Riverdale Parents sees glimmer of hope

For Immediate Release
Toronto May 22 – Riverdale Parent Council, home to TDSB's newest pool, is applauding the decision of the Toronto District School Board to defer the draining of 23 pools until August.

"It's a show of good faith, and offers all involved a chance to solve the pool funding problem," says Nancy Miller, Vice-Chair of Riverdale Collegiate Parent Council.  "But we should be clear. This issue is a long way from being resolved."   The province is still, so far, rejecting any involvement or responsibility. So is the City of Toronto. "Pool closure's in TDSB schools are not Mayor Miller's responsibility," said Don Wanagus, press secretary to David Miller earlier this week when David Miller was invited to Riverdale Pool for an inner city swim meet

Despite their decision to delay emptying the pools, the TDSB continues to say it does not have the funding to keep the pools open. Parents at Riverdale are glad David Crombie is involved and looking for solutions, but the TDSB should know that parents and students will be watching closely over the next few months.

Rebecca Bell, president of the Girls Athletic Association at Riverdale says "We're relieved that our fantastic pool won't be drained, but students really want this solved once and for all!  Will we have a swim team next year? Will there be competitive swim programs in neighbouring schools? Will we have swim meets at Riverdale next year? Who knows!"

The final swimming event of the school year takes place at Riverdale Collegiate Institute, 1094 Gerrard Street East, on the afternoon of Friday, May 23rd. It's the synchronized swim finals with eight schools competing in what could be the final swim competition EVER, held in the TDSB's premier pool. Riverdale's pool was built 14 years ago and has touch pads, a wheelchair lift, an underwater music and light system and is a training facility for many regional schools and organizations, like the Special Olympics. Riverdale is one of 23 inner city pools scheduled to be closed this year.