New Provincial Aquatic Infrastructure Feasibility Study Announced!
Since our last update of March 1, 2025 “Centennial Pool – more than a real estate/ development opportunity” much has been happening in the aquatics world. I believe we are at a critical time related to the future of aquatics and aquatic facilities in Nova Scotia and across the country.
The threat of losing Centennial Pool is very real:
- If the Gateway Project, where developers take over public land, goes ahead
- If the New Facilities Study concludes that a new 50m pool would replace Centennial Pool
- If HRM Board of Police Commissioners/HRM Councillors pick the Centennial Pool property for the proposed new HPD Headquarters
As the fight to Save the Acadia Pool from demolition continues. We can support their efforts by signing their petition. In Victoria BC, another battle to save the Crystal Pool has been playing out over the past couple of years.
On a positive note, over the past year a number of substantive reports and studies on aquatic facilities have been produced. These reports, or tool kits as they are described, help communities and municipalities to meaningfully plan for the future of aging and new aquatic facilities. (see the links below – Swimming Canada Facilities Toolkit, the Ontario Aquatics Sport Council, and Swim England)
On April 30, 2025, Swim NS announced an “Aquatic Infrastructure Feasibility Study”. This is a province wide study by Swim NS and the Recreation Facilities Association of NS (RFANS). The goal is to develop a long-term, strategic framework that guides municipalities and stakeholders in making informed investment decisions for the repair, replacement and construction of swimming pools. Through research, consultation and facility assessment, this project will support sustainable infrastructure development that fosters increased participation, athlete development and community health and wellness.
How this relates to the campaign to Save Centennial Pool is that the New Facilities Study is expected to come before HRM Council in the fall of 2025 and could result in a new 50m pool being built as a replacement for Centennial, not as an additional pool for the city. It would be in the best interests for the future of Centennial Pool if no decision was made when the New Facility Study comes before council until the larger, more comprehensive provincial report on “Aquatic Infrastructure” is completed. This would allow more time for Centennial Pool and the local swimming community to have their voices heard and engage with the city.
At the recent meeting with Councillors Laura White and Virginia Hinch and the Save Centennial Pool Committee, this proposed new provincial report on aquatic infrastructure was discussed. Both Councillors were very supportive and will continue working with Centennial Pool and the community.
Swimming, aquatics, aquatic facilities, both old and new, public programming and community health and wellness have had many thousands of dollars spent on reports and studies. The public and local swimming community needs to be engaged and become a recognized stakeholder in the decision making, at the municipal and provincial levels.
Other pool related items and links:
Aquatic Facilities Toolkits & Resources
Swimming Canada continues to advance national aquatic infrastructure development by providing tools and guidance for communities across the country. Most recently, they released a new Facilities Toolkit, a living document designed to guide best practices in new builds and facility planning. This resource will evolve over time and serve as a foundation for aquatic infrastructure discussions and development nationwide.
In Ontario, the Aquatic Sport Council has developed a White Paper – Building More Aquatic Centres in Ontario to support advocacy efforts with provincial and municipal governments. This paper outlines the urgent need for aquatic facility investment and serves as a valuable reference in our own infrastructure discussions here in Nova Scotia.
Swim England – Value of Swimming /Research Into the Benefits of Swimming on Society
Other planning documents/links re: Centennial Pool
- Halifax Long Term Aquatic Strategy 2019
- Downtown Gateway Comprehensive Plan July 5th., 2024
- Acadia Pool Petition & QR code
- Victoria Pool Story
Feedback, ideas and offers of help are welcomed.
Keep Swimming,
Trevor Brumwell
Save Centennial Pool Committee