Idée acf2904:

SOS: Sink or Swim

Affichée le novembre 2, 2009

• Auteur : Heidi Wilson
• Organisation: Let's Make Waves
• Endroit : Toronto
• Catégorie : Encouragez les styles de vie sains
• Coût : À gros budget (50 000 $ à 250 000 $)

A few decades ago Toronto's City Planners and the Toronto School Board decided to build community swimming pools in schools, rather than build new community centers. Seems like a great idea, right? Kids can swim as part of their school curriculum, it allows for inter-school competition, and local community groups can rent the pool out. Schools with pools are sprinkled across Toronto, so people can walk to their pool and swim with people they know, or meet a neighbouring family in their pool, in their own community.

Trouble is, the Toronto School Board doesn't have operating funds to keep them running. They were planning on closing 39 of them last year, but because of community outrage and renters coming forward to help, the list dropped down to 16. Seven of those 16 are permanently closed and will soon become cement tombs, and the remaining 9 will have their fate 'cemented in' at year end, as they are also slated for closure.

The irony is that the Province of Ontario has agreed to fix each of the pools that have established operating funds. We need to secure operating costs for these pools before January 30th to keep them open. Once they are marked as open pools, we can begin the repairs and attract more renters.

These pools are located in some of Toronto's neediest areas. They are all in neightbourhoods that over-index in lower income families, they are all in neighbourhoods that over-index in English as a Second Language families.

Each of the 9 schools with pools are in the lowest 25% of field space for schools at the board (Toronto is a crowded place) so the pool is often needed for room for kids to exercise. Some of the schools need the pools for their curriculum as they don't have adequate gym space.

But these pools are also loved and used by community groups. Renters include the Toronto Swim Club, North Toronto Aquatics Club, North York Aquatics Club, Scarborough Swim Club, lots of smaller clubs that teach both recreational and competitive swimming, Mommy and Tot classes, Aquafit, Senior Swim, Dragon Boat practices, Adult lane swim, LifeSaving Society classes, and more. These programs promote health, recreation, safety, and teach a lifelong skill.

FACT: Did you know that in schools with pools, 95% of children can swim by grade 6? (Canadian Red Cross)

FACT: Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death after motor vehicle accidents, for Canadian children under the age of 14? (Ontario LifeSavingSociety)

FACT: Did you know that 28% of children in the province are overweight or obese, a proportion that has tripled over the past 15 years (HSFO Annual Report, 2008).

FACT: Did you know that in 2006, the Ministry of Health Promotion and Longterm Care warned of an epidemic of unhealthy weights in the province. The report revealed that both children from low-income families and those who were newcomers to Canada were less physically active than their better off and Canadian-born peers.

FACT: Did you know that ACTIVE2010: Ontario’s Sport and Physical Activity Strategy (OMHP; 2005) states that “swimming and aqua fitness are great aerobic activities that also build strength. Because you’re moving through water instead of air your muscles work harder.”

FACT: Did you know that obesity is estimated to cost Ontario $1.6 billion each year (Katzmarzykand Janssen, 2003).

We believe that in times of economic uncertainty, it is vital to the community to repair, improve, and better utilize existing assets.

The City of Toronto will not endorse these pools, as they want to build their own (at an average cost of $12 million for each pool) yet they have also admitted they don't have the money to do this.

Please help us to keep these pools open so that all City residents will have a local pool they can access in their own community. These pools ARE the community center pools. If they close, they are gone forever.

www.letsmakewaves.ca

• 

  We want to swim!
  Keep school pools open for kids and members of your community!
  novembre 2, 2009 @ 10:33

  
  

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Seuls les 1000 commentaires les plus récents sont affichés.

• Matt Lee

  My teacher from school wanted to know what can we do to keep our school pool open again, what is a best thing to do. I really wanted to write a letter to the TDSB or the NDP that can help us in this situation.
  novembre 4, 2009 @ 4:41 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  Thanks for writing Matt. At this point we need to find corporate dollars to keep the pools open, and continue to find more renters to help operating costs. This Aviva contest is one way we are trying to secure corporate dollars. Maybe your school can send an announcement out to its student body and parents, so that they can vote too? We need to see LOTS of votes to win the contest, and you can cast a ballot every day. If you, or your school, need more information, email us at: info@letsmakewaves.ca
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 9:07 EST

  
  

• B Wynn

  It is important in a beautiful country full of beaches, pools, lakes and rivers that we all learn to swim or at least orient our ourselves in the water. This can be especially true for the "city" populations: certainly the kids, who may not swim in those rivers and lakes now, but will when they are 14 or 15 or adults. These pools are an important community resource and, where they are not antiques, we should be using them. Perhaps new uses can be introduced. Perhaps the eventual "owner" will implement new management styles. Perhaps communities will find ways to preserve the facilities. Volunteers are hard at work on the issue. At this point, it is important to keep them open to enable (1) rational decisions and (2) creative solutions. Close them--they're gone. And we all lose.
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 9:22 EST

  
  

• love2swim

  Too often decisions get made by elected officials without understanding the long term consequences - and then there is a "if only we knew" excuse. Closing school pools, valuable community resources, because there isn't the political will to recognize their value to society is wrong. Toronto has only 30 city-owned indoor pools for 2.5 million residents. That is why the City has to use 35 school pools to deliver their Parks & Rec swimming programs. Public and private partnerships are a fantastic way to keep school pools open. On a daily basis we read about how inactive lifestyles are leading to a multitude of health issues - swimming is a rare sport that provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. Let's all work together to find that long-term sustainable funding solution for the benefit of all.
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 10:41 EST

  
  

• poolmom

  the kids at Earl Grey do not have the full physical education minutes a week because the gym can't handle all of them so they have DPA is the classroom menwhile a beautiful pool filled with water ready to swim (ok it's cold) sits unused in the lower level. It is a crime. Let's get this funding
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 12:45 EST

  
  

• Nadine

  Earl Grey Pool must be saved. The thought of it sitting idol makes zero sense. Junior High School kids more options to video games, sulking in the park and eating junk food.. not fewer options.
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 2:56 EST

  
  

• TINO

  HELP KEEP WINONA PS POOL AND OTHERS OPEN!!!!
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 6:01 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  Thanks to everyone who voted today... You rock!! Please come back tomorrow (and the next day, and the day after that...) to vote again. We're thrilled with the response this issue is getting on Aviva and appreciate all of the support and comments. WIth your help we can turn this ship around!
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 6:16 EST

  
  

• hamhyde

  Carleton Village P.S. sits at the approximate centre of seven surrounding schools, none of which has swimming facilities. This area is home to some two thousand school kids. If Carleton's pool is demolished now, they'll be using taxpayers' money to rebuild it in the very near future due to the simple dictate of demographics. One pool, eight schools. And they threaten to shut it down. Ironically, the TDSB has just recently spent close to half a million dollars bringing it up to state of the art. One tries to inform the community of the crisis, but it takes time, so no corporate assistance can be ignored.
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 6:18 EST

  
  

• PlezCrawford

  Pools in schools? What a sensible idea! Since we have them now, let's do everything we can to keep them open: for our kids, our grandkids, their schoolmates, their friends, and for the next generation, too.
  novembre 5, 2009 @ 9:06 EST

  
  

• Ruby

  Earl Grey's pool is beautiful and provides swimming opportunities to kids who by the age of 11 have either never taken lessons or have dropped out of swimming lessons because they are too cool. The availability of this pool for general public use will also enable my family to actually walk to a pool instead of always driving. It just seems that we should be investing in gems like this pool instead of tearing it down and determining a few years later that we need to reach these kids and another pool be built!
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 8:53 EST

  
  

• KPrentice

  Kensington Community School is a hub for the local community - and our pool will close on December 31st this year if we don't identify $48,000 to keep it operational. PLEASE help us keep this lovely, small, upgraded and wheelchair-accessible pool open.
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 10:52 EST

  
  

• SandraK

  Carlton Village has a state of the art faciliity that was recently renovated and the TDSB want to close it! Parents are doing everything they can to keep the pool open in this working class neighbourhood. Instead of trying to make better use of the facility, the Board's answer is just to put the burden on parents and their children to try to find a way to keep the pools open. The TDSB has to come to the table and work with parents and concerned groups to find a solution. Sorry but we don't have the funds is not a good enough response from them!
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 11:01 EST

  
  

• Kate

  We pay a ridiculous amount of money for private swim lesson in North York because we gave up on the early morning registration process and quick bookings of the city programs. There is no doubt a need for pools south of Eglinton. I wish I had the time and energy to start my own swim club and permit more pools! Someone out there...???
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 12:40 EST

  
  

• simplegearle

  It's so important that our children access these pools from both a fitness and a safety perspective. Support this initiative and keep our schools open -- current and future generations will benefit!
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 1:27 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  My son has enjoyed pools in his middle school and highschool...The recreation they afford him have made a positive difference in his ability to learn. Aquatics are a great way to refresh students' minds so they can come back to the classroom ready to take on challenging subjects. I want access to these wonderful facilities for Toronto students of all ages!
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 2:26 EST

  
  

• Henry K

  My daughter used to be a bit of a loner, with few friends. That changed 4 years ago when she started to swim competitively. Today she loves training, competing and spending time with her teammates. Swimming has improved her physical fitness, increased her self confidence and taught important life skills, such as time management and being a team player. She is dedicated to her sport, respects her peers and coaches and sets high standards for herself both in school and the pool. She would like to continue competing for her club and school in the future. That will not be a reality if our pool is closed.
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 2:55 EST

  
  

• waterbaby12

  We need these pools. There are so many people who never get the opportunity to learn how to swim and by having pools in the schools it allows these kids to learn life lessons, to make new friends, to build confidence and so much more. I was on the swim team at Riverdale for four years and I really saw how much these pools can do for people, not only at riverdale but at other schools to. When the city, in 2008, threatened to close the pools, we really began to see how much these pools meant to the students, faculty (even though they weren't allowed to show it), parents, and the community as a whole. You all are doing a great job. Save Our Swimming
  novembre 6, 2009 @ 5:28 EST

  
  

• Jane Veit

  Now that Ontario has won the bid for the Pan-Am Games in 2015, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could walk the talk and keep pools in our school communities to encourage future atheletes.
  novembre 7, 2009 @ 8:58 EST

  
  

• laxbabe

  With the latest research into the connection between exercise and executive functions of the brain, we should be doing everything we can to get children to be as active as possible...especially in the mornings.
  novembre 7, 2009 @ 9:56 EST

  
  

• B Wynn

  Look at Henry K's comment. That young lady is learning a lot about herself, her limits and her abilities. If she is also teaching swimming or lifeguarding, (great summer job) she is adding a skillset that will enable her to lead, be decisive, teach people, speak confidently and present information. Do these sound like skills we need from young people in the workplace?
  novembre 7, 2009 @ 6:32 EST

  
  

• poolsupport

  Our school pools are a wonderful community resource. My two boys started swimming at our local school pools when they were three years old. They went on to take their life saving and instructor courses learning valuable skills. My older son worked as a swim instructor at the pool which helped him develop leadership skills. He is helping pay his way through university by working as a lifeguard in the summer. My younger son is currently employed at our local school pool as a lifeguard. He is also learning leadership skills and earning spending money. All sorts of children and adults come together at our school pool fostering a strong sense of community. These pools must be kept open!
  novembre 8, 2009 @ 10:17 EST

  
  

• foreveryone

  Did you know that City Council adopted August 5th and 6th the following principals that were put forward by Parks, Foresty and Recreation and Children Services Managers as the foundation for the development of a City wide, Multi year recreation service plan. It is comprised of (1) equitable access-- providing equitable recreation access on a geographic and demographic basis for all residents of Toronto. (2) Quality -- providing the highest quality of programs and services to enhance the health, quality of life and well-being of residents. (3) Inclusion -- ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access and participate in programs and services that are planned, delivered, and managed to recognize diversity and encourage participation of marginalized and racialized people and groups. (4). Capacity Building -- providing programs and services of social, economic and physical benefit to all participants and that create a sense of community, belonging, and vita
  novembre 8, 2009 @ 11:24 EST

  
  

• foreveryone

  continued -foreveryone and vitality. Pools in schools, if accessible, open up many opportunities for those who cannot access aquatics any other time other than in school. It also ,through community use. builds stronger neighbourhoods, enagages the community and makes for a stronger more viable City. All levels of government need to be engaged to make this work in terms of school facilities including the pools being the hub of the community. It would be such a shame to lose this opportunity with the provincial funding in place to retrofit our pools.
  novembre 8, 2009 @ 11:37 EST

  
  

• Tiffany

  Every child should get their chance to shine, we all need to find our game so to speak. Exposure to swimming allows children who do not excel at land fitness another chance, it is also a great answer for some who are physically challenged.
  novembre 8, 2009 @ 8:54 EST

  
  

• princessa

  We want to host olympics and and other large athletic events.....for athletes coming to Toronto!!! How about starting with our own athletes, that live in Toronto. How about providing swimming lessons to every child...with out a fee. swimming is a life skill!!!!
  novembre 9, 2009 @ 3:08 EST

  
  

• Bicyclist

  Toronto can afford $2.4 billion for a 12 day Pan Am Games, but not to make sure its pools are open for children! Shame on the City Councillors and the Mayor for taking care of international athletes before its own citizens of Ontario! Swimming is a life skill, and my happiest moments have been in water. Let your City Councillors know this is not acceptable- to deny lower income children the right to swim when hosting an expensive sporting event instead.
  novembre 10, 2009 @ 7:26 EST

  
  

• poolmom

  they are not all unknown international atheletes they could be kids from our neighbourhood if their neighbour and school swimming programs are not eliminated they could become Pan Am medalists. the stuudents @ earl grey are 12 and 13 now in 2015 they will be 18 or 19 and could be those atheletes . The Pan Am games are a good thing if only to give the politcians a dead line to build some of this needed infastructure. Montreal has 20 olympic size pools, Toronto has 2. But lets hope 10 years after the games they don't decide they can't afford to maintain the structures and just close them down. Let's continue the push against our deadline and show these politicans the error in their ways . future olympic and pan am champions don't start swimmming @ Olympic size pools they start at their school or neighbour pool.
  novembre 10, 2009 @ 7:56 EST

