2 little birds may delay opening of Acadia University’s new nursing building

Construction of a new nursing building at Acadia University has been delayed due to two chimney swifts that have taken up residence in the University Club on Westwood Avenue in Wolfville, N.S. The University Club was set to be demolished in January to make way for the new facility, with construction originally planned to begin last month. However, the presence of the chimney swifts, a species at risk, has put a halt to the demolition process.

Last summer, Birds Canada identified the chimney swifts nesting in one of the University Club’s chimneys, triggering a need for a permit to destroy the chimney as part of the demolition. After a 90-day review period, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued the necessary permit. The chimney has since been capped, and the demolition of the building is now scheduled for mid-June. Consequently, construction of the new nursing building is expected to commence in September.

The delays caused by the presence of the chimney swifts may impact the opening of the new building, which was originally slated for fall 2026. The province has allocated $13.9 million towards the construction of the facility, which will feature a dry lab, clinic teaching spaces, and simulation rooms.

Acadia University’s nursing program, which began with 21 students in September 2023 and grew to 63 students in the 2024-25 academic year, is anticipating another cohort of 63 students to start this fall. The university is committed to providing a state-of-the-art facility for its expanding nursing program.

Aside from the University Club, chimney swifts also inhabit the chimney at University Hall on campus. As part of the permit issued by ECCC, the site at University Hall must be monitored for three years. Samuel Jean, Acadia’s conservation and education technician, will oversee the monitoring and conservation efforts at this location.

Monitoring of the chimney at University Hall will take place during the spring, summer, and autumn months to track the swifts’ activity. The highest number of swifts recorded at the site was 810 in 2021, making it a significant roosting spot for the species.

Chimney swifts are known for their unique behavior of circling before entering their roosting sites. Jean describes the phenomenon as impressive and a delight to witness. These birds require vertical surfaces to roost, such as hollow trees, chimneys, wells, and barns.

Jean expresses his appreciation for monitoring the chimney swifts on campus, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and coexisting with other species. He believes in finding ways to share the land with all creatures and protect the environment for future generations.

Overall, the presence of the chimney swifts has caused delays in the construction timeline for Acadia University’s new nursing building, but efforts are being made to ensure the well-being of these protected birds while moving forward with the project.