Backyard pools making a splash with London homeowners
While the COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in lumber prices and home renovations, it also saw upgrades to the backyards of homeowners – namely, in the form of swimming pools.
According to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), swimming pools were the most popular home improvement option for Ontarians in 2021.
An analysis of Ontario home building permits revealed that there were a total of 9,059 swimming pool permits in 2021, which was an increase of 33 per cent over the previous year. Between 2019 and 2020, there was an increase of 53 per cent.
“The pandemic likely continued to put a focus on the home,” said Carmelo Lipsi, MPAC vice president and chief operating officer. “Whether it’s because people were staying close to home due to restrictions, or were uncertain about future travel, many property owners invested in a pool as part of creating a backyard oasis to enjoy with family or friends.”
So where did the City of London rank?
Out of 10 municipalities, London ranked fifth in the list of Ontario cities with the most swimming pool permits.
In 2021, there were a total of 286 swimming pool building permits issued in London.
For the second-straight year, Ottawa was Ontario’s swimming pool capital, with 1,372 pool permits issued in 2021, a jump of 47 per cent.
Rounding out the top three was Hamilton and Oakville, with 566 and 315 permits issued respectively.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.