  
  

• foreveryone

  It illustrates the dreams of three children from different countries going from kicking a ball on dusty streets and playing in neighbourhood pools to realizing an ambition of competing in the 2015 Pan Am Games. In Toronto. "That final video made me cry," said Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, as delegates spilled from the room. He wasn't the only one. This is a rather old, seen-it-all crowd, but it was evident the message had touched a nerve. When the lights went up even some in the media at the back of the hall applauded - and that never happens. Ever. Shame there are no tears for the TDSB pools, located in Toronto of course, and the children that may never have a chance to realize their dreams if they are permenantly closed. These pools are located in some of the neediest parts of the City.. Shame, shame, shame!
  novembre 11, 2009 @ 10:44 EST

  
  

• want to swim

  invite more and more people i wanna swim xD
  novembre 11, 2009 @ 6:26 EST

  
  

• poolparent

  We need to keep the pools Toronto open. The city is crowded and public spaces are limited. Inner city schools to not have large playing fields. The pools are an important supplement to gyms and school yards.
  novembre 11, 2009 @ 11:09 EST

  
  

• hamhyde

  Thank you, BICYCLIST, (Nov.10/09) could not have said it better myself. Now you know why Canada has the dubious distinction for been the first country to host the Olympics and not win a single gold medal. They will tell us there is NO money, but that's false. The truth is there is NO coordination between the various levels of government. No vision. No foresight. We need to borrow a lesson from the province of Quebec, and start paying serious attention to the health and physical development of our youth. Their success is evident on an international and world class level.
  novembre 12, 2009 @ 11:21 EST

  
  

• alisha

  Toronto can afford $2.4 billion for a 12 day Pan Am Games, but not to make sure its pools are open for children! don't deny our kids the right to swim. i am all for the games and i am all for the kids learning to swim, so one day they too can be in those games.
  novembre 12, 2009 @ 4:31 EST

  
  

• Smith

  Swimming is a life skill that all Canadians should be entitled. Swimming is an activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime from children to seniors. Children should be provided with the knowledge and skills essential to avoid or prevent serious injury and death including; Water Safety, Fire Safety, Bike Safety and Street Safety. Keep swimming inexpensive and accessible for all.
  novembre 12, 2009 @ 4:33 EST

  
  

• SwimTeacher

  Spread the word - we all recognize how important it is to keep these pools in our communities!
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 1:39 EST

  
  

• sea girl

  Pools are an important part of all our lives. Knowing how to swim saves lives promotes health and is fun. Keep our community pools open and make them accessible for everyone. No bias....no BOOL just open POOLS
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 8:28 EST

  
  

• lolastern6

  If we can support banking industry with its problems and dying car industry we can make a choice to support health and future. It keeps young want to learn and develop also keeps the old young and healthy.That should be our priority. Our community. our kids. our health. our future. Keep our community pools open, clean and make them accessible for everyone
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 10:12 EST

  
  

• Lori

  Keep the pools open! Keeping kids fit and busy makes healthy , happy kids.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 11:02 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  Research shows that physcial activity impacts positively on brain function at every stage of life ... and aquatic recreation is age appropriate for any age. Let's make sure that these important venues for this irreplaceable lifelong activity stay open to serve all Toronto residents.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 11:08 EST

  
  

• gramblor

  We need pools to help support a well balanced school system and to help bring community and the schools together! Support the pools!
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 12:44 EST

  
  

• 123456

  froggy'sdad just like HENRY K put it FROGGY was like that but through competitive swimming at glenview and north toronto things have changed for the better ,selfesteem,confidence,feeling of belonging , this has accedemic improvement as well. the ability to swim is free life assurance.strongly needed through our communities!
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 3:48 EST

  
  

• 123456

  Froggy - Swim team is a wonderful opportunity for students and the community. By taking away school pools everyone will suffer although it may not be apparent at first. Leadership, comittment, teamwork, and a chance to get to know other members of both the community and swim team are important opportunities to have as they will translate into ideal qualities that employers will look for. Any one speech, could never do the pools justice as they affect us all in some way and teach numerous life lessons for those who seek them. Keep the today's youth shooting rapids and cutting through wakes, not people.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 4:13 EST

  
  

• pooliscious

  My kids learned to swim not from private swimming lessons, but from their school swim instructors. Pools are a gift to the residents of this city and what a wonderful, inexpensive way to keep our kids fit. I'm so excited to hear that pools will now be opening their doors for night swims and weekend lessons. What a great opportunity for community residents to utilize these school pools. Let's do everything we can to keep these school pools open.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 4:57 EST

  
  

• RandyQuarin

  Swim
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 5:32 EST

  
  

• LJSswimmer

  Last time I looked, there was a BIG LAKE just south of Toronto, and kids are attracted to water! Keep the school pools open!! Swimming is a life-long and life-saving skill, besides being fabulous exercise for young and old.
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 10:40 EST

  
  

• LJSswimmer

  Toronto can support big-bucks expenses for hockey and baseball, but nobody drowns if they don't know how to skate or hit a ball with a stick. KEEP THE SCHOOL POOLS OPEN! How about calling on the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays to part with a tiny percent of their profits to help with this expense?
  novembre 17, 2009 @ 10:44 EST

  
  

• alice chan

  We need to keep our pools open, everyone deserves the opportunity to learn this life long skill, it should not be denied to anyone. Please pass the message along to more people so that we can get more votes. Spread the word to vote everyday to save our pools!!!!
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 1:22 EST

  
  

• nkkmo3

  Pools are vital to the community and the health and safety of our children. Keep them open!
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 6:03 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  WOW! Seems that aquatics teaches unbelievably high levels of perseverance, whether you’re an athlete, a parent, a coach or an administrator. In just one day this SOS idea has leapt from 60th rank to 12th rank. +++ THANK YOU! +++ Keep up the amazing effort of getting the word out, and support this amazing cause by voting every day!! Once the pools close, they are lost from the community. Let's do what we can to keep them from going to waste.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 6:10 EST

  
  

• Activeman

  Swimming is an excellent activity for children. If they don't do any activity they watch T.V or playing computer games. which is unhealthy. Please keep open the swimming pools and keep the children active.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 7:04 EST

  
  

• Activeman

  Swimming is an excellent activity for children. If they don't do any activity they watch T.V or playing computer games. which is unhealthy. Please keep open the swimming pools and keep the children active.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 7:04 EST

  
  

• Jane

  All three of our kids can now fall off a dock, out of the boat, or into the river and SURVIVE. Their swimming lessons are at a not-for-profit run out of the pool at Allenby PS. Close the school pools and the small not-for-profits lose their facilities. And we lose the ability to teach our kids to save themselves when we're not there beside them to haul them out of the water.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 9:28 EST

  
  

• Ultbuttercup

  City schools often do not have the same outdoor sports and rec facilities that other schools do. Let's keep an even playing field for all children, everywhere!
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 10:08 EST

  
  

• clicky pat

  Swimming is the best Health Care prevention. It is not just fun and competions. It is so important that everyone learns to swim and to have these pools in our communities. Keeps kids off the streets and safe.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 11:01 EST

  
  

• Mugsy

  My child, a former competitive swimmer, now swimming for activity 3 times per week, has benefited from her club accessing school pools. My child went from a pudgy kid to a slim trim young person who cares for not only body but mind as well. This access to swimming is a great stress relief from studies. Also, I don't know what kind of issues I would be dealing with if we didn't have swim practices directly after school (teen hanging out???). Schools are community paid for and I am voting to keep those pools OPEN.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 2:24 EST

  
  

• Yvonne

  Without the benefit of community pools, my son would have sat on the sidelines for 2yrs watching his friends participate in other forms of physical activity. Swimming gave him confidence and freedom while he waited for his body to heal and resume other physical types of play. Access to pools is so essential to the health and well being of all members of our community young, old and everyone in between.
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 8:02 EST

  
  

• Browning Ave

  When my daughter was 5 she announced that she 'doesn't do sports.' We explained to her that swimming was not a sport, it was a life skill and it was required to be a good swimmer. She enjoyed the water and subsequently took lessons and is now completing her Bronze Cross. In addition, the only team she could possible make, was of course, a swim team, and in grade 9, due to the encouragement of her senior school pool instructors and teachers, she had the confidence to try out for a team. And guess what, she made it. As a teenaged girl, being involved and engaged in your school and being active is extremely important in increasing self esteem and maintaining health and fitness. As a parent, a physical and health educator and a teacher of teenage girls I beg you to keep the pools open!
  novembre 18, 2009 @ 10:30 EST

  
  

• quetikimi

  Ce commentaire a été modéré novembre 18, 2009 @ 11:25 EST

  
  

• quetikimi

  Ce commentaire a été modéré novembre 18, 2009 @ 11:26 EST

  
  

• quetikimi

  Ce commentaire a été modéré novembre 18, 2009 @ 11:26 EST

  
  

• Henry K

  I am a grade 10 student (15 years old) at Humberside C.I. For me, learning how to swim was like learning how to walk or talk, just as essential to my development. When I came to Humberside in grade 9, I was really excited to see that there was a pool, available during gym classes, and home to an entire swim team! I never had this opportunity while I attended my previous school. Despite having to wake up early for the 7 a.m. practices, over 100 kids have participated on this team, as well as 4 volunteer coaches and lifeguard. This team is possibly one of the best examples of school spirit you could find, and to close our pool, and end this amazing team would be heartbreaking. Please don’t take this great team away from me!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 7:01 EST

  
  

• Katie

  My children's school has the benefit of using the attached community centre's pool. Every single child from JK - Grade 6 has the invaluable opportunity to swim once a week. Because their "school pool" is actually one the City of Toronto's community pools, it has not been at risk of being closed. Let's make that the case for ALL community accessible pools - that includes school pools.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 9:03 EST

  
  

• dlifeguard

  we need to come together as an aquatic community to get this battle won once and for all so everyone can access aquatic activities. please keep spreading the word. thanks
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 9:37 EST

  
  

• dana

  without pools, our children will just not learn to swim. we must do what we can to help as many as possible stay open. swimming is not a choice but a necessity in this country. let's work together.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 9:45 EST

  
  

• Marg Foy

  We need these pools! Closing them will require expensive decomissioning that will cost tax payers a bundle. It's a no brainer - swimming lessons save lives - school pools are the answer.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 10:45 EST

  
  

• sjames

  Our local schools' pools and swimming classes are invaluable. Let's keep them open for our kids, communities, and for future generations.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 10:51 EST

  
  

• Michelle

  My daughter does not want to go to her home school for Junior high because they may close the pool!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 11:12 EST

  
  

• hamhyde

  Thank you, Marg Foy, this is a typical case of power politics and turf politics trumping common economic sense. Carleton Village pool has just benefited from a half million dollars retrofit. Now it's one of the nine pools on probation for closure. Factor in decommissioning costs and take the total bill to the taxpayers with a note saying "and by the way you and your kids no longer have a pool to swim in. But the lake shore is available if you can stomach the E.coli."
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 11:38 EST

  
  

• LJSswimmer

  Children whodon't have access to school pools may never learn to swim. Whatever it costs to prevent deaths from drowning, it's WORTH IT - as the Red Cross figured out decades ago. Keep the school pools open!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 8:16 EST

  
  

• citydweller

  According to the timeline the winners for this competition aren't scheduled to be announced until January 25, 2010 so that isn't going to help any pools that need to secure funding by December 31, 2009. Maybe you'd be better off asking for funding to make some kind of retrofits to some of the buildings to help bring down operating costs and help to make the pools more viable long term. For example: a solar hot water heating system.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 8:20 EST

  
  

• c|v|b

  Let's keep this vote a float! Nice initiative Heidi and AVIVA!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 8:55 EST

  
  

• potopn

  pools are fun? keep them open in schools!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 8:57 EST

  
  

• Julie

  We need to keep the pools open in our schools!
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 10:18 EST

  
  

• jenkynr

  A number of my son's Middle School friends have not had the opportunity to take swimming lessons for one reason or another. Their class time in the pool is a welcome opportunity and should be provided to all kids in our city.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 10:57 EST

  
  

• ntrivino

  As a mother of an avid swimmer who is almost a lifeguard, I know the importance of swimming pools in the community. I will vote every day so that our democratic rights will prevail.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 11:32 EST

  
  

• ntrivino

  As a mother of an avid swimmer who is almost a lifeguard, I know the importance of swimming pools in the community. I will vote every day so that our democratic rights will prevail.
  novembre 19, 2009 @ 11:32 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  Thanks for you comments Citydweller. Technically the pool close date is Dec 31, but the school board has given us a month's extension because we are doing a full court press - continuing to find groups that will rent their community pool, sourcing corporate dollars, accepting donations, you name it. If you have any referrals please send them to info@letsmakewaves.ca. These funds will be used to cover operating costs, because we were awarded almost $16 million from the province, but only for facilities whose costs were covered. The pools have not recieved ANY funding since Harris's change to Min of Ed's funding formula 10 years ago, so many were in need of repair. These repairs are green wherever possible (e.g. solar panels on school roofs to heat the pool and the school) but they do require time. We are looking to Aviva to bridge the gap until the long-term solution is found.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 5:21 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  We are also hopeful that with a change in the City of Toronto's mayorial office, that there will be an opportunity for the City, the TDSB (school board), and the Province to work together to secure long-term funding and management of the resources. Currently the City uses TDSB pools for 45% of its Parks and Rec programming, yet is no where to be found when it comes to helping with maintaining these community pools long term (it's odd).
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 5:25 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  Finally, if you really want to help in the immediacy of the situation, donate online at www.CanadaHelps.org Where it says “I want to give to”: Enter Charity Name or Keyword, type in "Toronto Community Foundation" and click on “Search”. Click on “Donate Now” and Swim Toronto Fund. In “Fund/Designation” pull down menu, select “Swim Toronto Fund”. Thanks for your comments, and hope you keep voting!
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 5:26 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  A note: The $15.8 MM from the Province is earmarked to cover capital improvements ONLY, and only ones specificied in the David Crombie's report to the TDSB submitted in March 2009. If you'd like a copy of the full report you can find it here: http://www.torontosportscouncil.com/Default.aspx?pageId=222455 I'll stop sending in comments now...
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 5:30 EST

