Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the City of Toronto's decision to temporarily close some outdoor pools amid scorching temperatures, calling it a 'poor excuse.' The city cited provincial requirements around staff health and safety due to extreme humidex levels exceeding 45 C, stating lifeguards needed to cool down. Ford argued that labor rules for asphalt workers shouldn't apply to lifeguards who can jump in pools, and that the city has ample financial support. He plans to discuss the matter with Mayor Olivia Chow.
‘Poor excuse’: Doug Ford says Toronto’s pools should be open
Toronto City Hall
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the City of Toronto's decision to temporarily close some outdoor pools amid scorching temperatures, calling it a 'poor excuse.' The city cited provincial requirements around staff health and safety due to extreme humidex levels exceeding 45 C, stating lifeguards needed to cool down. Ford argued that labor rules for asphalt workers shouldn't apply to lifeguards who can jump in pools, and that the city has ample financial support. He plans to discuss the matter with Mayor Olivia Chow.
Trending- 1 City of Toronto confirmed temporary closure of some outdoor pools on Sunday night
- 2 City stated intermittent closures were due to extreme humidex levels exceeding 45 C and provincial requirements for staff health and safety
- 3 Julia Oosterman confirmed staff remain on site to re-open pools
- 4 Doug Ford gave an interview to Newstalk 1010 on Monday, calling the closures a 'poor excuse'
- 5 Ford stated he is not blaming Mayor Olivia Chow
- 6 Ford clarified no Ministry of Labor inspector ordered closures
- 7 Ford noted provincial regulations dictate lifeguard ratios, but questioned if city has sufficient staff for breaks
- 8 Ford mentioned province has given Toronto deep financial assistance
- 9 Ford plans to reach out to Mayor Chow by phone
- 10 City has extended hours at some pools to help with heat
- Public inconvenience during a heatwave
- Political disagreement between provincial and municipal leaders
- Potential for extended pool hours at some city pools
What: Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticizes the City of Toronto for closing some outdoor pools during a heatwave, despite the city citing provincial health and safety requirements for staff due to extreme humidex levels.
When: Sunday night (City confirmed closures), Monday (Ford's interview), June 23, 2025 (Published date).
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Why: The City of Toronto closed pools due to provincial requirements for staff health and safety amid extreme humidex levels (45+ C) to allow lifeguards to cool down. Doug Ford believes this is a 'poor excuse' and that pools should remain open, questioning the application of labor laws and the city's resource management.
How: The City of Toronto implemented intermittent closures of outdoor pools. Doug Ford voiced his criticism in an interview with Newstalk 1010 and plans to contact Mayor Olivia Chow to discuss the matter.