Community Testimonials

“…please re-visit the motion to replace Centennial Pool.”

“Losing this pool would be a travesty for all concerned…”

“…encourage the continuance of the Centennial Pool.”

“Keep aquatic fitness accessible to all!”

“It is accessible, both financially and physically.”

“…this pool has saved the healthcare system millions of dollars…”

“The pool is well used and well loved. It’s a true community pool.”

“A few medical points of fact backed by research.”

“…a much-needed facility for the community…”

“We are so proud of our pool that when our family visits us from anywhere we bring them to swim.”

“The pool offers an affordable option for many seniors and others…”

“This pool has given us our lives.”

“…and I feel like I belong.”

“It has been an important part to my personal health…”

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To Whom It May Concern:

Subject:  SAVE CENTENNIAL POOL

I am writing to ask for your help regarding the potential closure of Centennial Pool and the development that may occur on the Centennial site in the middle of HRM.

Since I moved to Halifax in 1989, Centennial Pool has been “my pool” – it’s where I learned the front crawl, where I trained as a triathlete for nearly 10 years, and where I now enjoy Aquasize classes three times a week.

I am a 67-year-old who lives in the West end and would be deeply disappointed to see the Centennial Pool site become just another ‘real-estate development.”

I firmly believe the funds HRM Council used to fix Centennial Pool’s deficiencies in recent years have made the pool more useful than ever. I disagree that Centennial Pool is nearing the end of its useful life. 

It begs the question: Why did HRM Council incur those expenses knowing it was for a pool that would be replaced elsewhere? At 55 years of age, Centennial Pool still has a large customer base and is one of the best pools in town. Surely, that was known when the renovations were undertaken.

We have the new YMCA pool where it’s difficult, expensive and time consuming to find parking, and it’s an expensive option compared to Centennial. 

The population base on the Peninsula is not shrinking and will increase by thousands of new residents based on the apartment units under construction. That alone means the need for an existing 50-meter pool will remain consistent or be higher than ever. 

Needham, at just 18 meters, is small for lane swims and Aquasize classes. DalPlex is often 100% at capacity (as is the parking situation there). The Canada Games Centre pool is often at capacity, and for seniors who live on the Peninsula, poses a barrier to getting there and for affordability. 

I’m asking you to please re-visit the motion to replace Centennial Pool. We need it and it’s in the best condition it’s ever been in, thanks to the funds spent by our Council.

I support the construction of a new 50-meter super pool off the peninsula, as well as the revitalization of Needham Pool. However, more pools, not less, are needed and for different reasons to support our growing population – just not at the cost of disposing of the Centennial pool for economic development. Once it’s lost as recreational space in the heart of the City, it will never be regained.

A few reasons why Centennial Pool makes sense, not just for seniors who live on the Peninsula but also for many other residents who may not have vehicles or deep pocketbooks:

•  Affordability – Financially, Centennial Pool works on a “pay-as-you-go” system, for the reasonable cost of $3.00 per swim. There is no need for class participants or other swimmers to buy a membership, pre-register or provide any other up-front costs. No costly membership fees (sometimes exclusive) that include exercise facilities that are not used.
• Accessibility – The Aquacise participants very much appreciate the efficient and safe access to the pool. Right from the parking lot, the building entrance, into the locker rooms and washrooms and to the pool deck everything is on one level. This is a huge advantage for people who have difficulty walking, use walkers or wheelchairs, or people who have other health problems. There even is a therapeutic chair lift for those who are disabled.
• Location – Physically, it is centrally located on the peninsula and the downtown core, close to a number of residential neighborhoods. People walk, cycle, use public transit and drive to the pool. Free parking is available for those bringing their own vehicles or car-pooling.

HRM Council advocates for physical and mental health and its importance to its residents of all ages. From maintaining physical strength to avoiding social isolation for seniors, Centennial Pool’s Aquacise and lane swims improve the lives of many a senior. Well, I am speaking as one senior who cannot easily get to the Canada Games Centre or the Sackville or Dartmouth sportsplex complexes. And I am just one of the many!

Please keep Centennial Pool – we need it far more than a new luxury high-rise.

Thank you,
Marilyn Pincock
December 11, 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great distress and worry that we hear about the possible demolition of our beloved Centennial Pool.  My husband Ian and I have been going to the pool for lane swimming and aquacise for many years, and we cannot imagine our lives without it. Our overall health has been vastly improved since we regularly swim and exercise in the water.

The pool is not only a place to exercise but also a place to meet people and form friendships which is of utmost importance for us seniors. The staff at the pool is very friendly, and we are being greeted by name when we arrive; where else is that the case nowadays? Our instructors know us well by now and guide us with great care and gentleness through our exercise.  There even is a therapeutic chair lift for those who are disabled.  And, of course, the fee for attending is very affordable for low income people, compared to other facilities.

Centennial Pool is also very well known for having only one of two 50m pools in Nova Scotia, not to mention the only 10m diving tower complex.  These facts alone draw a lot of swim teams and events to the pool.

