The pool at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., is set to close in a few months and the news has caused a massive uproar.
According to a statement on the University’s website, the closure is due to years of challenges from maintaining the facility, creating an annual deficit of $400,000.
The pool is leaking and the mechanical systems including the HVAC and filtration system have “reached the end of their life”.
The estimated cost to fix it, is about $3 million.
It is the only pool in town.
Dr. Jeff Hennessy, president and vice-chancellor says, he knows how many people will be deeply impacted.
“We know how much the pool means to our university and local community, and making this decision has been incredibly difficult.”
Swimming program discontinued
The university has had the pool for 60 years, serving the Acadia Varsity Swimming Program, Wolfville Tritons program and the entire community.
The swim team is set for the AUS Championship this spring and according to Acadia, are “strong contenders”.
The University says they will support the team until the end of the season, “so long as water quality and safety be maintained.”
However, that’s when they will pull the plug and discontinue the swimming program.
Fighting back
Swim Nova Scotia was surprised at the news and is now doing it what it can to preserve the pool, starting with a petition that already has thousands of signatures.
The organization is a governing body for the more than 50 swim clubs in the province with over 2,500 members.
Executive Director Bette El-Hawary tells our newsroom, losing the facility is a “huge loss” and will affect hundreds of people who will lose not only programs and activities, but rehab opportunities as well.
“It’s definitely not just a university matter. It’s going to have a significant loss to the community. It’s going to affect public health, safety and the well-being of the general population in those communities for the years to come.”
El-Hawary says many facilities are aging and due diligence should be made to prevent something like this from happening.
Now that is has, she says, the impact will be very widespread.
“Swim Nova Scotia, along with swimmers, parents, and community members, is actively advocating for the preservation of this critical facility by working with Acadia University, the Town of Wolfville, the Municipality of Kings County, and local MLAs.”
El-Hawary says they have also heard from Swimming Canada and other provincial offices and if they need to, will explore other funding opportunities.
Meantime, the Wolfville Titans Swim Club are also calling for action.
“Many of our members have been hard at work expressing to many of the big names in our community. If swimming means anything to you, even if you aren’t in the Annapolis Valley, we encourage you to make your voices heard and describe what losing a pool would mean to you.”
Filling the void
Dr. Hennessy says they recognize the pools significance and are looking for ways to compensate for the loss.
“While this decision is necessary, we are dedicated to advocating for community resources to fill this void.”
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