As community interest in saving Wolfville pool rises, university says repair costs have doubled
Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., is facing unexpected challenges with the repair costs of its aging pool. Initially estimated at $3 million to $4 million, the latest inspection revealed that the renovations would actually cost between $5 million to $7 million. This revelation has forced the university to make the difficult decision to permanently close the pool on June 15 and discontinue the varsity swim program starting next season.
President and vice-chancellor Jeff Hennessy explained that the university sought a second inspection from DEI Consulting Engineers after witnessing the community’s reaction to the closure announcement. The engineering firm advised against keeping the pool open due to safety concerns caused by corroding pipes and structural issues within the building. The pool, which is over 60 years old, has been leaking and in need of major repairs such as new tiles, as well as upgrades to its mechanical systems like filtration and HVAC.
Despite the university’s willingness to allocate funds for the renovations, the engineers deemed it irresponsible to continue operating the pool. The decision to close the pool has sparked a response from alumni, members of the Wolfville Tritons swim club, and other community stakeholders. They have sent a letter to Acadia expressing their support for maintaining the swim community’s vitality and growth in the Valley.
Adam Deutsch, an alumnus and former member of the varsity swim team, emphasized the importance of preserving the pool’s legacy and the benefits it brings to the community. He believes that there is enough support from alumni, local government, and Swim Nova Scotia to secure the necessary funding for the repairs.
While the university notified swim team members about the pool closure in a timely manner, some parents and students feel that more transparency and communication could have been provided. Mark Thompson, a parent of a second-year student on the swim team, expressed concerns about the impact of the closure on student-athletes who chose Acadia specifically for its swim program. Some parents have taken further steps by submitting a freedom-of-information request to obtain more information about the university’s financial records.
The closure of Acadia University’s pool signifies the end of an era for the swim community in Wolfville. Despite the challenges ahead, stakeholders are determined to find a solution that will uphold the spirit of swimming and community engagement that the pool has fostered over the years.