  
  

• Chris B

  As a child of insular immigrant parents, it was not until I reached the age of 32 that I learned to swim (at the Glenview pool). Growing up, I’d always felt disadvantaged around the water. I don’t want the same to happen to my children.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 6:29 EST

  
  

• RinkRat

  Toronto will not have any aquatics representation at the PAN AM GAMES. Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE CLOSING DOWN THE FEEDER POOLS WHERE WE TRAIN! Lots of money for the flashiness of the 12 day affair, but no money or respect for the millions of Toronto residents who swim in their local pool. City of Toronto, SHAME ON YOU. Maybe next mayor will have some sense and actually take some ownership of these resources.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 6:40 EST

  
  

• Elizabeth

  It is really an equity issue. People with resources can always access pay for use pools or send their kids away in the summer to camp etc. Pools give everyone, child and adult, an opportunity to develop a love for water and an ability to `play', as well as keep fit and keep safe. The safety lessons are essential. And of course for the kids that finish and make it lifeguarding, it is an excellent part-time and summer job for young adults. For many people this is THE ONLY RECREATION they can afford> And for schools an essential part of the gym programme. This is where many kids get their only exposure to swimming, especially inner-city new Canadian kids, of which I was one!
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 8:32 EST

  
  

• Laura B

  How fortunate we are to have pools to save, come on parents help give your children an opportunity to learn a life saving skill, keep active, healthy and have fun. Keep voting and tell all your family and friends.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 2:19 EST

  
  

• robyne

  children and people of all ages should have right to able to swim and learn about water safety. To take away pools is to extinguish hope and a sense of community for children in the summer months as well as the fitness-and opportunity they would only gain by being able to swim. Community leaders should spear head a philosophy that kids that are busy in sport (of any kind) donot get into as much trouble as idle children, the fitness and general wellbeing is just an added bonus.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 2:25 EST

  
  

• Lou

  I was a swimming instructor and lifeguard back in the day at these pools hired by the the TDSB to teach in the long dead summer swim program which was a free program that provided lessons from little tots to Royal Lifesaving candidates in neighbourhoods that would not have had the opportunity to run these programs otherwise. The program and access to these pools had a significant impact helping kids to learn to swim and enjoy all the water resources nearby and to participate in a recreational activity core to their new country and its culture. The pools just have to stay and the community should not go without due to the incompetence of the TDSB and the governments who allegedly supervise them.
  novembre 20, 2009 @ 6:46 EST

  
  

• Kathy D

  Children that learn a new skill gain confidence, confidence creates a desire to achieve greater things. These children are the future, do we not owe it to them and to ourselves to provide every possible opportunity for them to thrive and become successful?
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 11:49 EST

  
  

• Marjean

  We have to save pools, as doing so saves lives. So many drowning accidents happen because children and adults do not have safe swimming skills. Your actions must be quick and knowledgeable to save a drowning person. Keep the pools in Toronto Schools and save lives now and in the future.
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 12:28 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  Face it, most current student swimmers won't go on to compete international, national, provincial or even city-wide competitions...but aquatics-based sports and recreation provides a platform for all sorts of excellence. Swimming is a unique skill that's prerequisite to enjoying so much of what the Canadian outdoors has to offer. Aquatics make the school experience memorable...in a good way. Let's keep these pools for the current crop of kids and future generations.
  novembre 21, 2009 @ 11:46 EST

  
  

• La Seanna

  The pools offer the opportunity for kids to have active lifestyles. Keep the pools! We nned them!
  novembre 22, 2009 @ 12:36 EST

  
  

• swimforlife

  Save our school poolsl!!!!! In a province of many lakes, swimming is a critical life skill! http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/PDF/98ONDrowningReport2008EdFinal.pdf Every child in Ontario should be required to achieve a level of competency in water- regardless of religious or cultural barriers. Having this skill could save a child's life - this skill is not just a recreational option! The research tells us that the inability to swim has led to death by drowning in all age groups (25%), especially children under 5 (92%), children 5-12 (43%) and seniors 65+ (31%). Note, there are fewer deaths among all age group under 65 years of age; but most dramatically among the historically highest risk age group of young adult men 18 to 24 and 25 to 34 years of age. The drowning death rate for children under 5 years has been brought down in-line with theaverage for all ages combined. The drowning numbers and death rates of children 5 to 12 and teens 13 to 17, relatively low in early years,
  novembre 22, 2009 @ 1:49 EST

  
  

• Taghi

  Hi guys. We are doing well. Why shouldn't we? We deserve to built abetter community with many many facilities. Pools are the basic ones.
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 8:02 EST

  
  

• Mr. R.

  Many children, particularly those growing up in the inner city come from cultures where swimming is simply not an option. In Canada it is a fundamental life skill. For many of these children and adults a school pool is their only chance to learn to swim!
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 12:31 EST

  
  

• B Wynn

  The Lifesaving Society's creative and original program "Swim to Survive" is not a a traditional learn to swim program with perfect stroke work and examiners. Instead it is a series of six lessons--three in class and three in pool--designed to introduce grade-three kids to survival skills. The skills they will need if they fall into deep water or get beyond their depth in a lake. THIS PROGRAM IS TAUGHT IN TORONTO'S SCHOOLS and the school pools only make it stronmger.
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 6:30 EST

  
  

• E. Waugh

  I remember as a child in school we had to take a school bus from our school to another school for our swimming lessons because we didn't have a pool of our own. This went on once a week for ten weeks. Not only was this disruptive and time consuming, but having to get back on the bus while soaking wet in the middle of winter was the last thing we felt like doing. To have such a wonderful pool readily available is one of the reason we were glad to have our son attend Western. The fitness benefits as well as the shear fun gained through pool activities should be reason enough to "Keep This Pool OPEN!!!"
  novembre 23, 2009 @ 10:00 EST

  
  

• LizC

  We have always enrolled our son in swimming lessons even though he had a pool at school (Kensington CS which is slated for closure at the end of this year). However, most of his classmates do not take lessons outside of school, it's just not part of their culture. We commented at his swimming lesson last week that among the 4 classes in the pool there was only one visible minority child even though located in a large Asian community. These inner city school pools are essential. These schools also have less play space. And unfortunately, these school communities are the least experienced in fundraising and activism. We need your help, Toronto - VOTE VOTE VOTE!
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 8:49 EST

  
  

• laurelx

  I think that the Toronto District School Board Pools Should be open, not only for the safety of people's lives, but I was on the swimming team last year, and it had to be the funniest team I have ever joined in my life. No one "kicked" you off the team if you weren't good, they all gave you second chances. And there was no pressure, just encouragement, and I worked so hard at it that I ended up getting the most improved award. I think that Swim Team is something that brings A community close at heart.
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 12:51 EST

  
  

• none

  Is it not incredible that we as taxpayers will have our money put towards the Pan Am games, and yet we can not even support the pools in our won back yards where our children learn to swim? How much money are the Pan Am games going to cost us? In a nutshell - a fraction of that money would keep these pools open so kids could learn to swim and maybe even go to competion one day! Susan Purvis what are the politicians thinking?
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 3:46 EST

  
  

• DeeDubs

  swimming has been apart of my life since...i don't even know when! my favourite subject use to be swim when i was younger! without being introduced to swimming and having the resources to swim, i would never have been able to achieve my Bronze Cross and learn how to save people. there are some people who never get the chance to learn how to swim because they can't afford swim lessons, why take that opportunity away from them by closing school pools? i think swimming is one of the most useful things in my life. I'm not good at other sports, but swimming i love and i work hard at it and its how i show my school spirit. so please keep school pools open, i want other kids to have the same opportunity as i did.
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 7:10 EST

  
  

• Anke

  Learning to swim is a must for kids. If they don't learn it when young, they never will.
  novembre 24, 2009 @ 11:19 EST

  
  

• pooliscious

  Fantastic news. The TDSB has a budget surplus that could easily close the gap on the outstanding fundraising amounts required for the final few pools. Make sure your trustee understands that this is an important priority for your community. Pools offer affordable fitness. No serious equipment required! Let's save our pools!
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 7:46 EST

  
  

• Rasheeda

  Heidi, do you have a target # of votes?
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 8:11 EST

  
  

• crosbie

  I'm sure I'm repeating others' comments, but learning to swim is an essential skill for us, living right at the edge of Lake Ontario and near so many others. Obesity and lack of exercise are huge health issues that will cost society so much more than the tiny drop in the bucket that it will cost to keep school pools open. Anything that encourages a fitter lifestyle for this generation, and for everyone, needs to be encouraged.
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 9:38 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  Thanks for voting Rasheeda! Our 'target' is Top 20 rank, as those Ideas move onto the semi-finals which are held Dec 2 - Dec 16. Assuming we make it into the semi-finals, the counters get re-set back to zero for that round. THEN, after that 2-week voting period, the Top 25 ideas are judged by a panel. It is the panel who makes the ultimate decision of how to allocate philanthropy dollars. For now, all we must do is vote daily to ensure we don't get knocked out of the Top 20. And keep spreading the word: Vote SOS!!
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 10:36 EST

  
  

• KPrentice

  Artwork from the students at Kensington Community School, showing how much they love the pool, can be seen in this online gallery (copy & paste into your URL): http://www.flickr.com/photos/kprentice/
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 11:44 EST

  
  

• littlemite

  as someone with multiple sclerosis i can no longer do most sports activities but I can still swim. please don't close these pools in our communities.
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 1:56 EST

  
  

• susan wang

  Swimming is an amusing and healthy activity. It is a great exercise for everyone ,thus keep the pools open.
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 2:53 EST

  
  

• Olivia Chow

  I vote to "swim" I learned to swim at the Jarivs C.I. pool. Let's work to save these pools because every child should learn to swim by grade 3 or 4.
  novembre 25, 2009 @ 8:38 EST

  
  

• jones

  Closing the pools clearly says that water safety is not important for kids. How many kids down every summer because they never had a chance to learn how to save themselves. It's quite frustrating to know that LOTS of kids HAVE the opportunity taken away from them. The pools MUST stay open to save lives.
  novembre 26, 2009 @ 11:04 EST

  
  

• Tatiana

  When 15 years ago I moved to Canada and was a single mom my son joined Allenby and that where he learned to swim! It was amazing to have swimming class and learn to swim from scratch! So when I re-married and had kids again I wanted to live close to school that will provide this very important skill - swimmimg! That was one of reasons we moved back to this neighbourhood! I wish every kid will have this opportunity and benefit from extra swimmimg at school!
  novembre 26, 2009 @ 8:22 EST

  
  

• paul.teq

  Surely, lives are more important than saving money on budgets! Pools should be treated as an essential service for the health and safety and all ages. (Help prevent childhood obesity and drowning and help adults and seniors keep in shape). Convenient access to neighbourhood pools should therefore not be denied, so that there is capacity for all to use. In this light then, all people should be encouraged (to swim) by more creative ways other than under threats and fear.
  novembre 27, 2009 @ 11:59 EST

  
  

• Marjean

  Keep up the good work and save those school pools. All children need the opportunity to learn to swim and the pools are already in place don't lose them! I'm sure that you must have many parents who do not know about this chance to keep their children healthy and confident by learning this valuable skill. My grandchildren have benefited so much from the Toronto School pool lessons. I am voting from British Columbia every day to help other children in Toronto do so too. What about a telephone reminder to all parents with young children coming up to swim lesson age. Time is short . Go all out and keep the children safe and healthy.
  novembre 27, 2009 @ 12:31 EST

  
  

• alice chan

  To Marjean, I just read your comments and thought you are the best!!! So sweet to vote every day from Britsh Columbia, I can't tell you how touched I was when I read that. I have 2 young sons, 6 and 4 years old and am absolutely heartbroken that they want to close the pools. I too am voting every day and pray that the pools can be saved. Bless your heart to keep on voting, I'm hoping more people begin to start voting with us to save this valuable community resource.
  novembre 28, 2009 @ 1:48 EST

  
  

• hahahahaha

  This is an amazing way to save our pool! I am going to get all of my friends to vote on this right now. - A student from Earl Grey-
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 10:56 EST

  
  

• pooliscious

  The community in and around Earl Grey school came together yesterday not just to save their pool but to celebrate it. There were moms, dads, kids of every age and even the politicians got in the water. Maybe that's how we should start evaluating our politicians as we approach an election year: what's their position on pools? How actively are they supporting them? What are they willing to do to ensure these valuable resurces stay open for the entire community. The children at Earl Grey spoke loud and clear yesterday. They opted for a day in the pool over screens. Our elected officials have to know that we're serious about keeping these resources in our community open. Keep voting and I encourage all kids and families to add their local trustee, councillor and MPP to their address book!
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 3:11 EST

  
  

• Laura Wood

  Over 100 parents & community members have toured the pool at Western Technical Commercial School. It's a large, terrific pool that is just waiting for more funds to insure it stays open for both students and the community. Let's forge ahead to the next round, and win this contest for the kids!! Health & safety are key issues ... this idea fits the bill!
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 3:16 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  Yesterday's Earl Grey event was amazing. People were excited to be there, not just for the pool but to see a community facility open on the weekend for their use.
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 6:14 EST

  
  

• none

  It is amazing to hear about all the positive energy 'diving in' at Earl Grey. This negative situation has certainly resulted in a whole lots of positive, and a whole lot of community building. Over at Central Tech (and Kensington) there has also been a whole lot of positive energy. The residents associations - Harbord Village and Palmerston, as will as the Harbord Business Association have linked arms in an awareness campaign which has got creative minds flowing on community use for the pools. The Art department at Central Tech engaged it's students in the Pool Art project which culminated in a Silent Auction of the Art held this past weekend (the 27th and 28th). The images of the pool which resulted from this intensive workshop were outstanding. I am glad to say that my house will house one of these images of the pool for many years to come .
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 9:56 EST

