Pool operators could be forced to post their inspection results
Operators of Toronto pools, spas, hot tubs and wading pools in Toronto could soon be required to post on-site inspection notices, letting the public know if any health and safety violations have taken place.
In 2011, the Star revealed that pool operators were racking up multiple infractions for everything from dirty water and malfunctioning equipment to missing safety gear, but those inspection results were not revealed to the public.
The news that swimmers, spa-goers and students were being put at potential risk of disease and injury prompted Councillor John Filion, then chair of the Toronto Board of Health, to call for a prominent display of proof as to whether the facil- ities met city standards.
On April 28, the board will consider a new proposal from the medical officer of health to determine whether the city should draft a bylaw compelling operators of pools, public spas (hot tubs) and wading pools to post a sign or document showing inspection outcomes.
Board of Health to consider urging city bylaw compelling public disclosure of health and safety conditions
The medical officer will report, with the city solicitor, on the content of the proposed bylaw.
If the board votes to proceed, the proposal will then be considered by city council on May 6. Council will make the final decision. The proposed bylaw would apply to more than 1,600 facilities.
Filion, who promised a crackdown on dirty pools following the Star story, said there is “no reason for that information not to be public.”
“Consumers, or just people trying to protect their own health in particular, should have all the information on what public authorities have found when they did an inspection,” Filion said in response to the proposed bylaw.
In addition to pushing for increased transparency and pool safety, the medical officer is also calling for inspection results related to food safety to be posted at up to 2,000 “institutional food establishments” operating in the city, including nursing homes, retirement homes and daycare centres.
The facilities serve food but do not require a municipal licence to do so and are exempt from Toronto’s Dine-Safe program, which requires restaurants to post a coloured card that reveals their latest inspection results.
Filion helped introduce the Dine-Safe program in early 2001, after a Star investigation revealed that serious health and safety violations at restaurants were being withheld from the public. That program contributed significantly to compliance with the city’s food safety standards, with more than 90 per cent of restaurants passing inspection in 2013, up from 50 per cent in 2000, according to information provided by the city.
Filion said he expects the recommended bylaw for pools and spas will ensure that standards are being adhered to and will boost public confidence.
“Consumers do pay attention to these types of signs,” said Filion.
The Star obtained public health data detailing 10,000 health and safety violations documented at pools and spas over a two-year period. The data revealed that a number of high-end health clubs, luxury condos and children’s swim schools had repeatedly failed to meet health and safety standards set by the city.