Public pools could soon have to post inspection notices

Operators of public pools, hot tubs and wading pools could soon be required to post health and safety inspection notices onsite — similar to Toronto’s DineSafe program for restaurants.

At the end of the month, the city’s Board of Health will consider a proposal from medical health officer Dr. David McKeown for a bylaw forcing pool operators to post inspection results.

“There are … a large number of pools where infractions are being identified on a regular basis,” McKeown said in his report.

“Since there is no immediate health hazard requiring a closure, and no ticketing option these establishments continue to operate at a less than satisfactory level … If the operators of facilities were also required to disclose inspection results on site there would be a potential for increased compliance and the public would be better able to make informed decision on what facilities to utilize.”

McKeown said more restaurants have been complying with Toronto Public Health orders since the DineSafe program began. In 2000, only 50 per cent of restaurants passed their inspections; in 2013, the figure was more than 90 per cent.

In 2011, the Toronto Star revealed public pools had been amassing repeat violations for offences like dirty water, broken equipment and missing safety gear.

The bylaw would apply to more than 1,600 facilities, which already undergo inspections.

If approved by the Board of Health at its April 28 meeting, city council will consider the proposal on May 6.

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