  
  

• brian

  Keep the pools open!! It's for our kids futures and their safety and health
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 10:02 EST

  
  

• SkyRocketKid

  We're voting for you. Don't give up!!
  novembre 29, 2009 @ 11:47 EST

  
  

• Morganator

  Keep the pools open! We need to keep the pools open and continue with teaching children how to swim. If we close our pools, more people will drown. This is a problem we can assist with, by keeping our pools open. Also, swimming so happens to be my favourite sport. And I, amongst others, would be devastated if our pools shut down.
  novembre 30, 2009 @ 6:21 EST

  
  

• Katie

  I was shocked to learn this past weekend that Earl Grey's swim team was city champions last year, and now they don't have a team AT ALL because of the scheduled closing. Congrats on making it to the semi finals! Now the tough part begins. We need to get the votes out big time starting on the 2nd.
  novembre 30, 2009 @ 10:06 EST

  
  

• aisha96

  listen i vote for you but were do u vote on dis ting
  novembre 30, 2009 @ 3:13 EST

  
  

• budbud

  swimming is the best it gives your whole body a good work out. There are so many different ways to give your body a work out with swim, that you can never get bord! lets keep our pools!
  novembre 30, 2009 @ 7:05 EST

  
  

• Shelley McKa

  Wanted to reiterate KPrentice's post from earlier this month: Kensington Community School is a hub for the local community - and our pool will close if we don't identify $48,000 to keep it operational. PLEASE help us keep this lovely, small, upgraded and wheelchair-accessible pool open!
  novembre 30, 2009 @ 9:41 EST

  
  

• SwimTeacher

  Keep support coming!!!!! We need to save our pools for the sake of countless numbers of children and community members. Swimming is theraputic, amazing for your health and an essential life skill to acquire. I am, like so many others concerned that the consequence of losing our pools can lead to not only missed opportunities but a rise in water related fatalities. "Great support! ~ Keep splashing!!!"
  d�cembre 1, 2009 @ 2:10 EST

  
  

• Finchbird

  Balance the books! Kids need more than just book learning for optimal development. Swimming offers kids benefits that other sports can't touch. Since there's already a pool at Earl Grey, it's a treasure too precious to lose.
  d�cembre 1, 2009 @ 7:17 EST

  
  

• kenden96

  Um... how\where do i vote? (I am already registered and signed in)
  d�cembre 1, 2009 @ 6:03 EST

  
  

• sharon

  keeping the pools open serves the whole community in many ways. there is the obvious health and safety benefit. and there is the fact that the economically challenged in our city deserve to have community resources like swimming pools. access to a swimming pool such a basic part of a vital community that supports fitness and well being.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 7:51 EST

  
  

• letuceknit

  I feel that swimming lessons are an important life skill! Having swimming lessons during the school day allows children to learn a skill that may save their life one day.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 9:03 EST

  
  

• Tatiana

  It's good idea to keep fighting for pools, I'm surprise that our club has so many problems to find the pool for practice, and on the same time so many pools are getting closed. Seems like a lot of funds fall to some other pockets and till nobody will make money on those pools it will be no chances for pools to survive. If it doesn't bring money it can't be alive. Society is straight forward - no money - no chances. BUT! Keeping pools open for communities are the one of ways to prove that our country system of rules and laws works FOR society, not for itself.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 9:30 EST

  
  

• Tim Grant

  I chair the Harbord Village Residents Association, whose residents are keen to see the pools at Central Tech and Kensington Community School remain open. With more time, we know that enough funding can be found though various community uses to financially sustain them for the long term. Our challenge is finding short-term funding, and that is why the potential support of the Aviva Community Fund is so important.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 10:22 EST

  
  

• B Wynn

  The messages demonstrate that this has become a social question as well as one about swimming and lifesaving. These pools are an integral activity to many city neighbourhoods, perhaps one that people do not recognize. You don't know what you've got . . . 'til it's gone. Vote daily and get people involved via email and discussion. This initiative has a definite chance to be in the final selection process.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 12:40 EST

  
  

• Jack

  Pools like the one at Monarch Park are essential to the well-being of our community. The Monarch Park pool is designed specifically to accomodate people with physical disabilities. Its features include a special lift to assist people getting in and out, no lip at the edge, and warmer water that can meet the therapeutic needs of the students in our school and the broader community. How could we deprive these students and other community members with disabilities of this priceless resource?!!
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 1:38 EST

  
  

• Adriana Ned

  Swimming is a great way to achieve and maintain physical fitness.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 2:49 EST

  
  

• pg

  As a senior, I find swimming an easy sport to be sufficiently competent at to enter the World Masters Games, which provided an incentive to be persistent, because I still feel like drowning as I struggle through the laps. Many seniors find swimming a very social event, even though I find that activity with them revolting, I am a minority of one or a very few. Much, much more effort must be put into eliciting individuals to get in a swim habit. Nothing is more active than the Etobicoke Olympium, but if that is impossible to duplicate, a new approach can be used, such as - not only getting PysEd Students to offer training as practicums, but also marketing Students to build a team - then give prizes to the Students as well as the Swimmers - seniors or otherwise - by age group!
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 4:00 EST

  
  

• michaelgao

  we want swimming
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 4:24 EST

  
  

• soojala

  The swimming pool at my school is where students have an athletic community, aside from the cliques the student body is usually composed of. Today, we had an intersquad competition, meaning our whole school team was divided among smaller teams. With the first competition of the year, the swim team made friendships, practiced school spirit and most of all their encouraging and fun personalities came out. The pool isnt just a tub full of water, it's a great ocean where swimmers become real athletes and friends.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 5:01 EST

  
  

• Bill

  Canada is a land of water- we all have to know and love to swim...keep the pools open
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 5:42 EST

  
  

• ohegarty

  My child took many levels of (very affordable) swimming lessons over the past 10 years here in Toronto. We went to numerous school facilities in order to avail of convenient timing. I think all children should have easy access to swimming lessons. In the 70s we were shipped off to swimming lessons via bus for physical education in grades 3 and 4. What happened to that part of the curriculum? Swimming is a core survival skill...never mind the confidence building opportunities and fun a child can have with it! Winning this competition will send a clear message to our politicians...SAVE OUR SCHOOL POOLS!!!
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 6:01 EST

  
  

• clicky pat

  Swimming is the best skill with can give our children. The benefits last from birth to death. All children should learn to swim. Not just the children of those that can afford to pay for a private pool and lessons. Please keep our pools for all the health benefits, for all children.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 6:43 EST

  
  

• Kitty

  We must keep our pools open. In a country with this much water, swimming is an important life skill. KEEP OUR POOLS OPEN. This will benefit everyone.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 6:59 EST

  
  

• Chuck

  Keep the pools open, why would anyone want to close these pools when even one life can be saved?
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 7:45 EST

  
  

• douglas

  It does not make sense to close the pools, they have already been built to serve the communities and schools. They are important and vital resources for all to enjoy, keep the pools open!!!
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 7:49 EST

  
  

• Andrew

  Keep on voting, we need to keep the pools open. Keep spreading the word, keep people voting for SOS.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 7:51 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  This is about way more than pools. It's inspiring to see so many people in a crowded, diverse, busy city like Toronto get all excited about their local pools and to spread this excitement around.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 9:07 EST

  
  

• Ray

  I swam at Kensington and Harbord school pools. The pool at Kensington is amazing, what a shame to even think of closing it. Don't do it.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 9:15 EST

  
  

• Elaine

  How can one even think to close these pools? That's just totally ridiculous, find a way to keep them open.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 9:22 EST

  
  

• evisser

  My daughter has just been told that she will no longer be able to do so when she goes to high school due to pool closures! What a shame. And to think that pools are not a priority when so many young people need a way to get more exercise.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 9:43 EST

  
  

• paulalopez

  Let's save these pools. I am a mother of 4 children and I am very afraid of the water as I was not given the opportunity as a child to learn how to swim. This is why it is very important to keep these pools opened. My children attend Kensington Community School and they can all swim accept for my youngest who is 5 and just started swimming at kensington. I am a working mom, so it is very convenient that my children learn how to swim through the school program. Please, please keep these pools opened.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 10:26 EST

  
  

• wonglets.eta

  I learned how to swim in one of the pools which is currently slated to be closed. I went on to take lessons in the same pool with the Red Cross during one of my summers to further develop my skills. Because I learned how to swim, I have been able to teach 5 other people how to swim, and the gift goes on. We were blessed with city forefathers who recognized the value of investing in community pools located in community schools. Through a series of short-sighted governmental and bureaucratic decisions, we are in danger of losing these valuable resources. In a huge city, criss-crossed and bounded by polluted rivers and bodies of water, these endangered pools provide some of the very few opportunities for children to learn to swim. Please help save the pools and give our children this basic survival skill.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 10:27 EST

  
  

• Marjean

  Let's go Toronto and support the best equipment for our children's health. They exist and we owe it to the children coming along to keep them. In the Vancouver B.C. area we have no swimming pools in the schools to my knowledge. There are community center pools but some children are a long way from them so they are not part of the school physical education programs, thus not affordable for many families. You have them, keep them. Vote every day and tell others how much each vote, each day can help. My grandchildren in Toronto have had the benefit of the school swim program so I want to help other children have the same chance.
  d�cembre 2, 2009 @ 11:49 EST

  
  

• SwimTeacher

  I was a competitive swimmer at Monarch Pk, taught swim classes at Danforth and Central Tech - all 3 pools are now closed. The needs of all of those communities are not being met. One of the best thing that we can all do is continue to speak our concerns with others.... keep support coming as much as possible, it is one way he can help prevent more pools from closing.
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 12:05 EST

  
  

• laura

  Swimming at Harbord was such a privilege. I can't imagine how other schools can go without a pool and how one can even think of closing the pools that are already in schools. Please keep voting to keep the pools open.
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 12:40 EST

  
  

• Mary

  My children had the opportunity to swim in pools and I think it's horrible that these great resources are being threatened. We should all work together to keep these pools open.
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 12:46 EST

  
  

• sunshine1onl

  Pools are wonderful for exercising and most importantly a life saving skill. KEEP THEM OPEN!!
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 12:49 EST

  
  

• Rasheeda

  woohoo! 13 more days until the finals!
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 10:16 EST

  
  

• foreveryone

  Many of the children and young adults would not learn to swim other than in the pool located in the school during school hours due to soci economic or cultural reasons. The City has adopted Equitable Access, Quality, Inclusion , Capacity Building as their building blocks for a new Multi Year Recreation Program. Contact your Councillor and find out when community consultation will take place such that these community pools can be addressed and included in this new plan. These pools located in schools, COMMUNITY POOLS, have the opportunity and are providing programs and services of social, economic and physical benefit to all participants and create a sense of community, belonging, and vitality. We need the City involved to make this work.
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 10:48 EST

  
  

• Chris

  The real fault for the pool closures lies with the provincial government. When they took control of our local education taxes in 1998 and introduced the provincial funding formula, they immediately cut funding for the pools (as well as outdoor education, youth counselors, adult and seniors programs, building maintenance etc. etc.). Our local tax dollars used to cover the cost of not only maintaining the pools, but of building new ones when new schools were built. We are still paying education taxes as part of our property taxes. We should be demanding that the provincial government give us enough of our own tax dollars back to keep our pools open.
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 11:50 EST

  
  

• canangel2000

  Keep all pools open, especially in neighbourhoods that have a low socio-economic base as they can not afford to keep them open themselves.
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 12:33 EST

  
  

• Matt Lee

  As my community and youth at my church at St. Matthew church, we as a team had made funraising to keep our pool open. Each person had made different kind of food and clothes to sale, in the church. We hope that the money we all raise would be really helpful, to put into action to save our community pool and school as well. I hope that everyone would come up with an idea to help out too. Thank you all for helping in this wonderful event to save all the pool, it's been wonderful to have so many support around the world. Keep up the great work....
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 4:36 EST

  
  

• Alexei

  i swam my whole life and i dont want to stop know. And i never dream of a life with no swimming pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 5:33 EST

  
  

• fribbit

  I've never lived in Toronto, but I spent most of my childhood in pools all over Burlington, from swimmer to coach. I seems a shame to deprive any child of that right. Better in the pool than on the street?
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 9:12 EST

  
  

• bpintaric

  Save our swimming pools to save lives and fight obesity through one of the most important and basic activity - swimming!!!
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 11:10 EST

  
  

• jimedelazar

  Saving the pools will equal saving lives in the present and in the future; what could be more important than saving the lives of our youth? We're counting on you Toronto! Help keep our pools open!!!
  d�cembre 3, 2009 @ 11:17 EST

  
  

• Jules

  It is not clear why there is not enough funding in the TDSB/Provincial & Federal Coffers to ensure that all 25-35 pools remain open, this is crucial for our children. Swimming is an excellent choice for exercise for our children as well as adults. People of all ages can enjoy swimming as a workout since it is a low impact sport that protects joints from damage. The health benefits that can be gained from swimming are plentiful. Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout, strengthens the lungs, and promotes weight loss through the formation of lean muscle groups. It has been well noted that our children spend an excessive amount of time in front of the t.v., gaming counsels and computers. Swimming Is a Cardiovascular Workout and is a form of endurance training that easily elevates the heart rate and stimulates the circulation. While swimming, all muscle groups are worked simultaneously, providing a challenging total body workout. The heart rate must increase in order to deliver add
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 7:27 EST

  
  

• Jules

  The heart rate must increase in order to deliver additional oxygen to the working muscles. As endurance is built up over time, workouts will become easier. Workout length or intensity can then be increased to promote further cardiovascular strengthening. Workout intensity can be enhanced by incorporating interval training into the swimming workout. This can be done by interspersing sprints within longer, moderately paced sets of laps. Swimming Exercises the Lungs, during lap swimming, breathing typically occurs every few strokes. Between strokes, the breath is held underwater. This lung exercise leads to increases in lung capacity over time. This can be very beneficial for older adults as lung capacity begins to diminish with age. Additionally, swimming can help children and adults with asthma. Case studies published in 2003 in the Journal of the AANP identified several studies that have shown that swimming can decrease the severity of asthma symptoms. The increased lung capacity gaine
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 7:33 EST

  
  

• Jules

  The increased lung capacity gained from swimming and the inhalation of humid air surrounding the pool can both help improve lung function and control asthma. Swimming Can Promote Weight Loss, a 130-lbs person that is swimming at a moderate pace will burn approximately 240 calories every 30 minutes. Calories expended during this cardiovascular workout coupled with the resistance training of most major muscle groups leads to a reduction in overall body fat and an increase in muscle toning. Over time, the calorie consumption from the workout and increased metabolism derived from the replacement of fat with muscle can lead to a sizeable weight loss. However, for weight loss to occur, the diet must remain controlled.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 7:35 EST

  
  

• archie

  When I was going to school in North York in the 40s and 50s, neither primary nor secondary schools had swimming pools. As a result, I have never learned to swim, a situation I have always regretted. Swimming should be an integral part of everyone's education.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 8:42 EST

  
  

• cupe

  I am a swimming instructor with TDSB and one important aspect about the swim program is the fact that everyone who participates in the aquatic program could work as a swimming instructor. There is no other sport within the TDSB curriculum that allows this. For every other sport, you have to be the best of the best to make a career of it. Not so in aquatics. Everyone who wants to, can have a career in aquatics.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 9:15 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  I want to look to the future on this! Pools are one of many parts of urban recreation/sport infrastructure that are in need of rejuvenation and sustainable revenue. When we are successful in achieving our goal on the pools there are many lessons that we can transfer to other areas like rinks and fields!...and parks.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:03 EST

  
  

• bev

  Swimming isn't a frill. It isn't an extra. It's a life-saving skill. Being able to swim is more important that being able to drive a car or use a computer. We need swimming pools for this, and we need lots of them. I strongly support our public swimming pools, and urge our elected officials to recognize the importance of our pools by supporting them and sustaining them.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:32 EST

  
  

• A.L.

