One of Ontario's largest outdoor swimming pools gets multi-million dollar makeover

- Recreational Infrastructure Canada in Ontario and Ontario Recreation
    Programs to fund aquatic entertainment facility -TORONTO, July 22 /CNW/ - Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) today
announced that through funding from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada
(RInC) in Ontario and Ontario Recreation (REC) Programs a multi-million dollar
redevelopment plan for one of Ontario's largest outdoor swimming pools,
located at Petticoat Creek Conservation Area in the City of Pickering, will
soon be underway with construction to start in the fall of 2009 with plans for
completion for the 2010 swimming season. The redevelopment project will
provide recreational opportunities for active living and continue to provide
employment opportunities for residents in the Greater Toronto Area. The
project was approved for funding at a cost of $3,000,000. Two-thirds of the
cost will be covered by the federal and provincial governments. Details about
the project will be announced at an event on Wednesday, July 22nd at Petticoat
Creek Conservation Area.
    "Every year more than 90,000 visitors come to visit Petticoat Creek
Conservation Area and we expect this number to grow as more families look for
an affordable and quick getaway," said Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair, Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority. "Thanks to the funding from the federal and
provincial programs we will be able to turn this popular summer destination
into a world-class aquatic entertainment facility for everyone to enjoy for
many years."
    "I am extremely pleased to see this investment in the Petticoat Creek
facility. I have very fond memories of bringing my own children there on the
banks of Lake Ontario, to enjoy long days in the sun," stated Dr. Colin
Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa and Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Health. "With this new commitment from the Federal and Provincial
governments, families from Toronto, Durham region and surrounding areas will
continue to benefit from this beautiful summer refuge and create lasting
memories for generations to come."
    The new facility will include an aquatic playground consisting of
interactive elements such as sprayers, buckets, cannons, ladders, stairs and
sunning decks with cooling misting tubes for observers. The new swimming pool
will provide an interactive swimming experience for more than 900 patrons at
one time and accommodate swimmers of all skill levels. Both the play facility
and the pool will use green technologies including energy efficient components
and water conservation techniques. The project also covers the demolition of
the existing pool, plumbing and mechanical infrastructure, re-grading and
earth work, new deck, and renovations to washrooms and other facilities
including landscaping and snack bar.
    "Petticoat Creek Conservation Area is a unique treasure for families in
Durham and eastern Toronto. It features spectacular views of the bluffs and is
home to one of Ontario's largest outdoor supervised swimming pool at 1.25
acres" said Wayne Arthurs, MPP, Pickering-Scarborough East. "The $1,000,000
infrastructure initiative by the Province, along with matching amounts from
the Federal government will ensure that Petticoat Creek Conservation Area will
remain an oasis for families for years to come".
    Petticoat Creek Conservation Area's pool was constructed in 1974 as a
component of the TRCA Waterfront Plan. Petticoat Creek Conservation Area
consists of 70 hectares of land located at the mouth of Petticoat Creek on the
north shore of Lake Ontario. The conservation area boasts forests, meadows and
fields with picnic areas. The Waterfront Trail running through Petticoat is
part of the 730km Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail extending from
Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Ontario-Quebec border on the St. Lawrence.Event: Petticoat Creek Conservation Area funding announcement
    Date: Wednesday, July 22 2009 1 p.m.
    Location: Pool, Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, 1100 Whites Rd,
    1km south of Hwy 401
    Attendance: Joe Dickson MPP Ajax-Pickering, Dave Ryan, Mayor City of
    Pickering, Regional Councillors Bonnie Littley and Bill McLean;
    Jennifer O'Connell, City Councillor, Ward 1; Doug Dickerson,
    City Councillor, Ward 2 and Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair, TRCAToronto and Region Conservation

    With over 50 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA)
helps people understand, enjoy and look-after the natural environment. Our
vision is for The Living City(R), where human settlement can flourish forever
as part of nature's beauty and diversity. For more information, call
416-661-6600 or visit us at www.trca.on.ca

For further information: Rowena Calpito, Supervisor, Media Management,
Toronto and Region Conservation, Tel: [phone] ext 5632, Mobile: (416)
358-3446, E-mail: [e-mail]