April 16, 2009

Community Development and Recreation Committee

Deputation by: Dr. Livia Hunter

Regarding: Continued operation and maintenance of TDSB pools

Good morning ladies and gentlemen and fellow pool supporters. Thank-you for
giving me and all of us an opportunity to make waves today!

My story begins with a passion for swimming, an appreciation of the athletic,

health and safety benefits of swimming – but most recently this past year I have re-
activated my lifeguarding roots to save our pools, through my participation in Lets Make
Waves and the Aquatic Working Group (AWG) under the leadership of David Crombie.

I am a healthcare professional and would like to speak to the healthy and active
living contribution of our pools and for you business-minded individuals I will mention
the cost savings to maintaining our aquatic assets. Almost 30% of our children are
overweight or obese. Obesity costs us $1.6 billion dollars per year in Ontario. Obesity is
directly related to the development of Diabetes and heart disease, the treatment of which
is very costly. Death due to Congestive Heart failure is growing exponentially. Yet
physical activity and healthy weight is reported to prevent 80% of coronary heart disease
– a cost savings; 90% of Type 2 Diabetes – a cost savings; 30-40% of all cancers and halt
the progression of osteoporosis – cost savings, cost savings. Those statistics reflected the
general population but in seniors these numbers are amplified. More than half of all
seniors are inactive and overweight.

So whose responsibility is it to maintain and sustain an existing community asset

that promotes healthy living, our TDSB pools, our primary aquatic facilities in metro
Toronto, that will not only save us healthcare dollars, but literally save our lives?

The TDSB decided to close pools based on faulty assumptions and operating costs
of 5.8 million dollars annually; the AWG has demonstrated that only 3.4 million are
actually needed. So today I ask the City of Toronto to share the load and accept
responsibility. Please join the TDSB and help to save the lives of our Toronto residents.

Thank you.

Livia Hunter, Ph.D, M.B.A.

Healthcare Management Consultant
Cardiovascular disease specialist
416-509-0766
liviahunter@rogers.com