  At least once a year we hear of a summer tragedy. Of a 10 or 11 year-old child drowning in a lake or at a pool. Toronto is a wonderful cosmopolitan city with many new immigrants every year for whom swiming may have not been an option during childhood and therefore, it may not be a priority. Having pools at school gives that option. Isn't at least one life worth more than $50,000?
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:33 EST

  
  

• TheDominator

  I'm a Canadian! I'm also a father of 3 children. Canada has the largest supply of fresh water in the world, both in rivers and lakes. I sincerely believe that as a Canadian, water is part of our being... that we skate in winter and swim in summer. I have my whole family swimming in our neighbourhood school pool in Toronto, and I am so adamant about it's importance and value to people and our community that I joined the Board of Directors of our swim club. These school pools should not be looked at as an expense or out of date component of our schools. Instead, they should be the central focus of a greater long term plan for fitness and activity upon which we can not only improve our facilities for the students, but moreso for the entire community. These public buildings definitely need to have a viable, realistic funding plan but the best way to do that is to find ways to make them busier and used more frequently, and not just shut them down. I know that this requires more work
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:36 EST

  
  

• Allison

  I learned to swim in a lake but became proficient in a pool, and competed provincially for a number of years. I believe that swimming is our national summer sport, as important to our culture and future as hockey.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:54 EST

  
  

• KPrentice

  Anyone who hasn't yet seen the passionate Artwork from the students at Kensington Community School showing how much they love the pool, please visit the online gallery (copy & paste into your URL): http://www.flickr.com/photos/kprentice/ It just breaks your heart to see how much they love their pool!
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 11:15 EST

  
  

• chris t

  As a student who went to a school without a pool, I know a little about the hardships that a school and team can face when they want to have a team. It was only through intense negotiation that we were able to secure a 6:00 am. time slot for the use of the local community pool. It was only through the dedication of the teachers and the swimmers that we managed to field a team. If we remove the remaining pools this will be the situation for more teams in the GTA or we may lose those teams forever. It also doesn't make sense to limit the facilities that are available to combat the rise in childhood obesity that society has identified.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 11:25 EST

  
  

• ACORN: Pools

  Schools as Community Hubs is the position we support. ACORN is proud to be a member of the SPACE Coalition which has done wonderful work, winning the right for us to get more use out of our schools. Our taxes pay for them and they should be kept in good repair and made more accessible. Keeping these pools open makes much more sense than yet another waste of our tax dollars on building new community centres for which there is no need if these schools are put to proper use.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 11:41 EST

  
  

• Marjean

  Dear Jules, Thank you for making the health benefits clear to us all. These points alone should wake up any one who has not bothered to get on the bandwagon and VOTE EVERY DAY !! Time is short and we have a great chance to be finalists.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 12:25 EST

  
  

• RememberNet.

  The Kensington Neighbourhood LOVES this pool. We will vote everyday to save this pool.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 2:05 EST

  
  

• blakhole

  It is such a tragedy that our students are loosing access to this wonderful recreational activity. I will try and vote every day to save even some of our pools. Good luck!
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 2:44 EST

  
  

• Darstar

  My children are fortunate enough to swim in a TDSB pool that is well used by the community. We can only hope that it gets the funding it needs to stay open till my kids get their bronze cross!! The bottom line is the government and schools talk out of both sides of their mouth. They spend millions of dollars on programs, advertising and public awareness campaigns about childhood obesity and yet they can't manage to open the same wallet to provide funding to keep pools open in the spirit of fostering fitness and health & wellness. Preposterous and hideous. And they wonder why people are skeptical about politicians and school administration.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 3:07 EST

  
  

• laura

  
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 4:04 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your votes, your emails, your tweets, your FB updates, and your boundless passion for this issue. Losing these pools would not merely be about losing aquatics programming... it has become an equity issue, a safety issue, a health issue, an issue that touches upon responsible government at all levels. If you want to stay in touch with what is happening with the pools, please email Let's Make Waves at INFO@LETSMAKEWAVES.CA with 'subscribe' in the subject header. We will place you on our list for future email deployments. Don't worry, LMW would never sell or lend its list, and we send less than 10 emails a year (unless there is an Aviva Fund competition underway!) Please keep voting each and every day, INCLUDING WEEKENDS, and we will do our best to tune up our submission for the final judging round!! Heidi
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 6:24 EST

  
  

• ryleegirl_

  we need our school pools. Help save lives...teach kids to swim....
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 7:49 EST

  
  

• Kim Wong

  Please keep the pools open, it's crazy to close them.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:37 EST

  
  

• Ett Kong

  I want my grankids to keep on swimming, don't take that away from them. Keep voting, keep the pools open.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:41 EST

  
  

• Grandfather

  My kids loved to swim in our community school pools and it is such a great joy to watch my grandchildren swim too. How can the TDSB and the province even think of closing such wonderful resources, please don't do it, how heartbroken my grandchildren and I will be if that happens.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:47 EST

  
  

• Judy

  Keep voting, what a great idea!
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 10:53 EST

  
  

• Melanie

  My son learned to swim in these pools, I cannot believe that the TDSB and province want to close them, how awful. I totally do not support that, keep the pools open.
  d�cembre 4, 2009 @ 11:13 EST

  
  

• Michael

  We need our pools!
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 7:51 EST

  
  

• swimsafe

  I want to swim!
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 8:34 EST

  
  

• bgbikerboy

  Close our community school pools??...are you kidding? Our government just agreed to spend billions of tax payers dollars to build the infrastructure needed for the Pan Am games and to top it off; Toronto is set to bid for the 2020 Summer Olympic games, how much do you think that will cost the tax payers! Surely our municipal and provincial governments could find a few extra dollars to keep our children active and heathy in our community swim programs. Hey, I have an idea; how about sending this petition to the I.O.C. (International Olympic Community) as part of our bid for the 2020 Olympic Games, so they can see how much we care about the sport of swimming?
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 8:38 EST

  
  

• Duke

  B Wynn knows what he's talking about. If it weren't for our community pools, he would never have played Ivy League water polo, and I'd be a poorer swimmer. bgbikerboy's idea's a good one too: let's send this to the IOC. Toronto under water?
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 9:13 EST

  
  

• Run928

  I am an Aviva emplyee and a Jackman School parent. I think this is just a wonderful cause. The family swims and takes lessions at both Frankland and Earl Grey. Keep the pools open! Every community in Canada needs to have indoor pools.
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 11:20 EST

  
  

• Leslie

  You can deduct the cost of your child's athletic activities from your income tax. In Toronto, you too can join the wait list, because there are more people wanting swimming lessons than there are spaces, particularly those times your schedule allows you to actually get your child to the lessons. In most communities, the swims per capita (what a measure! whatever will they think of next) ranges from 4 to 8. In Toronto, the number is one swim per capita, the lowest ever found by the consultants. And it's not as if there is spare capacity in other sports, as you know from following the debate about ice time for hockey. We need the pools.
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 4:44 EST

  
  

• AniT

  In the era of computers I wish our children were more active.Let them start right now .
  d�cembre 5, 2009 @ 5:51 EST

  
  

• omm

  are we here for the kids or what!?
  d�cembre 6, 2009 @ 10:30 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  Let's keep these pools open, keep voting and pass the message around we need more votes to save our wonderful pools!
  d�cembre 6, 2009 @ 1:03 EST

  
  

• Bette

  Many members of my family and classmates learned to swim at the Allenby School swimming pool. It was a valuable skill that has served us all our lives. This was during the World War II. If the School Board and City were able to keep our pools open during the war years, surely they can see their way to preserving this life saving, healthy and pleasure giving opportunity for all our children now and for the years to come.
  d�cembre 6, 2009 @ 2:30 EST

  
  

• pooliscious

  How has it come to this - that the City of Toronto, The Toronto District School Board and the Province of Ontario have abandoned a legacy, a birthright of kids who live downtown? How has it come to the point where we're relying on a contest and the generosity of this corporation to save our most vulnerable pools? How has it come to the point where our kids, our parents and our teachers have to rise up and say "This is simply not good enough!" ? We lost sight of what's important in our communities, in our neighborhoods, in our homes. We took for granted that fair minded, right thinking people would never sell our most precious assets out from under us. We believed that the bureaucrats and the politicians would take care of it for us. We fell asleep. Anyone sleeping now!!! Our task is simple. We need to fight - to prove these are as valuable as we say they are. We need to secure this birthright for future generations...So we never have to answer the question our kids or grandchildren wi
  d�cembre 6, 2009 @ 5:41 EST

  
  

• none

  To read an interesting cost comparison between our pools and the Pan Am Games, or our dream and their dream - Google - 'The Price of Pools' by Carl Gouldson
  d�cembre 6, 2009 @ 7:47 EST

  
  

• MadelaineH

  Don't close our pools! Learning to swim is an important part of promoting a healthy and safe lifestyle. Our pools need to be well-funded - we need to make them community hubs not shut them down! In a city like Toronto with a high newcomer population - swimming needs to be integrated into the school system. Drowning accidents take the lives of too many!
  d�cembre 6, 2009 @ 11:04 EST

  
  

• alice

  Ontario has the largest fresh water resource in the world. We are surrounded by lakes. We have many hard working parents who toil day and night to support their families. Their schedule isn't geared towards sending their children to community pools for swim lessons. Pools in schools provide a necessary skill which is learning how to swim. The children who learn to swim become adults who will vacation and support the many communities who depend on tourist to stimulate their economy. To say, as the province has done that supporting a necessary skill benefits only those in Toronto (with its huge population) is false. We are the tourist and these kids will be also.
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 12:56 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  Keep on voting, it would be a travesty if our pools are closed. Please don't do it, find some other way!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 1:15 EST

  
  

• mcritelli

  THis cause deserves support and deserves to win this competition. Keep the pools open!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 9:28 EST

  
  

• swim'nuphill

  Judging by all of these passionate comments, Torontonians are obviously very supportive of their school pools. Let this be a lesson to every community from coast to coast, your muncipal and provincial governments will not listen unless we all stand up and fight! If we loose our TDSB pools they will be gone forever, this will then set presidence province wide and possibly nation wide. Please help us to save swimming for the future of all Canadians!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 10:07 EST

  
  

• Helena Wulff

  It is a vital skill, everyone should learn how to swim, and it also keeps you fit! )-Let's vote every day!, we really need the pools open for our kids!!!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 10:51 EST

  
  

• sharlanne

  Swimming pools are an incredibly positive contribution to our communities. I have great memories from my local school pool and I would love for my future children to experience them as well. It's a great way that everyone can be involved!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 12:11 EST

  
  

• dstoch

  It would be shamefully wasteful of a fantastic existing resource to close perfectly good pools just because they need maintenance. Why, just to build more pools which will also require extensive maintenance in 30 years? Are we that short sighted? What happened to our landlord, the province in this picture. Should not the owner of our school buildings make certain they are maintained properly?
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 12:19 EST

  
  

• mermaid

  This is an idea that could improve the lives of thousands of children, for years - maybe even generations to come. Thank you for voting. Please vote every day.
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 1:56 EST

  
  

• aquatic

  Next to walking.....there's swimming! It's as fundamental as the 3Rs.
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 2:09 EST

  
  

• Crawford

  Swimming is essential for everyone! Every Canadian needs to be able to swim; let's give them the opportunity to learn. Don't close the pools.
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 2:21 EST

  
  

• Nadine

  What more do we have to say- PLEASE SAVE THIS POOL!!!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 2:45 EST

  
  

• mm

  This is a travesty. I hope that whoever is tasked with organizing this and both making it a viable and attractive option for the city can understand what we are about to give up. That said, the current hours in pools are so limited that if you're not available to go on a particular day at a particular time, for a particular thing, you'll miss the opportunity for swimming until next week. Also, the temperature of the water in the pools, the air, and the showers is nowhere near enough for toddlers to enjoy swimming in the winter
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 4:32 EST

  
  

