Help keep school pools open

In a continuing effort to keep school pools open, the Aquatic Working Group (AWG) has secured Board, Provincial and City commitments to fund certain Toronto school pools and to defer the decision to close others. The AWG reports that there is interest by various agencies and organizations in generating revenue for the pools. Potential partners include the YMCA, the Toronto Community Foundation, the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the private sector. What's needed now is for everyone interested in using the pools for any kind of club or event to apply for the time they want at specific pools, based on $50/hr – any pool, any user group. The AWG's recommendation to change the permit fees will be before the TDSB Board on May 27th. They expect it to pass, effective for July 1st, 2009. Summer permits will be issued shortly thereafter. All users have been asked to submit their requests for the summer and next year. Even if you don't know the exact hours you'll need, request the permit now and make adjustments later if necessary. They are asking people to register at permits@tdsb.on.ca or contact the permit department at (416) 395-7666. All different kinds of groups are welcome. It's important to register for permits now, because the usage and registration levels will help them decide whether it's feasible to keep the pools open.