As we look back at the results of the municipal election in October we can be hopeful that there is an opportunity to work with Halifax Regional Municipality counsellors to save Centennial Pool.
We have several new councillors and a new mayor. Two of three councillors on the peninsula have expressed support for saving Centennial Pool: Councillor Virginia Hinch (Halifax Peninsula North – District 8) and Councillor Laura White (Halifax South-Downtown – District 7) which includes Centennial Pool. Councillor Sean Cleary (District 9-Halifax West Armdale), who narrowly beat Tonya Malay by a margin of 1.1% or 96 votes, has not been supportive of saving Centennial Pool and has mirrored former Councilllor Waye Mason’s calls for closing Centennial and selling this public land for development.
Councillor Trish Purdy (Cole Harbour Preston-Westphal-Cherrybrook) and Councillor Patty Cuttell (Spryfield Sambro), along with the new Mayor, Andy Fillmore have also expressed support for Centennial.
Opportunity to Move Forward
The municipal election results provide Centennial Pool Association and the Save Centennial Pool Committee with a new opportunity to work with HRM. Moving forward, it is essential to develop positive relationships with the new councillors and get help to find the best way to work with the city. Somehow, we need to convince the city to use its resources to explore the options and benefits of keeping Centennial and adding a new 50m competitive level pool. This would result in an increase to the overall number of pools in HRM, not simply replacing Centennial.
Since at least 2019, HRM has spent many tens of thousands of dollars with city staff and planners and outside consultants working on plans for redevelopment of the land that do not include Centennial Pool or keeping the property for public service.
The city seems focused on demolishing Centennial Pool and selling the property in order to help finance a new 50m competitive level pool so that Nova Scotia can host the 2037 Canada Games. Nova Scotia needs a new 50m pool to host the games as the 6 lane Centennial Pool and the 8 lane Dalplex Pool no longer meet the requirements for the games. However, both Centennial and Dalplex are essential to meet the training needs of the swim teams and groups. Swim Nova Scotia, which primarily represents competitive level swimmers, has been actively promoting the new 50m pool and is considered as a stakeholder in working with the city and the planners.
HRM has not had any meaningful engagement with the Centennial Pool Association, local recreational swimmers, the aquacise fitness classes, the artistic swimmers or lane swimmers. These groups have not been considered as stakeholders.
When looking at the future recreational and health needs of citizens and the Centennial Pool property, HRM has neglected to consider the option of keeping Centennial Pool as a public asset in the centre of the peninsula and adding a new 50m pool.
The benefits the public gains from the accessible and affordable Centennial Pool cannot be satisfied by rebuilding Needham Community Pool. Remember, closing Centennial Pool is equivalent to closing two 25m pools. There are only 2 public pools on the peninsula. (Note: Dalplex and the YMCA are private and not affordable or very accessible.)
Imagine if the city staff and planners explored all options for the future of the Centennial Pool property. Considering the unprecedented population growth and increasing need for public services and recreation facilities, the future could be amazing.
Hopefully, the new councillors will become involved and assist with the inner workings of the city and help Centennial Pool become a stakeholder in the New Facilities Study (see link below) as well as the Gateway Project (see link below).
Another opportunity for the Centennial Pool Association and the Save Centennial Pool Committee to move forward is to demonstrate and enhance the value of Centennial in the public domain:
- Celebrate Centennial Pool’s impact on the local community;
- Utilize our pool supporters in promoting the pool, perhaps by hosting a public pool event;
- Explore expanding the programming available at Centennial and perhaps partner with the new Mi`kmaq Friendship Centre and complement the services provided there.
The ultimate goal is to make Centennial Pool a community resource that becomes invaluable to the wider community and HRM. This would require a relaunch of our public campaign.
Next Steps
The Save Centennial Pool Committee is looking for your input, suggestions and help in working with the city and new council to save Centennial Pool.
We are planning to have a Save Centennial Pool Committee meeting in mid-January 2025. As a very small group of volunteers, the task of trying to save Centennial Pool from the HRM bulldozer is beyond our abilities, energy and skills.
We need your help!
- Please share the Save Centennial Pool website with your friends, family and fellow swimmers.
- Read The Gateway Plan (Item No. 15.1.2 Aug. 6, 2024)
- Download the city’s New Aquatic Facility Study
Keep Swimming,
Trevor Brumwell
Save Centennial Pool Committee
savecentennialpool@gmail.com