• DRoss

  Who's idea was it to close the pools? That has got to be the most absurd thing that I have ever heard of totally insane. The city built these pools for the schools and the community and for them to now come and say that 'Oops sorry, we have to close them' is totally ridiculous and unacceptable. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. DO NOT CLOSE THESE POOLS!!!
  d�cembre 7, 2009 @ 11:45 EST

  
  

• math_theroux

  Matthieu Théroux Matthieu Théroux Matthieu Théroux encourager moi c'est pour mon école aller voter matthieu merci Idéeacf1070: Une place pour moi dans la communauté! Affichée le octobre 13, 2009Auteur : Maria Normandin, Joëlle Du...charme, Kim Godin..., Céline Frenette, Manon Doré, Jacinthe Desmarais ;-)Organisation: École Marie- Rose, Be...loeil lEndroit : ...École Mar.....................................................................ie-Rose, 866, rue Laurier, Beloe......ilCatégorie : Améliorez l’éducation Coût : À moyen budget (10 000 $ à 50 000$Une place pour moi dans la communauté! | Fonds communautaire Aviva www.fondscommunautaireaviva.org UNE PLACE POUR MOI DANS LA COMMUNAUTÉ! La mission que nous poursuivons a pour but de promouvoir l’intégration des personnes ayant des difficultés particulières, telles que déficience intellectuelle, difficultés ...Une place pour moi dans la communauté! | Fonds communautaire Aviva www.fondscommunautaireaviva
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 12:20 EST

  
  

• swim'nuphill

  B Wynn has some great comments; everyone of us should read them carefully! Our provincial and municipal governments will destroy our children's heritage unless we take action now! This is a social issue; one that could change the future of other important social issues. We are in 27th place in votes; only the top 25 will go to the judging round; don't let our future slip away....vote now and every day!
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 9:38 EST

  
  

• Woodycresmom

  My children and I learned to swim because we had the opportunity to. But what about all those children who do not have the chance to learn.? When a situation has been set up to take away the fear of not learning to swim, how can we possibly let that evaporate? Let's use our assets wisely and not waste the basic structures that were put in place to create healthy, safe living. Let's find a way together to save and share our pools.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 3:02 EST

  
  

• cat

  I can't imagine growing up without our community pools. It allowed me the opportunity to learn to swim, eventually become a lifeguard/instructor and a great job to pay for all of my education and travel experiences. Not to mention, all the great friends I met along the way! I wish that my 2 year old and all other children in our communities can have these same opportunities! Please save our community pools!
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 3:07 EST

  
  

• pommes

  Another GREAT idea is the Super-Interactive School! They are in third last place, and I would like to spare them some votes because I know how much Ecole Van Belleghem contributes towards the community
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 8:19 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  I love going swimming with my grandson in these community pools, not only is it great exercises but it is a life saving skill. What a totally senseless way of thinking to even consider closing these wonderful resources.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 9:17 EST

  
  

• Vinny

  Keep on voting everyone, the message still needs to be passed around, we still need more votes!!
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 9:20 EST

  
  

• Elaine

  Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, I love it and swim often in community pools. How horrible for all of us if these were to close.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 9:23 EST

  
  

• Forms guy

  I do not understand why the province and the TDSB just don't work together to keep these pools often. These pools are clearly much needed resources and it makes no logical sense to try to keep closing them, work together to find a way please.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 9:39 EST

  
  

• Phyllis

  As a mother of 2, I cannot tell you how important it is that my kids know how to swim. I am so grateful that these pools were available for my kids to swim, I wish that everyone continues to have them available to them.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 9:44 EST

  
  

• Brian

  I have 4 kids and think that swimming is a fabulous form of exercise and it is definitely needed in our communities. The city should work harder at keeping them open.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 10:01 EST

  
  

• Blondie

  These pools were WONDERFUL resources when my kids were young. I don't know what I would do if we didn't have these pools. EVERYONE should have the benefit and access to these pools.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 10:09 EST

  
  

• Sean's mom

  My son was taking swimming lessons from the school pools. I shudder to think where he would have had to go if the pools were closed. I do not understand how the province and the school board are fighting over this, there should be no fighting, there should teamwork to figure this out.
  d�cembre 8, 2009 @ 11:34 EST

  
  

• Marjean

  I'm still voting every day from B.C. because I know this is the ultimate bargain for good health, safety and confidence for all children. You must not let the pools go. VOTE and be your children's heroes!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 12:26 EST

  
  

• alice

  I was happy that Winona pool provided my daughter with healthy exercise 2 to 3 times a week. Especially during the winter months when evening darkness arrives and there is no snow to enjoy winter sports. Swimming is so fun and healthy.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 1:56 EST

  
  

• hotwater

  I have a 4 & 6 year old kids, and if we let these pools close, my kids and our future grand kids will never have the opportunity, that I had as a child. I grew up and swimming and during High School and college worked as a Lifeguard, teaching me many life skills, and responsibilities. I thought we as a society were always trying to make things better for our kids not worse!! If we loose these pools it will not just effect my kids but 10's of thousands of kids.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 9:21 EST

  
  

• laura

  Our children discuss this issue a lot...they are very concerned with all the pool closures and are hoping that the WINONA pool can be kept open. Kids should not have to worry about this type of stuff...this is a very unfortunate situation all around and can be fixed by moving money from useless studies (eg: whether or not to tear down the gardiner) that the government funds every day....
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 9:24 EST

  
  

• poolsRcool

  My daughter is almost 10, and has taken lessons at the pool at our local school since she was 3 years old. As a result, she is a terrific swimmer who adores the water - she swims at a much higher level than than my husband or I are at. I can be relaxed around water knowing that she has this vital life skill, and I also know that's she's getting a lot of healthy exercise and having fun. The pools are vital to our communities.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 11:01 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  KEEP THE VOTES FOR SOS COMING IN!!! DISREGARD ANY COMMENTS ABOUT ENDORSING OTHER SUBMISSIONS WITH VOTES. Those behind the project SOS - SINK OR SWIM, are recommending you ONLY vote for this submission. Though there are many great ideas for who should move on to the voting round, ALL COMMENTS FROM OTHER IDEAS ARE UNSOLICITED.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 11:35 EST

  
  

• bellafish

  Swimming is a life skill. As in - it could save your life! Vote & keep voting!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 1:42 EST

  
  

• Benny

  bellafish...said it...swimming is a life skill not just to promote physical fitness.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 2:15 EST

  
  

• Andrea

  Swimming is part of the cirriculum of the school which is so good for physical exercise.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 2:51 EST

  
  

• Radcliff

  Please save out pools.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 2:55 EST

  
  

• Fay

  This pool is good for the entire community. Why should we close such an asset to the community?
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 3:03 EST

  
  

• Fernanda Pis

  Central Technical School is a community school that wants to be an integral and active part of the community around it. Family swims, lap swims and competitions are just part of the potential that can be tapped when the pool is in use. Let's have the neighbours know, keep the pool open and keep the neighbourhood safer and a healthier place to be.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 4:25 EST

  
  

• Dennis

  I swam in these community pools as a kid, I would like for my kids to continue and have the same opportunities I did. Why should they be denied these wonderful resources, we should be giving more to the next generation, not taking away.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 4:42 EST

  
  

• taxgirl

  Save the pools and let the kids, adults, seniors keep swimming.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 4:59 EST

  
  

• Stephen

  I learned to swim in these pools, I am voting everyday to keep them open.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 5:02 EST

  
  

• Denhope

  Swim, swim, swim!!!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 5:11 EST

  
  

• RLi

  I attended Harbord CI and we had a pool and fortunately this pool will not be closed and I feel for the other pools that are being closed. This is not right. Why should one school have a pool and another does not? Especially if they are in working order. I am supporting to keep the pools open.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 5:19 EST

  
  

• dk

  I am a nanny and I take my kids to the community pools for a swim. The kids love it and I can't even imagine the thought of not being able to take them to the pools, how upsetting the whole idea of closing the pools is, it's not a good one at all.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 5:33 EST

  
  

• carlo

  I was fortunate to swim in the community pool with my daughter and she loved it. Swimming is great fun and good exercise, don't take it away from us.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 5:47 EST

  
  

• Jackie

  My daughter will be starting school shortly and I want her to have this wonderful school pool available for her to learn to swim. Keep the pools open!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 6:03 EST

  
  

• tanxing

  Keep voting, save the pools!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 8:31 EST

  
  

• Nelia

  My son needs to keep swimming, please keep the pools open. Both he and I will be so disappointed if these wonderful pools are gone. Don't do it.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 8:49 EST

  
  

• w_yurong

  Please don't close my pool, I love it so much.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 8:51 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  My six grandchildren need to learn to swim and what better way than in the community pools. My kids learned to swim in these pools and so should my grandchildren. Why would you want to deprive them of fun, exercise and a life saving skill?
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 8:58 EST

  
  

• Kael

  Swimming is fun, my pool is great.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 9:14 EST

  
  

• Shane

  I want to keep swimming in my pool, please make it happen.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 9:18 EST

  
  

• Elaine

  Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise and I swim everyday. Everybody should have the opportunity to swim. Keep voting!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 9:26 EST

  
  

• Avid Swimmer

  Avid swimmer fan, love to swim and love the pools.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 9:36 EST

  
  

• Father of 4

  I am a father of four and my kids love to swim. What a joy it was to swim with them in the pools, these resources are so needed in the community. Keep them alive.
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 10:15 EST

  
  

• curlyhair

  Go SOS Sink or Swim!
  d�cembre 9, 2009 @ 10:25 EST

  
  

• swim'nuphill

  SOS has great support from all across Canada, but we need more! We are still in 27th. place and only the top 25 will advance to the judging round. There are just 6 voting days left ; we are approx. 400 votes behind the 25th. spot, so keep those votes coming every day and remember you are allowed 1 vote per "email address" per day!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 8:09 EST

  
  

• Lina

  What a fabulous way to save the pools, keep voting!!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:11 EST

  
  

• Fernanda Pis

  Healthy bodies, healthy minds and water safety to boot. That is why keeping our school pools is important. In a land of water and ice, it is imperative that one can swim as well as know what to do when someone falls into the water and needs help. Swimming is not only great exercise but a survival tool as well.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:11 EST

  
  

• Gab's Dad

  I would love to bring my little one to the community pools to swim. The new generation should have all the advantages we had growing up with the school/community pools. Keep the momentum and let's fight for these pools!!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:15 EST

  
  

• Forms guy

  My kids learned to swim in these pools and I thought it was amazing. What better way for our children to be healthy and learn a life saving skill in these community resources.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:18 EST

  
  

• dlifeguard

  we need more votes keep spreading the word and make it meaniful to the listeners>>>>
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:31 EST

  
  

• alice chan

  I love swimming in Kensington school pool with my kids, please don't close them, breaks my heart just thinking about it too.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:48 EST

  
  

• Jackie

  My two young girls need to learn how to swim, what better way than in our local community pools. Keep spreading the word to vote every day, there's only 7 more days and we need all the votes we can get.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 11:09 EST

  
  

• Bubbles

  Vote, spread the word, SOS Sink or Swim. Keep voting and swimming!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 11:11 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  Please let my grandsons continue to learn to swim. It's fun, great exercise and it can save lives.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 11:18 EST

  
  

• jb

  Pools are great! We want to swim! Save our pools!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 12:53 EST

  
  

• Brian

  I support this!! SOS Sink or Swim, keep going, keep voting!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 1:04 EST

  
  

• Avid Swimmer

  Please don't take my pool away from me!!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 1:05 EST

  
  

• Chuck

  My kids learned to swim in these community pools and I think that that was fabulous. This was so needed when my kids were young and kids today should have the same opportunity to swim.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 1:08 EST

  
  

• Dennis

  I used to swim in these pools, how sad that the province and the TDSB don't work together to figure out a way. It should be about exercise and saving lives which is the important part.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 1:22 EST

  
  

• douglas

  As a parent, I was so grateful that my kids learned to swim in community pools. Keep them OPEN.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 1:30 EST

  
  

• Nelia

  I love swimming with my son in the school pool, what a fantastic way for the community to enjoy these amazing resources. What a shame if you were to take this away from us.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 2:30 EST

  
  

• Babbz

  My niece and nephews should have the right to swim in the community pools, after all the city built them for the community, they should not take it away.
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 2:50 EST

  
  

• floater

  This is an up hill battle or swim so lets keep those votes coming every day!!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 5:32 EST

  
  

• chuck

  Save a childs life and let them swim!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 6:19 EST

  
  

• poolparent

  Keep voting - tell your friends - we need more votes!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:19 EST

  
  

• budbud

  i just had a swim meet the other day and i can't tell you how it felt to be able to swim in another schools pool and compete against other schools! we all had a blast and i loved getting to meet other swimmers whole i would have never met if not for the swim meet!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 10:39 EST

  
  

• Lewis

  Don't let the province and the TDSB win, we must fight them and keep our pools!! Keep voting and spread the word, we need more votes, we need to save our precious resources!!!
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 11:27 EST

  
  

• Jamaica

  I fully support saving these community pools. What a fantastic way to get exercise and more importantly a skill that can save your life, why would the powers that be want to take that away?
  d�cembre 10, 2009 @ 11:53 EST

  
  

• CG

  Swimming has been a huge part of my life for my entire life. It's unconscionable that they would consider taking swimming away from Toronto's youth.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 12:27 EST

  
  

• SwimTeacher

  Share this link with all your facebook and email contacts!!!!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 12:37 EST

  
  

• Andrea

  Please save our pools
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 9:23 EST

  
  

• Fernanda Pis

  Healthy bodies and healthy minds for all! Let's fight to keep our school pools open for all of our students and communities. Toronto school pools are fitted for the handicapped as well as for the general public of all ages. Let's nurture the fine facilities that we have at hand.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 10:49 EST

  
  

