Mayor Olivia Chow will be introducing a new motion aimed at keeping outdoor pools open during extreme heat after several pools were temporarily closed across Toronto on Sunday, leaving many residents frustrated.
Chow took to X on Monday to express that the city will be taking immediate action to avoid the intermittent closures experienced over the weekend, including more shade structures, additional lifeguards, and “medical professionals checking in or stationed on site.”
Details of the motion include the deployment of more water trucks, the provision of half a million water bottles to frontline agencies for people experiencing homelessness, the revision of a 2019 document aimed at shifting toward a current heat relief approach, and a partnership with the Red Cross to expand outreach to vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Premier Doug Ford spoke with NewsTalk 1010 on Monday morning about the pool closures, noting that it “sounds like a poor excuse, but here nor there, they should have the pools open, and we appreciate the lifeguards.”
The premier noted that while it sounded like the city was citing labour guidelines, “no labour inspector came in and shut them down.”
In addition, the premier said he was not blaming or pointing fingers at Mayor Olivia Chow.
“I’m not pointing at her because I really like the mayor. I’m just explaining that there was no Ministry of Labour inspector that called up and said, ‘shut down the pools,’” Ford said.
RESIDENTS REACT TO TEMPORARY POOL CLOSURES
On Sunday, one resident took to TikTok to share their grievances over the unexpected closures over the weekend, noting that their children were upset and without options amid scolding temperatures.
“The City of Toronto needs to stop its nonsense. My kids are actually upset. You know why? Cause we’re soaking wet, all of us just went swimming, and what did they say guys? The weather is what? It’s too hot,” the user said.
“Why would you guys close the pools now after everybody was just in it, only to sit there and say, ‘you guys, it’s too hot, go to splash pad,” the user added.
Other residents expressed their frustration about the closures online, citing a lack of warning and limited alternatives available.
“Annoying, especially if you made a trek to the pool, but not a shocker,” one Reddit user said.
“I think the issue was the lack of communication to the people, including children, left sweltering in line,” another Reddit user added.
Meanwhile, some people online said the temporary closures were the right call.
“As a former lifeguard at some of these pools, I think this was absolutely the right call and I’m glad there are protocols in place to protect the guards,” another user commented.
“Sometimes closing the pools for an hour or two so it can get balanced is the only safe thing to do,” another Redditor said.
The City of Toronto said on its website Sunday that the intermittent closures resulted from “extreme humidex levels exceeding 45 C.” The city cited provincial requirements regarding staff health and safety protocols as partial reasoning for the temporary closures.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to have policies in place to support staff during elevated humidity levels, which in the case of the City, requires a medical professional on site to support staff health and wellness should humidity levels reach 45,” the City of Toronto told Now Toronto in a statement on Monday.
“Moving forward, the City is bringing in additional measures to help keep pools open during elevated levels of humidity. The health and safety for residents and city staff remains a top priority and pools may close temporarily if need be,” the City of Toronto added.
POOLS, COOLING CENTRES IN THE CITY
Meanwhile, some pools, like Albion Pool and Health Club and Humber Community Pool, will remain intermittently closed today as humidex levels continue to exceed 45 C.
For those unable to access outdoor pools during the heatwave, alternative cooling options can be found within many of the city’s community centres, libraries, public parks, and splash pads, which will remain open during regular hours.
As temperatures continue to climb in the city, residents are being encouraged to stay hydrated, wear light clothing while outside, seek shade, and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.
While some pools continue to experience temporary closures, some of the city’s other outdoor pools will remain open until 11:45 p.m. today, including Alex Duff Memorial Pool at Christie Pits Park, Fairbank Memorial swimming pool, Halbert Park (until 9 p.m.), and Monarch Park, among others.
For more information regarding pool closures, cooling spaces, and tips and tricks to stay safe during extreme heat, visit the City of Toronto website.
