‘Shock and disbelief’: Acadia University pulling the plug on its aging pool

Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., has made the difficult decision to permanently close its swimming pool on June 15 due to the ongoing cost of maintaining it. The pool, which has been in operation for 60 years, has been running at a deficit of $400,000 annually, making it financially unsustainable.

According to Acadia’s president and vice-chancellor Jeff Hennessy, the pool has reached the end of its life. It has been plagued with issues such as leaks, water quality problems, and filtration issues. The estimated cost of repairs is around $3 million, which the university deems too costly to justify for a facility that is no longer in good condition.

The decision to close the pool has come as a blow to the university’s varsity swim program. The swim team captain, Ella Collins, expressed shock and sadness upon learning the news. The team, consisting of about 50 students, is facing uncertainty about their future in the program.

Despite the disappointment, Hennessy emphasized that the university’s focus is on supporting the swimmers through this transition period. The university plans to keep the pool operational until the end of the current season, ensuring that water quality and safety standards are maintained.

One of the challenges presented by the pool closure is the impact on the Acadia S.M.I.L.E. program, which provides physical activity for individuals with disabilities. The program has been a valuable resource for the community, and its participants have enjoyed using the pool as part of their activities.

In light of the pool closure, Hennessy has expressed a desire to see a community pool facility replace the current one. He believes that the need for a pool is more of a community necessity than a university requirement. While the closure of the pool has been met with disappointment and frustration from the community, there is hope that a collaborative effort involving the municipality and province could lead to the development of a new facility.

The decision to close the pool has taken many by surprise, including Swim Nova Scotia, whose executive director, Bette El-Hawary, expressed shock at the news. El-Hawary highlighted the impact that the pool closure will have on the community, particularly on organizations like the Wolfville Tritons swim club and the S.M.I.L.E. program.

As Acadia University prepares to bid farewell to its swimming pool, the focus remains on supporting the affected individuals and exploring opportunities for future community collaboration in the development of a new pool facility. The closure marks the end of an era for the university, but it also opens up possibilities for new beginnings in the community.