• triboeng

  Canada is a land of lakes and rivers and being able to swim is a needed life skill. Which is what I though schools were supposed to be providing. Swimming is also part of physical activities which are taking a back seat at many Toronto schools. Try to find an elementary school with soccer posts or even a half size field. At our school near the Danforth if the class was acting up by being noisy the teacher would keep them inside at recess. How dumb? But they can find all sorts of money to move in big rocks, plant trees in the school yard and mess up the playing surfaces but at the same time tear down the wood playground equipment because of splinter hazards. Plus, they take down the basketball nets so that 'rowdy' kids can not use them in the evenings but the caretakers usually do not bother to put them back up. The provincial government also has a role because teachers who coach teams should be given some credits but they also require proper training. Let’s start now and use the
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 10:54 EST

  
  

• dlifeguard

  Now that winter is upon us school pools is also where people go to learn about ice safety and snow mobile safety and hypothermia during winter swimming lessons. The youth in our bronze Lifesaving programs learn 1st aid and lifesaving skills to help people who find themselves in an emergency such as hypothermia or near drowning etc. We have already lost children from falling through ice in parks, playing in creaks and boating incidents during winter, spring and summer months lets keep these numbers down. Without theses pools the numbers certainly will go up....
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 11:59 EST

  
  

• ACORN: Pools

  WOW! We are in 24th position as I speak! Way to go. BUT - "it's not over 'til it's over". Keep voting EVERY DAY - only 5 days to go! NOT the time to slip back on this - vote from all your e-mails. Keep bringing more of those voters in - spread the word. Let's forge closer to the top. WE CAN DO THIS! I thank you, our kids thank you. Community Use of Schools is where it's at. Not just for kids! We'll get this job done, and then we'll get in there ourselves. Whatever happened to "seniors" swim nights? Signed: ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now)
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 1:18 EST

  
  

• wilma

  Save the pools.. It's important that kids learn how to swim, it's a life saving skill.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 2:37 EST

  
  

• chrishiggins

  What does it take to convince our elected officials that some things are not negotiable. Health, safety, community recreation - these things are sacrosanct. Taxes keep going up, and we pay them, so listen carefully: do not touch these pools. Period. And about next year when we go through this same song and dance - ditto.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 2:56 EST

  
  

• Tenzin

  Please open the pool for the kids, so that they can learn somethings useful in their lives.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 4:25 EST

  
  

• alice chan

  We need to save our pools, we need to put the pressure on, let's keep voting!!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 5:05 EST

  
  

• Andrew Tan

  I am learning to swim at my school pool, please do not close it for where would I go to swim?
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 7:19 EST

  
  

• PoolSupport

  Pools are great for exercise and fun! In an age where obeseity seems to reign over the kids, why on earth would you take away such a fantastic way to exercise? Shame shame shame on you!!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 7:25 EST

  
  

• Central Tech

  Save the school pools!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 7:29 EST

  
  

• Avid Swimmer

  Please let me keep swimming, these community pools are fabulous, they are so important vital to the community members.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 7:45 EST

  
  

• Marjean

  My children both learned to sail when they were ten years old but they had to have swimming skills before they could take sailing lessons! Swimming should come first before boating and camping. Parents feel comfortable about letting their children enjoy the outdoors if they know that they have sound swimming skills. We're almost to 10,000. Lets be winners VOTE each day till the end.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 8:02 EST

  
  

• Dennis

  I learned how to swim in my school pool, let's keep the votes coming in for the future generations.
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 8:21 EST

  
  

• AlumniCT

  I had fantastic memories at my school Central Tech, how tragic it would be if the pools were closed. Keep them alive!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 9:01 EST

  
  

• Lina

  Come on pool supporters, we still need more votes, let's keep voting, we still need more support, let's try to get some more, PLEASE!!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 9:34 EST

  
  

• Mike

  Let my kids swim!!!
  d�cembre 11, 2009 @ 9:44 EST

  
  

• SwimTeacher

  To learn to swim is vital for everyone's health and safety!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 1:44 EST

  
  

• rfujimoto

  Let's keep going! Over 10,000 votes so far!
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 10:16 EST

  
  

• snapper

  We are a land of lakes, oceans, rivers and streams. Every Canadian child should be afforded the opportunity to learn how to swim. By keeping pools open and accessible within our community, we foster and pass on this life saving skill.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 1:44 EST

  
  

• sandman

  My two boys have learned how to swim and both want to be lifeguards because of the school swimming lessons. Swimming is a valuable life skill that we need to support in our schools. It's a survival skill.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 4:23 EST

  
  

• Plum Bob

  SOS is currently in 26th. place and is danger of being squeezed out of the competition by a small group of people in need of a few toilets and some plumbing! We must keep these remaining pools open for the future thousands of children. Keep on voting every day, and be sure to remind your friends and family to vote every day....we need at least 1300 votes per day to stay in the running!
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 5:35 EST

  
  

• Matt Lee

  Come on people there is know time to lose now, time is almost running out and there is still room for more people to help to save our community pools. At the mean time asked everyone in your family and friends to vote with us and as a team we can make everything a different, to make all children happy. Now that the winter is here some of the children wanted to swim but if the pool is close then they would be unhappy, and it would really be unsafe for all of us. I grew up swimming all the time and I learn how to safe people, and to keep myself safe too. But now I wanted to do more swimming and now I can't do that, so I am really unhappy that this is happening. I hope that these votes would help the pool to stay open for all the children, and make every life count as part of a safe and healthy community. God bless everyone. Thank you all for helping. Take care... Keep up the great work....
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 5:59 EST

  
  

• Carter

  I want to keep swimming in my community pool, please let me continue to swim there.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 6:01 EST

  
  

• Hughy

  Come on everyone, dig deep and try to get more people to vote. There are only a few 4 more days and we need to get more votes to secure our spot and save our pools. Let's rally and get additional voters for these last few days!
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 6:11 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  My grandkids love to swim, please let them keep learning this lifelong skill, keep the pools open.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 9:02 EST

  
  

• Ryan's Dad

  Come on everybody, we have to dig deep to get more votes, please let's everybody rally and get more people on board. Everyone is doing AMAZING, let's keep it going!!
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 9:34 EST

  
  

• Sean's mom

  My son learned to swim in these school pools, I don't know what I would have done without them. Let's fight and fight and fight for them.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 10:06 EST

  
  

• Mercy

  I have 4 kids and they learned to swim in the school pools. What a wondeful way to get exercise and learn such an important skill. Why would you consider even closing such great resources, I DON'T SUPPORT THAT.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 10:15 EST

  
  

• AlumniCT

  Great memories of my school Central Tech, save the pools.
  d�cembre 12, 2009 @ 10:24 EST

  
  

• Larry

  My grandson's learning how to swim in these pools. I can't even step within 10 feet of a pool because I never learned to swim. Don't do that to him! SAVE THE POOLS!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 9:36 EST

  
  

• Teresa G.

  Such a beautiful centrally located urban school! It needs a pool!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 1:20 EST

  
  

• Chester

  Go SOS Sink or Swim, Go Go Go!!!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 2:20 EST

  
  

• Andrew

  How unthinkable to close pools that were built for the community. If the city and TDSB built the pools for the community then they should work together to keep it open instead of taking the easy approach and closing them. Keep on voting, let's save the pools.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 2:35 EST

  
  

• Swimmer

  I want to keep swimming, let me do that please!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 3:04 EST

  
  

• ed

  Swimming is a fantasic form of exercise and it is a life saving skill that one would need for their entire lifetime.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 4:28 EST

  
  

• paula.dowdal

  Our kids need to stay active. Please keep this pool open!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 4:32 EST

  
  

• elizabeth

  I DO NOT support the idea of closing down pools. TOTAL AGAINST THIS NOTION. Let's fight to stop it.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 4:39 EST

  
  

• Kam Sau

  My grandchildren and great grandchildren want to swim, let them swim please.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 6:11 EST

  
  

• Sean's mom

  My son had swimming lessons in a school pool, this was open to the community which was wonderful for my family. All families should continue to have the opportunity to learn how to swim.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 6:42 EST

  
  

• Dillon

  I would like to have a school in m high school so I can benefit from good exercise and a skill that will save my life. Please keep these pools open.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 6:51 EST

  
  

• jomarsh

  Both my kids have used the school pool for swimming lessons, and I hate to see that opportunity be lost. Everyone should learn how to swim.
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 8:09 EST

  
  

• peachykeen

  At first I didn't realize what an impact closing the pools down would mean for our communities. Please don't let the TDSB close the pools. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 8:26 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  Part of this makes me sad...the prospect of nine neighbourhoods losing their pools, but a big part, the way that people are starting to pull together to save them is great!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 9:32 EST

  
  

• J.F

  Earl Grey Middle School needs to keep their pool! The reason we have our pool is because our back field was too small. They put a pool in E.G because we NEEDED it, for kids to get physical activity. We need our pool and so do other schools! Make sure you vote everyday, this is important! We need to save all the pools, not just E.G! Save the pools!
  d�cembre 13, 2009 @ 10:22 EST

  
  

• Plum Bob

  Great work to everyone voting for this very worthy cause! We are narrowly ranked in 24th. spot and we need more support to make it to the judging round. There is just 3 voting days left and we will need at least 2300 votes each day to stay in the running!....GO SOS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 9:35 EST

  
  

• ron

  Swimming is a life skill and should be part of core curriculum for all children.
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 9:57 EST

  
  

• DEEBEE

  Let's save the pools.
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:10 EST

  
  

• nettie

  In a country surrounded by oceans and full of lakes and rivers, it is simply a hazard not to have our citizens of all ages able to swim. It is particularly a travesty where young people are concerned. In the city of Toronto where we have such a huge multi-cultural, immigrant population, there a literally thousands of students who have not had the opportunity to learn how to swim in their native country. The community pools located inside TDSB schools are generally the first opportunity that these young people have to learn how to swim, not to mention the many students born and raised here, who likewise have not had the opportunity due to lack of public facilities as well as for financial reasons. How we can talk about building new pools for athletes visiting the PanAm games at the same time as we are closing valuable community pools is beyond me. We desperately need these pools to stay open. Please support the SOS initiative!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:16 EST

  
  

• fat boy 12

  hi
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:25 EST

  
  

• kaine898

  ACT UP!!!! RIGHT NOW REPPIN MARC 82 ALL DAY EVRERY DAY!!!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:43 EST

  
  

• kaine898

  DONT
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:44 EST

  
  

• mr.Jacues

  hey it adam i wanna swim
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:46 EST

  
  

• mr.Jacues

  yo only winona needs a pool its sick man ONLY WINONA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! uh
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:47 EST

  
  

• datwhiteboy

  yo do it den if ur a man
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:47 EST

  
  

• datwhiteboy

  yo 82 strongest class marc will clap ya
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:48 EST

  
  

• mr.Jacues

  is datwhiteboy henry
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:50 EST

  
  

• mr.Jacues

  we neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed ppppppppooools really bad we had so much fun with pools at winona pppppppppppppppppppppppllllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 10:59 EST

  
  

• redmist

  Where are they going to find olympic swimmers if they close the pools. Does this mean certain areas of the city are not entitled to swim? Where is the equity across the city? Everyone should have the same opportunities!!! Don't close the pools!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 11:21 EST

  
  

• Pras

  Ya don't close the pool, good point redmist
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 12:50 EST

  
  

• Mika

  WINONA NEEDS ITS POOL!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 1:03 EST

  
  

• daz

  Winona pooll rocks Winona should get the money to keep its pool open
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 1:53 EST

  
  

• Dancer

  I REALLY HOPE THIS IDEA WINS!!!!!!!! -Anna H.
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 2:05 EST

  
  

• demand

  There are so many tough realities families are facing these days and in our crowded Canadian cities there are few outlets to break free of the stress...especially for those in poverty...children and youth will seek to relieve stress through the most immediate option available...don't we want them to make healthy choices access to pools in schools gives our kids and the families that are trying to raise them, a chance to give them healthy options.
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 2:08 EST

  
  

• Edwin

  Come on everyone keep voting, only 3 more days left, we need to vote vote vote to keep the pools alive, don't let the others beat us, let's fight for SOS Sink or Swim!!
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 8:56 EST

  
  

• ac

  My kids love swimming, let them continue to develop this life saving skill.
  d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 9:22 EST

  
  

• J.Frasier82

  Ce commentaire a été modéré d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 9:30 EST

  
  

• J.Frasier82

  Ce commentaire a été modéré d�cembre 14, 2009 @ 9:30 EST

  
  

• sesto

  my son wants to see all his friends have a high level of swimming skill. The pool has been a positive benefit to the community. Let's continue this tradition for kids and families in the community.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 12:25 EST

  
  

• mcdennis

  Had my daughters not had the benefit of swimming in their schools, neither would be the competent swimmers they are today. They owe this vital life skill completely to having a pool in their school.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 7:43 EST

  
  

• nik

  Where is this country going? We are sqeezed left right and centre...give the kids a break and keep the pools open! Charge me more on my education taxes but keep them open. Thanks
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:09 EST

  
  

• Fernanda Pis

  Let's stay fit and healthy not to mention safe when we are near the water. Please keep or school pools open, they are a great resource for our students and communities.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 10:11 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  Sometimes moving forward is about taking care of what's there already...that's what this issue is about. Technology has changed, the economy, our communities and even our governing structures have changed, but was hasn't changed is that all people, especially children and youth need positive outlets for their energy. There is something peace-inducing about being in the water...let's expand the opportunities for all to enjoy these pools which are already there.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 10:17 EST

  
  

• tenrikyoojib

  Hi , I am a single dad with limited resources. Hockey, field soccer were sports i found to be very difficult financially to get into. Following a child directed social development : my child wandered into swimming on subsidies. Swimming has provided him confidence in his physical abilities and he has matured to be thinking about being a lifeguard. As much as our TTC is breaking down...we pump millions into the system. These pools have been here before my time or abouts: we must think about the future and how much it will cost in future dollars to put in pools from start up cost. I feel closing down pools is a start of many horrible things to come. I can see the closing of schools because of a hidden agenda to acquire valuable real estate. I dont trust the creation of a real estate arm of the TDSB to rid of presently un utilized real estate. This is my understanding of why the pools are closing...its just the tip of the iceberge.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 11:01 EST

  
  

• sunny

  heres one from acf 2584 south slope bby
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 1:23 EST

