The need for public swimming facilities in Ontario is escalating as families, athletes, and individuals find it increasingly difficult to access recreational pools due to long waitlists and overcrowded conditions. The Aquatic Sport Council of Ontario (ASC) is calling for urgent measures to address the shortage, asserting that the current number of pools is insufficient to cater to the growing demand.
A recent report by ASC underscores the pressing need for greater investment in aquatic facilities, particularly bigger 50-meter pools, to allow for more programs and public use. Brian Meiss, the CEO of the Lifesaving Society of Ontario, emphasized this point, stating that the province needs more facilities that can accommodate swimming lessons, public swims, and aquafit classes.
Despite having a population of 14 million, Ontario has only 30 percent of Canada’s 50-meter indoor pools. The ASC report revealed that there is only one large pool for every 748,000 people, one of the lowest ratios in the country. The report also indicated that 70 percent of Ontario residents would frequent a pool more if there was one in close proximity.
In Toronto, the demand for public pools is soaring. The city operates 123 pools and provides over 200,000 registered swim spaces annually. However, three recreational pools are currently closed indefinitely for repairs. To keep up with demand, the City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan recommends adding 18 new pools and redeveloping or replacing seven indoor ones by 2038.
The pool shortage is not just confined to Toronto. In Sudbury, the only 50-meter pool has been closed since 2020 with no scheduled reopening date. Meanwhile, cities like Ottawa struggle to meet the high demand, with swimming lessons regularly having long waiting lists and pool rentals nearing full capacity.
The ASC report also highlighted the uneven distribution of pools across communities, leaving many Ontario residents underserved. In Eastern Ontario, 35 percent of people reported that accessing public pools in their region is somewhat or very difficult.
Investing in aquatic facilities is not only about recreation, but also about safety. As Brian Meiss emphasized, “Swimming is a life-saving skill. Every child should have access to lessons. If we don’t invest in pools, we’re putting more people at risk.”
Building pools is an expensive endeavor, with a small community pool costing between $15 million and $30 million, and a 50-meter pool exceeding $175 million. Smaller cities often can’t afford to build or upgrade pools without provincial funding. The ASC report asserts that developing 50-meter pools offers more social and economic benefits to communities compared to smaller pools.
With the demand for public swimming facilities growing and many existing pools needing repairs, the pressure on current facilities remains high. Therefore, a long-term plan is needed to address the aging aquatic centers and cater to the escalating demand.
