We can read about this in a letter to the mayor and local councils, a copy of which was obtained by Radio-Canada (see below). The closure of half of the municipal water infrastructure will have an impact on the health and quality of life of the population of Trois-Rivières, especially among the most disadvantaged
.
A committee of four elected officials recently recommended that the city council close five public swimming pools. instead of renovating them. These are the pools or basins of the Jean-Perron, Anjou, Chenaux, Ormeaux and Jean-Béliveau parks.
” Aware of the difficult budgetary context, the DSPRP MCQ believes that the health, well-being and quality of life of the people of Trois-Rivières are priorities and should be taken into account when the authorities decide. »
The Department of Public Health and Responsibility of the Population of Mauricie and Center-du-Québec (DSPRP MCQ) claims to have been consulted by the city on the subject last spring, but considers it necessary to reiterate the importance of swimming pools. .
Access to public swimming pools represents a health prevention factor and contributes to a quality living environment
writes dr. godi
The regional director of public health is urging the city not only to keep all swimming pools open, but to ensure they are Attractiveness, physical and financial accessibility and security of its facilities
.
In March 2022, the committee called Animating and Supporting the Community assessed this only 15% of the residents of Trois-Rivières used one of the ten public swimming pools of the territory. But the health department wonders if the committee was careful to consult the most vulnerable populations before making its recommendation.
impact on disadvantaged people
Disadvantaged people are likely to be hardest hit by the closure of half of the municipal water infrastructure, estimates the state health department.
One of the benefits of affordable public pools, according to the DSPRP MCQis the promotion ofequitable access for underprivileged populations to financially and geographically accessible leisure activities that make it possible to limit social and health inequalities
we can read in the letter.
In the most deprived neighborhoods and under the impact of heat islands, bodies of water are often one of the only ways to cool off.
also points to Dr. Marie-Josée Godi.
Counteract the effects of heat waves
The regional health agency is also concerned about the impact closing swimming pools would have on Trois-Rivières residents during the heatwaves related to climate change, […] becomes more frequent and intense
emphasizes the DSPRP MCQ.
Access to swimming and paddling pools is one of the means that facilitates population adaptation to intense heat waves, especially for certain vulnerable populations.
can we read
The city of Trois-Rivières’ budget was due to be presented in December, but the municipal council could approve the three-year capital plan (PTI) as early as November.
The mayor’s cabinet replied in writing that they noticed the letter
and that you will be part of one of the discussion points
during the debate on the adoption of the budget.
A welcome intervention
This regional public health intervention pleases the Mauritian Center for Organization of Services and Popular Education (COMSEP). The organization works to maintain swimming pools in disadvantaged areas.
[Les gens plus démunis] don’t have a swimming pool in their backyard, no air conditioning
explains the overall coordinator.
” I know they can cut anywhere other than deprived neighborhoods. The pools that cater to children who have almost nothing in life, I find that it’s… I’ll say the word… inhumane. »
Sylvie Tardif recalls being a local councilor from 2003 to 2013 and that she believes elected officials can make different decisions.
Excerpts from the letter
[…] That DSPRP MCQ reiterates its position, already expressed during the March 2022 consultation, that the closure of half of the municipal water infrastructure will have an impact on the health and quality of life of the population of Trois-Rivières, especially among the most disadvantaged. With this notice, the DSPRP MCQ would like to commemorate the health, well-being, equity and quality of life benefits associated with access to lifelike aquatic recreational facilities.
[…]
Access to public swimming pools is a preventive health factor and contributes to a quality living environment by promoting:
- adopting or maintaining healthy lifestyle habits through regular physical activity;
- Reducing drowning by learning the minimum skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water (Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim to Survive standard);
- equitable access for underprivileged populations to financially and geographically accessible leisure activities that make it possible to limit social and health inequalities;
- Access to refreshment spots, especially during heat waves. In the most deprived neighborhoods and the effects of heat islands, bodies of water are often the only way to cool off.
[…]
recommendation
The Department of Public Health and Population Responsibility of Mauricie and Center-du-Québec recommends that the City of Trois-Rivières maintain a comprehensive range of swimming and paddling pools on its territory, assessing the attractiveness, physical and financial accessibility and safety of their Facilities guaranteed.
According to the city, 15% of the population has visited one of the city’s outdoor pools in the last three years and proximity is not an issue for citizens. On this issue, how has the city of Trois-Rivières made sure that it captures the needs and opinions of the most socially and materially disadvantaged sections of the population?
This type of infrastructure is an integral part of a healthy living environment that makes healthy choices easier and more accessible. Aware of the difficult budgetary context, the DSPRP MCQ believes that the health, well-being and quality of life of the people of Trois-Rivières are priorities and should be taken into account when the authorities decide
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