Last Updated - June 24, 2025
Update (June 24, 2025):
On June 18, 2025, the TDSB Board of Trustees received a report outlining the next steps to achieve sustainable operations of TDSB pools. TDSB’s goal is to secure sustainable, long-term community use of the pools through agreements that achieve full cost recovery, while potentially securing additional funding to establish a capital reserve fund to improve the state of the facilities on a case-by-case basis. Given the level of interest expressed by private operators, TLC believes there is a feasible path to establishing new agreements and maximizing revenue.
Recognizing that market rates for each available pool may vary based on location and condition, TLC will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) in Summer 2025 to identify one or more licensed operators for available TDSB swimming pools. TLC will report back to the TDSB in Fall 2025 with the RFP results and a recommended model for pool licensing aimed at achieving, at a minimum, full cost recovery for pool operations, to execute new agreements by January 1, 2026.
Original Post (May 14, 2025):
On April 30, 2025, the Finance, Budget, and Enrollment Committee (FBEC) of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) reviewed staff recommendations concerning the future of the 66 swimming pools owned and operated by the Board. The TDSB recognized the challenges of maintaining its pools under the current model. These challenges include the lack of provincial funding for pool facilities, the high costs of renewing aging pools, and ensuring equitable access to programming.
On May 21, the full Board of Trustees will consider a recommendation adopted by the FBEC. This recommendation requests that the CEO of the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) explore innovative opportunities to achieve cost recovery for as many pools as possible through agreements with third parties. This will apply to any pool locations not required under any agreement with the City of Toronto by May 31.
In anticipation of this formal request from the Board, TLC has started gathering information from current and potential pool operators interested in future leasing agreements for TDSB pools. Operators can submit their information through this page. TLC will reach out to those who submit information should the TDSB direct further action.