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 22 ^nd at Petticoat Creek Conservation Area.

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’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.