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Understanding the pool access crisis in Ontario
The demand for public swimming pools in Ontario is reaching unprecedented levels. Families, athletes, and individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to access recreational swimming facilities due to long waitlists and overcrowded venues.
According to the Aquatic Sport Council of Ontario (ASC), the province is facing a significant shortage of aquatic facilities, particularly larger 50-metre pools that can accommodate a variety of programs and public use.
With a population of 14 million, Ontario only has 30 percent of Canada’s 50-metre indoor pools, resulting in a staggering ratio of one large pool for every 748,000 residents.
This is one of the lowest ratios in the country, highlighting the urgent need for investment in new facilities. A recent study revealed that 70 percent of Ontarians would utilize a pool more frequently if one were located nearby, indicating a clear demand for increased access.
The impact on communities
The lack of recreational pool facilities is felt most acutely in Northern and Eastern Ontario, where access is limited. In Toronto, despite operating 123 pools and offering over 200,000 registered swim spaces annually, three recreational pools are currently closed for repairs.
The City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan recommends adding 18 new pools by 2038 to meet demand, but these projects hinge on available funding and could take years to materialize.
Other cities, such as Sudbury and Ottawa, are also grappling with similar challenges.
Sudbury’s only 50-metre pool has been closed since 2020, while Ottawa faces long waiting lists for swimming lessons and high demand for pool rentals. In fact, the south end of Ottawa has one of the lowest pool-to-resident ratios, with only one pool serving every 62,900 residents.
This unequal distribution of facilities leaves many communities underserved, particularly in Eastern Ontario, where 35 percent of residents report difficulty accessing public pools.
The importance of investing in aquatic facilities
Swimming is not just a recreational activity; it is a vital life-saving skill. Brian Meiss, CEO of the Lifesaving Society of Ontario, emphasizes that every child should have access to swimming lessons. Without adequate investment in pools, the risk of drowning increases, particularly in underserved areas. The cost of building new pools is significant, with small community pools ranging from $15 million to $30 million and 50-metre pools exceeding $175 million. Smaller cities often struggle to fund these projects without provincial support.
Dean Boles, CEO of Swim Ontario, advocates for treating pools as essential infrastructure that promotes water safety, physical activity, and mental well-being. The ASC report suggests that developing larger 50-metre pools can provide greater social and economic benefits to communities compared to smaller facilities. These larger pools can accommodate more programming and attract larger crowds, ultimately enhancing community engagement and health.
As the demand for public pools continues to grow, it is crucial for Ontario to prioritize the development of new aquatic facilities. The aging infrastructure of current aqua centers necessitates a long-term plan to ensure that all residents have access to safe and enjoyable swimming environments.