  
  

• Matt Lee

  come on we are not giving up right now, keep on voting we are almost there. Pray with me and make this happen....
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 3:58 EST

  
  

• B Wynn

  At 7 pm Tuesday this initiative is #25. 100 votes would make it #20 and 300 would really make a difference. There are many great projects but this one has many repurcussions. It would be a pity to drop out by a few hundred votes.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 7:00 EST

  
  

• a.tp.s@hotma

  Hi from W.I.N.G.S we have voted for you and hope that you will vote for us to help us stay in the TOP 25..I am one of the teen moms in this home and this home has changed my life and got me off the streets and helped me get my high school education and given me a chance to be a good mom to my son. please vote for us and you will be helping many other pregnant teens to stay off the streets and stop doing drugs and becoming a great mother. Marion is a wonderufl woman who has opened up her home and helped us so much she needs this funding in order to grow and help lots of other girls... please help us. our number is acf1791
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 7:04 EST

  
  

• Joan

  I would love for my grandkids to continue swimming. This is a fabulous way to exercise and what a great use of community resources.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 8:42 EST

  
  

• alice chan

  Having a swimming pool in the school is wonderful. Kensington has an amazing pool and what a horrible tragedy it would be to lose it. It is wheelchair accessible and can be used for therapy, let's rally and keep these wonderful resources open.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 8:44 EST

  
  

• ady t-b

  OMG i can't believe it. we have a great pool but we can't use it.Thanx Heidi Wilson 4 putting sooooooooooo much time into this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 8:47 EST

  
  

• Andrew Tan

  Let me keep on swimming please!!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 8:52 EST

  
  

• PoolSupport

  Swim, swim, swim!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 8:57 EST

  
  

• peachykeen

  We are number 25 as of today - and only the top 25 ideas get to go o nto the Finals after Dec 16th. There's one more day left of voting...Please keep voting!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:01 EST

  
  

• Central Tech

  Central Tech pool supporter!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:02 EST

  
  

• Swimmer

  I want to keep learning how to swim, keep my pool open!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:16 EST

  
  

• Winona Wingz

  EVERYONE VOTE TO HELP KEEP WINONA'S POOL OPEN! IT IS AN AMAZING POOL AND IM SURE THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE WOULD HATE TO SEE IT GO TO WASTE LIKE THIS. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE VOTE BEFORE THE DEADLINE!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:27 EST

  
  

• Carl

  I have 2 young sons and want them to learn how to swim in these community pools, let's vote vote vote!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:27 EST

  
  

• italia13

  Love swimming, kids love swimming ... great activity in winter, fall, summer and spring!!!! SWIM SWIM SWIM!!!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:32 EST

  
  

• Judy

  Let the kids keep swimming!! These pools are good for the community too, keep voting!!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:35 EST

  
  

• coconuttree4

  I never agreed with closing of the school pools, keep voting everyone, great job!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:38 EST

  
  

• Dennis

  My fondest memories are learning to swim in my school pool, how sad that the city and the Toronto schools are fighting and can't come up with a way to save them. How sad indeed.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 9:48 EST

  
  

• Mabel

  Keep voting everyone, let my grandkids keep learning this life saving skill!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 10:53 EST

  
  

• jimedelazar

  Let's show everyone how much we care about our kids health! Let's keep these pools open! Please continue voting and spread the word!!!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 10:57 EST

  
  

• smitty

  My votes are for all of you in the top 60.,realizing that not everyone will make the top 25. I am so amazed by all the comments in all of the categories and ideas. Every idea is deserving of support. This has brought so many communities together to support each other's ideas. Let's all vote for each other tomorrow. Thank you to Aviva for creating this opportunity. I know the lasting alliances and friendships between our communities can go on, long after the voting ends. Let us take time to reflect, not only on our effort for our own ideas, but for everyone who has supported our ideas, friends, family, neighbours, etc. Thank you.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 11:02 EST

  
  

• AlumniCT

  Alumni Supporter, let's save these pools.
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 11:10 EST

  
  

• Smiley

  Save my pool, we have to try and save it!
  d�cembre 15, 2009 @ 11:28 EST

  
  

• Valley1013

  I grew up in Toronto, in the east end upper beaches area, I respect the fact that there is tons of support to help in saving the pools in Toronto. I know that as a child in the Toronto school board I looked forward to taking swimming in school and thru my local Parks and Rec. As a child it made my day I looked forward to taking the lessons. I babysat a lot of children in my commutiy whom also loved to take swimming lesson and it made there days they were happy and helped them become some amazing kids and adults!! I know that pools commuities bring together so many people and just leave amazing feeling of accomplishment for those parents and children. I have much repsect to the people who are helping to save the pools in Toronto!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 1:03 EST

  
  

• Devti

  Learning to swim is an essential skill and keeping kids fit and busy make them healthy, happy and they can function properly. We have the pools, keep them open
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 7:04 EST

  
  

• owlhead

  We need the swimming pools at schools, please keep them open.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 9:06 EST

  
  

• Bogdan

  Let's have our childrens healty, they are the future!!!!!!!!!!!!! So please keep them open
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 9:57 EST

  
  

• wow

  These pools are so important in so many ways. They need to be kept open. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to vote!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:05 EST

  
  

• Leslie

  Placing community pools in the schools was and remains a far-sighted means of putting community needs ahead of the needs of government service silos (eg education and recreation). It allows efficient use of the scarcest resource in a dense urban environment, namely space. As more Canadians live in cities the need for this kind of solution will increase. We need the pools.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:15 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  These pools are situated in more than 30 neighbourhoods in Canada's largest city. Keeping them open will have positive effects on millions of people in the coming decade in terms of aquatics, safety, social, physical and emotional well-being.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:24 EST

  
  

• mark

  Ok; it's time to rally the troops. There is just 11hr., 30m. left to judgment hour. We will need to get another 1500 votes to retain our 21st. position....Go SOS Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 12:29 EST

  
  

• none

  Can the skills learned in swimming not be used in developing curriculum to support the use of the pools in schools? In the meantime vote like crazy.....keep the pools afloat!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 1:21 EST

  
  

• Pwith3

  Can't find the words to express how vital it is to keep these pools open. Learning to swim is a life skill ... one that everybody has the right to. These pools need to stay open for our kids, our neighbours, our parents, our grandparents, ourselves ... our community.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 1:54 EST

  
  

• Admin at RN

  Please see how many signatures we have gathered from community members who are against the closing of the pools. These signatures were collected at Kensington Community School on College St. and are a testament to how much this pool is loved. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45670011@N06/
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 3:19 EST

  
  

• B Wynn

  Get the kids going here--using Twitter and Facebook, let's make a final push to stay "above water". GO
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 4:14 EST

  
  

• Winona Wings

  SAVE WINONA'S POOL!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 5:30 EST

  
  

• SSB

  This is crazy! Save the pools! The infrastructure is already there, just maintain it!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 5:54 EST

  
  

• kitty

  It's time to all pull together and get as many votes as possible right up till midnight. Send the message to everyone on your email list.....SOS needs all of your votes; the future of the TDSB swim programs is teetering in the balance!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 6:37 EST

  
  

• jim

  Win or lose. Congrats to all those who entered this contest. I hope it has been a good experience for you and all your supporters. Whatever the outcome, don't stop believing, go after what you dream and others will follow! Good luck, best wishes and MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 6:53 EST

  
  

• alice chan

  Please let my kids continue to learn how to swim, this is a fabulous form of exercise and the most important fact is that it is a life saving skill.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 7:46 EST

  
  

• pav

  WINONA'S POOL IS AWESOME, DON'T LET THE FLAME DIE OUT as in don't let them close the pool
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:00 EST

  
  

• photog

  Okay people we have to push now! Only 3 1/2 hours to go and we are at #26 and that will not make it. Call, email, text everyone you know to vote online and get us into the Top 25. These pools are important so let's make this big push.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:16 EST

  
  

• J.F

  SAVE THE POOLSSSS!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:16 EST

  
  

• swim'nuphill

  Sink or Swim it's up to you? Just 3 1/2hr. left; everyone must vote...NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:30 EST

  
  

• hahahahaha

  earl grey had a pool because our backfield is smaller than most schools cutting out the pool cuts out our compensation for our small back field
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:38 EST

  
  

• JustinPeters

  I just hope these ideas take the population of Cities into account. While I very much appreciate the desire to keep Toronto's School Board pools open, there are many communities in Canada with much higher rates of unemployment and frankly, higher need. It's a shame that all of the ideas can't be winners. Watching this campaign has been both enlightening and slightly depressing - to see the number of good ideas that need funding to keep communities vibrant. However, this just seems to throw good money after bad. What happens when this money is gone? Does this proposal put Toronto's school board pools on any firmer long-term funding?
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:41 EST

  
  

• photog

  No Justin, it probably does not-- but it might help. And getting into the top 25 would be a boost to all these great people that are trying to save these pools. So Justin, give us your vote and come have a great swim at the Winona Pool someday.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 8:51 EST

  
  

• Jane Veit

  Sorry I haven't been checking my email lately but managed to cast anotehr vote. Hope all the efforts of LMW pay off. You guys have done a tremendous job!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:07 EST

  
  

• Shelley McKa

  Actually Justin, in response to your question, if the pools do receive this funding, the province of Ontario will fund the pools for an additional 7 years. Yes, so this funding will support these pools for 8 years -- in which time many of these pools, which are unknown in their communities, will be more visible and gives organizers time to garner permits from community groups. So yes, this is a great cause and one in which many, many Torontonians will enjoy and benefit for years to come.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:31 EST

  
  

• MarcoABR

  we are less than 25 votes from qualifying!!!! O come on people vote!! =)
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:32 EST

  
  

• intheswim

  Yes Justin, winning this competition would contribute to stabilising the funding for these pools ... and allow them to be hubs for their respective neighbourhoods. And Toronto's population base is a challenge more than an advantage. This is a very diverse, fragmented population and this issue is one of the few that has pulled people together more than apart. Again, winning will make a huge difference and not just for the pools.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:40 EST

  
  

• lovechlorine

  Amazing. Haven't seen grownups get so excited in a long time! Maybe now with these pools opened they will have a chance to jump in the water and cool off!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:54 EST

  
  

• Rebecca

  Just keep swimming!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:57 EST

  
  

• Nicky

  Thanks for submitting this idea! I wish I had seen your idea earlier so I could have voted more! I think it's ridiculous TDSB pools have been fighting for funding each year! This is such a vital public service for our communities to 'drown'-proof our kids, not to mention keep everyone having fun and staying fit! I LOVE Toronto public pools!!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 10:59 EST

  
  

• alexjkt

  Why does the government fail to realize that swimming is a life skill. It is a public safety issue!
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:05 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  Water safety is not a frill. These pools allow organizations such as the Lifesaving Society and the Y to bring their instructional programs to a broader population. Community pools are the most effective means of ensuring this vital skill training happens.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:25 EST

  
  

• poolsrule

  What a testament to the importance of pools. Thanks to everyone who has supported all our community pools in toronto. Thank goodness for companies like Aviva who appreciate communities can work together to make a difference. So many wonderful ideas have come together here. My vote goes to pools becasue for our family, swimming isn't optional. It's a fundamental life skill. Aviva take a bow. You really connected with Canadians and stirred community passion for pools.
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:26 EST

  
  

• leadswimmer

  Keep the pools open if you care about kids health and well being. We need way more active children
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:34 EST

  
  

• Bobdabuilder

  Well, I voted twice. Hope we actually get this thing
  d�cembre 16, 2009 @ 11:41 EST

  
  

• Shelley McKa

  Fabulous!!!! We are in the top 25! Thanks to all who've supported this idea!
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 12:00 EST

  
  

• Steve

  Congrats!
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 12:06 EST

  
  

• G Douglas

  Picked up on this just yesterday. You have my two votes. (and more if deadline is extended). Go Douglas S. Go. Auntie G here for you.
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 12:54 EST

  
  

• chucha

  These pools do service many communities with high need for them. Many kids in these smaller communities in the city of Toronto would never see a pool if it wasn't available to them at their school. Although there might be other communities out there with higher needs, I'm not sure there was any other out there affecting thousands upon thousands of people. Just because it's in Toronto should not be a reason to support other ideas instead. These smaller communities around the city deserve your support just like any other. It was exciting seeing this big push happening in real time yesterday. You all did a fantastic job!! Congratulations.
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 10:45 EST

  
  

• bahindmarsh

  Let's utilize the resources we have ... the whole community will benefit from keeping the pools open.
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 11:28 EST

  
  

• IslandRed

  Congratulations on making the top 25. Your supporters are to be commended. Best of Luck from Camp Triumph in the judging round.
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 11:35 EST

  
  

• TylerJohnson

  CONGRATS! Heidi, you have been an amazing, amazing asset to the parents and community members who are concerned about our pools. Your leadership and commitment to submitting this proposal, getting everyone to vote everyday, and taking time out of your busy schedule to go to individual school meetings will not be forgotten. All the best as this goes through the panel of judges. You have definitely made waves.
  d�cembre 17, 2009 @ 6:08 EST

  
  

• aquamum

  There have been so many remarkable leaders to come out of this campaign. They have got out the word about the pools....and the vote in their respective neighbourhoods. What I hope that will come out of this effort, on top of funding is more durable and resourceful neighbourhood and sustainable opportunities for everyone in this City to enjoy our public facilities.
  d�cembre 18, 2009 @ 2:36 EST

  
  

• Heidi Wilson

  TO THE JUDGES: As the sponsor of the idea, I'd like to let the judges know that we have a clear outline for how to use these funds if awarded, to ensure the pools are sustainable in the long-term. I was not able to provide this added detail in the time allowed by Aviva, as I was attending the funeral of an immediate family member. If SOS is a serious contender, we would be pleased to add this detail. Happy Holidays everyone.
  d�cembre 23, 2009 @ 7:37 EST

  
  

• omm

  anything that is good for the mind body and soul i support, especially if it's for children.
  d�cembre 27, 2009 @ 1:19 EST