected operating and capital costs for the next five years; community pool use, and equity.  Special considerations have also been identified.  The designations and recommendations on their own do not guarantee that any of these pools will stay open, nor do they indicate that certain pools will be closed.  These designations are only part of the information being considered in looking at the long-term viability of each pool.
4. David Crombie will submit the findings of the AWG to the TDSB at the March 4^th TDSB meeting. 
5. Members of Let’s Make Waves (LMW) have attended all AWG meetings. We are a complementary group to the AWG, and are helping to contribute information that will be included in their (the) final report to the TDSB.  We are looking to you to help us by providing a testimonial on the importance of swimming (see above request).
6. For additional background, we have attached the “Did You Know” document we created for distribution in June 2008. 

Dates to Put in Your Calendar:

• March 4^th – David Crombie will submit the findings of the AWG to the TDSB at their Administration, Finance and Accountability Committee Meeting.  4:30pm at 5050 Yonge Street.   
• March 11^th – Regular TDSB Meeting at 7:00pm at 5050 Yonge Street.  Agenda: table the AWG report  This is a meeting open to the public.
• April, date and time TBA - Regular TDSB meeting: Agenda: voting on the AWG report.  This is a meeting open to the public.
• April 16^th – Members of the public are welcome to request the opportunity to give a deputation at the City of Toronto’s upcoming Community Development and Recreation meeting.  Send your request to: cdrc@toronto.ca  The meeting is on April 16^th  at 9:30 am, Toronto City Hall, Committee Room 2. This is a meeting open to the public.  We encourage everyone to attend to hear what the City of Toronto has in place for the future aquatics strategy.   Currently the City owns 30 pools for its 2.7 million citizens.

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