Losing this pool would be a travesty for all concerned, not only us seniors but the whole city.  After all the money spent on repairing and upgrading the facility, why would the subject of demolishing this pool even be considered?  

Our fervent hope is that common sense and concern for the well-being of our community will prevail and win out over the mighty dollar.   

Thank you for listening to our concerns. We will see you in the pool!

Anna and Ian West
October 2023 ↑

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From Donita Boyd and daughters Sara Lomonico (Boyd) and Jessica Boyd

To Whom It May Concern:

My brother and sisters and I learned to swim at the Centennial pool the first year it opened.

My father (Carl Boyd) was on the Board to determine if an aquarium was the best use of the Centennial Birthday Gift Funds. When the Aldermen listened to the citizens, and spoke up in favour of building the pool, my Dad was heartbroken.  My mother, on the other hand, took full advantage of this gift to Haligonians. 

She was newly arrived to the country. With Nova Scotia having so many Lakes, Rivers, and Ponds, throughout the province, a woman with 4 young children must keep them safe from all kinds of water hazards.  Yet also have them embrace the joy that comes with being in and on the water in all seasons.   So, every Summer starting in 1967, my Mother drove us all into the city, in the VW van, to learn to swim, to learn CPR, to learn to dive from the High Diving Platform, to get our life guard certificates, to learn to be safe in our homeland, to learn to be fit, to learn to embrace the feeling of freedom that being in the water provides.  I thank her heartily, and I thank the Alderman who made it possible.

My mother, Donita Boyd, now 88 years old, continues to enjoy this Birthday gift to the citizens.  She attends Aquatic Exercises three times week in the same pool where I learned when I was 5.

Donita Boyd has been coming to Centennial Pool Aquacise classes since 1971

I hope you will be able to vote against this proposed development.

Sincerely,
Sara Lomonico (Boyd)
October 2023

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To Whom It May Concern:

I’ve heard a rumour that Centennial Pool is to be closed so that business high rise development can happen on the property.

I am asking you, as my representative, to encourage the continuance of the Centennial Pool.

I attend Water Exercise three days a week in this Pool to keep me healthy.  I have a very bad back that prevents me from walking very far.  I am not the only one using this Pool for physical fitness and mental health.  We do not have the ability, or the means, to leave the Peninsula to go to a Mainland Pool. The destruction of the Pool would be detrimental to my health and the health of many in the city.

The Centennial Pool was built with money chosen to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. To turn the area into a commercial building would dishonour such well received and utilized gift. And it would dishonour the intent of givers.

I hope you will be able to vote against this proposed development.

Donita Boyd
Halifax, Nova Scotia
October 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

As my sister (Sara Lomonico) has said, I learned to swim and dive and be water safe at the Centennial Pool many years ago.  

That was a long time ago now, but it is still a wonderful resource for the city and for me.  I recently started lap swimming for exercise and fun. I have swum in the Dalplex pool, the Canada Games Center pool and Centennial pool.  By far the best pool in Halifax is the Centennial.  It is the cleanest, the most welcoming and the most friendly. The staff are amazingly helpful and I am never made to feel that I am too slow by the other swimmers.  

The other pools are very crowded, and someone like me who can swim only 2 km in an hour is made to feel like I’m in the way. But that doesn’t happen at Centennial. 

I often feel the lifeguards at the other pools would rather talk to each other than watch what’s happening in the water.  But at the Centennial, the lifeguards are always ready to lend a hand and I feel safe.

The water quality at Centennial is the best in the city.  I love swimming through the crystal clear water. The sunshine coming through the large windows makes the water sparkle and adds joy to my exercising. 

I know the Centennial is small for today’s Olympic standards, and the people of HRM should have access to an Olympic sized pool.  But tearing down this beautiful little pool should not be part of the plan for building a newer pool.  We can, and should, have both.  

Please do everything you can to keep this gem in the heart of the city. 

Jessica Boyd
October 2023 ↑

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If Centennial closes that will leave only one year round public pool on the peninsula where users can pay a modest fee for a swim or exercise class. Larger facilities require a full membership which is a big financial commitment. Centennial has parking, is physically accessible and serves a wide range of community users from all over the peninsula. I live in the West End which has no pool of its own.

Whatever fancy competition pools are built, the community’s need for daily fitness is best met by more modest facilities like Centennial and Needham. Keep aquatic fitness accessible to all!

Mary Guildford
October 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

I have been informed that the City of Halifax has voted to close Centennial Pool by vote on June 28, 2022.

As a regular user of the aquacise classes at the pool, I would like to add my voice to those who find this decision completely unacceptable. 

There is no similar facility on the peninsula that provides the amenities that Centennial has. This pool is a true community gem. It is accessible, both financially and physically. Although I do not participate in lane swimming or in other activities that take place there, I am sure that those users share this view. I would expect that the swim and diving clubs which use the facility would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else to go.

Financially, it works on a “pay-as-you-go” system, for the reasonable cost of $3.00 per swim. There is no need for class participants or other swimmers to buy a membership, pre-register or provide any other up-front costs. As many of the aquacise class users are seniors, this is very important as we know the financial challenges that those who may have limited incomes are facing in this economic climate. 

