Thanks for creating this forum for feedback, I love the idea of open communication! I live in Ward 1 and haven't had much luck communicating with the current councilor.

In regard to number 2, one thing that would really improve Pickering for my family is more practical and reliable public swimming access.

Right now, there are four specific issues that make swimming harder than it should be for families:

1. The Turtle / tot pool hours do not work for toddlers. The Tot Pool at CHD is often scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. For families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, that is right in the middle of lunch and nap time. A morning toddler swim, even a few days a week, would be much more usable.

2. When lane swim is open, the full pool should actually be available. The last time I went to adult lane swim, I was told to share lanes because half the lanes were closed due to not having enough lifeguards. I understand staffing is difficult, but if residents are showing up for scheduled swim times, the City should have enough staff to make that pool time meaningful.

3. Pickering has far less pool access than neighbouring Ajax. Pickering has only two municipal indoor pools, and one is at Dunbarton High School with limited public availability. Ajax, by comparison, offers swimming across four municipal pools, including three indoor pools and one outdoor pool. Ajax is larger, but even proportionally, Pickering residents have less pool access.

4. Swimming lesson scheduling does not match demand. Lessons sell out quickly, but there are still gaps between sessions where more programming could potentially be offered. If demand is this high, the City should be looking at how to use those gaps for extra lessons, waitlist spots, or short intensive sessions.

I'd really love to hear your thoughts on these, I am hoping to see some improvements before my kids grow out of the tot pool!