Julia Frankling –
More than a decade after opening, the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre – once symbolizing revitalization in Regent Park – is facing persistent maintenance challenges, periodic amenity closures and theft in locker rooms.
These issues have prompted questions about how the City of Toronto maintains public infrastructure amid growing demands.
Public facilities like pools, libraries and community centres remain staples in city life. When they function well, they promote health, inclusion and social connection, especially for residents who lack access to private alternatives.
Public pools are considered essential community spaces, particularly in dense, mixed-income neighbourhoods like Regent Park. Their long-term reliability affects safety, accessibility, and quality of life in surrounding communities.
Opened in 2012, the Pam McConnell Centre, originally known as the Regent Park Aquatic Centre, is a recreational gem in the heart of the inner city.
Architecturally, the centre remains striking, inclusive and accessible with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, angled cedar-striped ceilings, and skylights that flood the space with natural light. Amenities include a 25-metre lap pool, heated leisure pool, water slide, diving board and hot tub.
The facility was renamed in honour of former city councillor and deputy mayor Pam McConnell following her death, recognizing her more than two decades of public service and advocacy for Toronto’s vulnerable residents. McConnell was instrumental in the Regent Park revitalization project and in securing funding for the pool, including Donald Trump’s reported $2 million contribution toward the facility’s approximately $16.6 million construction cost through Section 37 funds.
“Pam was a tough negotiator, let me tell you,” Trump told the Toronto Sun in 2012.
Users say certain features, particularly the hot tub, are occasionally out of service.
In late January, problems with the pool’s water heater led to temporary closure of the hot tub and leisure pool, pushing children’s swim lessons into the main pool, which reduced lane swim space.
According to Simon Larson of the city’s media communications office, the affected features have resumed operation.
“Access to certain areas may be limited based on program hours. The hot tub has previously been impacted by plumbing issues including leaks – these repairs are often lengthy as the plumbing must be accessed from the deck.”
“The diving board was replaced in 2023. While there were no incidents or injuries on the swing rope, in consultation with the Lifesaving Society it was removed during the 2023- 24 season as a safety precaution.”
Regulars find the disruptions frustrating.
“It’s a great facility but any amenity disruption impacts all of us, and I am particularly upset when the communications isn’t up to date on the website. I don’t like making my way there and being surprised by closures,” said pool patron Labrina Stanoulis.
Locker break-ins remain an ongoing issue. Lock hooks on 29 of the centre’s 202 lockers are cut or damaged and need replacement. As a result, many swimmers bring their belongings onto the pool deck rather than risk using lockers.
City staff say locker replacement is a priority and will be addressed. Installing security cameras in changerooms and pool decks isn’t an option for privacy reasons.
Concerns about theft are not unique to Regent Park. Weeks ago, Laura Ricci had her locker broken into while swimming with her family at another city pool. Her lock was cut along with several others, and her wallet, cellphone and clothes were stolen. While she was able to get her family home safely, she now brings everything on the pool deck.
High Park resident Penny Francis said “The facility is wonderful but I don’t use the lockers; I bring my bag onto the deck. I found cockroaches, and there are signs cautioning of theft.” City officials say security concerns are monitored regularly. “Staff routinely assess incident patterns and operational needs, and additional security measures are put in place, as required.”
Stanoulis says “I feel scared that anyone can take my gear off the deck, and am constantly looking over to make sure it is still there. I would like to see security measures to deter thefts, like staff at the doors monitoring anyone entering and exiting the change rooms.” Urban planners and infrastructure experts say that challenges like these are common in large cities. While municipalities have invested in new buildings, maintaining them overtime has proven difficult.
Research from the University of Toronto’s School of Cities study Canada’s Urban Infrastructure Deficit: Toward democracy and equitable prosperity, shows Toronto continues to rank as one of the most livable cities in the world. However, the city’s infrastructure scores are worse than international peers. Municipal pool operations are largely funded by property taxes and user fees.
“The main concern is the length of time it takes for the repairs to be completed. Sometimes it’s taken years which doesn’t make sense.” Stanoulis says.
