Photo courtesy © Toronto and Region Conservation

One of Ontario's largest outdoor pools is set for a $3-million redevelopment, which will begin this fall and completed in time for the 2010 swimming season.

The 35-year-old, 0.5-hectare (1.25-acre) outdoor pool, located at the Petticoat Creek Conservation Area in Pickering, Ont., will be replaced with a new aquatic facility equipped with sprayers, buckets, cannons, ladders, stairs and sun decks. Misting tubes will also be added to help keep visitors cool.

The new outdoor facility will be able to accommodate more than 900 swimmers at all skill levels, while making use of several green technologies, including energy-efficient equipment and water conservation techniques.

The federal Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program and provincial Ontario Recreation (REC) program will provide two-thirds of the renovation costs. The joint funding will also cover demolition of the existing pool, as well as a new deck, plumbing and mechanical infrastructure, re-grading and earthwork, landscaping and renovations to washrooms and other facilities.

A popular summer destination for more than 90,000 visitors from the Greater Toronto Area, Petticoat Creek comprises 70 hectares (173 acres) of forests, meadows, fields and picnic areas, located on the north shore of Lake Ontario.