Improvements Wanted for Toronto Pool News, Sports, Jobs

POOL DISCUSSED – Toronto council learned during Monday night's meeting that the city's pool needs repairs. — Warren Scott

TORONTO – With summer still months away, city officials are looking at what will be needed to prepare the Toronto War Memorial Pool for its opening.

Pool manager Terry Cattrell told the council he and his staff were able to spot its aging main pump last summer, but it must be replaced before the new season starts on May 25.

He said the pool and its splash pad attracted many families, including out-of-town patrons.

Pending favorable weather, Cattrell said he hopes to repaint the pool by that date, but at least it will be patched and covered, and he also plans to sand and powder coat the diving boards.

He suggested a new ramp for the disabled at the pool, saying the current one is in a high traffic area. Cattrell also asked the council to consider raising lifeguards and other summer aid to be more competitive with other area pools.

He noted that applications for summer positions will be available at Toronto High School.

Catrell said he and employee Pete Gulczynski repaired the pool's filters themselves.

He urged council members to visit the pool soon to learn about the measures he and his staff have taken to save the city money.

City Services Director Linda Berkey confirmed that the work by Cattrell and Gulczynski represents significant savings for the city, while noting that an independent contractor plans to replace the pump in early to mid-May.

The pool house's leaky roof also needs to be replaced, according to Michael Berkey, chairman of the city's finance committee. He said applications could be sought at the same time for a handicap accessible ramp.

Berkey said the number of summer employees was cut last year to accommodate higher wages for those hired, but raises could be considered again.

He and other council members applauded Catrell for his efforts.

In other businesses, advice:

• Requests were made for $9,000 each from Sunrise Seniors and the Toronto Seniors Club for events at the Caraffa Recreation Center and other locations; and a group of volunteers responsible for flowers and other decorative elements at the city's north and south entrances, $2,000 from the Toronto Beautification Committee, Gazebo Commons and other areas.

• An item was established for insurance and surety bonds for the Knoxville fire station, its vehicles and drivers, valued at $10,000.

Due to manpower shortages, the former Knoxville Volunteer Fire Department merged with the city fire department last year.

• A resolution was passed expressing condolences to the family of Bill Wickham, a former city electrician who died on January 26 at the age of 72.

Council president Frank McEwen noted that Wickham had worked for the city for about 15 years in the 1980s and '90s and had often lent his skills to it since then.

“He would do anything for anyone. He's really missed.” said McEwen, who noted that Wickham worked for Weirton Steel Corp. and assisted with Starr's towing operations.

Mayor John Parker said: “He was a happy guy who was always in a good mood.”

• It was announced that its next meeting will be held on February 26 at 19:00 in the municipality building.

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