Photos by David Barnsley

A luncheon meeting provided members an overview of important issues concerning the industry.

City bylaws and their impact on the local pool industry topped the agenda at a recent meeting of the Toronto chapter of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada.

Over 70 people packed a North Toronto hotel ballroom to learn the new requirements necessary in order to discharge swimming pool water into Toronto storm sewers. The session, led by David Huxtable of Mursatt Chemcials Ltd., explained how pool professionals could achieve the mandated levels of water quality. Those in attendance were given a certification card to prove they have been trained on bylaw compliance. So far over 200 service technicians in Toronto have been certified.

A chapter luncheon meeting followed, which included a discussion on several key issues affecting the pool industry, such as Toronto's four-sided fencing bylaw, which came into effect in 2008.

Rob Wood, executive director of the council, also discussed plans to develop Canadian guidelines for the prevention of suction entrapment mandated in the U.S. by the Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act.

Catherine Duclos, the council’s new program development co-ordinator, was introduced to the membership.

Wood also announced the council has joined forces with Kenilworth Media, publishers of Pool & Spa Marketing to provide the Canadian industry with a single national awards competition. The event will be open to all council members with the awards handed out at an evening gala during the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo.

Members were also introduced to Catherine Duclos, the council's new bilingual program development co-ordinator. She will help run the national office and liaise with members.