The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is considering closing 35 of its 66 swimming pools to address a projected $58-million budget shortfall for the 2025–2026 academic year.
According to CTV News, the board’s proposal would shutter pools that are not currently leased to the City of Toronto or third-party operators. The board notes that while leased pools generate more than $6 million annually, the cost of operating all 66 pools exceeds $17 million, resulting in a $12.8-million operating deficit for the aquatic facilities.
The report also recommends the layoff of 86 aquatic instructors, effectively halting programming in the affected pools.
Moreover, a petition initiated by Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow and Trustee Shelley Laskin is gaining support. It urges the provincial government to intervene and designate school pools as essential community infrastructure.
A final decision is expected in late June.
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