Physically, it is centrally located on the peninsula, close to a number of residential neighbourhoods. People walk, use transit and drive to the facility. Parking is available for those who need it. With new residential buildings being constructed in the area, why would the City even consider closing a good recreation facility?

My own experience mirrors those of a number of users of the Centennial aquacise classes. As they are offered in the morning and at noon hour, many participants are seniors who have arthritis and/or other joint issues and as a result find other forms of exercise challenging. I personally broke an arthritic knee and can attest to the fact that although physiotherapy was helpful what really aided my recovery was the water exercises. Physiotherapy can be expensive it you’re not well-insured. Water exercises at Centennial are a very affordable complement to other treatment and aquacise is certainly recommended by medical professionals. 

The aquacise instructors at Centennial are dedicated and knowledgeable, and give advice on how to do various individual exercises that accommodate a participant’s limitations. I know that my overall health has improved by regular attendance at the classes.

I want to thank you, the members of the Board, for working to keep Centennial open for those of us who would be lost without it! The two years that it was closed meant that I did not participate in aquacise. The other facilities are not the same. Even if the thought of the City is to refurbish Needham so that there is a community pool on the peninsula it would take a lot of money and a lot of time to even come close to Centennial. 

Janet Willwerth
October 17, 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

To lose this community pool would be devastating to many on the peninsula of Halifax. As has been stated, it is the only community pool of its size, offering diving capabilities and training for swim teams with its 50 metre lane length, variety of diving heights, as well as water clubs and water aquacise programs. 

I have led water aquacise classes at Centennial Pool for nearly 20 years and began at the pool myself as a participant. I suffered for a long time with severe sciatica.  I have always found the water to be my most successful form of keeping fit and keeping my chronic pain at bay. I have had two successful back surgeries within that time and I delight in leading so many toward continued good physical and mental wellbeing.

As we age, aches and pains are a common element of the process. Once one participates in an aquacise class, a regular comment is that they are ‘good for the rest of the day’. Think about that…not a drug, not an expensive form of physiotherapy or psychotherapy ….just the movement of the body in the best manner possible…in the water, with its soothing and freeing properties which allow joints to move ….joints which, on land, are limited by gravity and weight.

I have had over these past twenty years at least six medical doctors who have been active participants in water aquasize and this, to me, speaks to the success of water programs, not only for the aging, but for all.

I have witnessed firsthand the delight that participants feel being able to move, to exercise somewhat effortlessly in the water.  It buoys them on daily basis throughout a variety of physical and mental impairments. 

Many of the aquasize participants who come to this pool are seniors.  Many are seniors on fixed incomes who truly appreciate the affordability of the pool, the costs of which are largely offset by the growing swim club memberships, diving clubs, synchronized swimming and other water sports.

These people come by bus in all types of weather, arranged drives, self-driving and parking in the pool’s parking lot. To be able to come through the door, off the street, all at one level,  is a real bonus to those who come in walkers, with canes and even one doctor who himself used to come regularly on a striker bed, lowered into the water with the mechanical aids. In recent weeks, I have seen this doctor now coming in a wheelchair.

Given the large percentage of seniors living within the boundaries of the peninsula, many of whom are on fixed income, endeavouring to live their best lives, it would be devastating to them to lose this life line. I would hasten to guess that this pool has saved the healthcare system millions of dollars as people have found alternate methods of coping with a variety of ailments. Recently a woman who regularly swims wherever she can as she has severe advancing MS has decided to participate in water aquacise. Witnessing her joy at being able to join in gives me tremendous satisfaction at having helped to make her life somewhat richer. I can see it in her smile and in her determination.

I have true passion for the wellbeing of those who attend water aquacise classes at Centennial Pool. I would be happy to address any or all who are involved in the process of decision making regarding the future of the pool.

I have spoken to several participants regarding the possible closure and they are fully prepared to petition and protest in large numbers any closure of Centennial Pool.

Thank you for the opportunity to present my thoughts.

Nancy Mahoney,
Aquacise Instructor, Centennial Pool
October, 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

While attending aquafit last night at Centennial Pool I heard that there was talk about the possible redevelopment of the pool’s site including the removal of the pool.  I hope that this isn’t true but I do want to speak up about the Importance of this community pool to its patrons.

When I first developed chronic back issues thirty years ago, it was suggested to me to try aquafit as an exercise suitable for the injured or those returning to fitness because it’s the ultimate “low impact/no impact” exercise.  I loved aquafit from my first class and it has been part of my life ever since.

I was a faithful YMCA patron for years until the Y closed for redevelopment.  At that point I started going to Centennial Pool which is within walking distance of my home in the South End.  Since then I have been a Centennial Pool patron.

When the new YMCA opened I decided to stick with Centennial because the Y was imposing limits on the number of participants at aquafit classes, you had to register using an app, etc. This has never been my experience at Centennial. Even if others are using the pool, lane lines can be moved to accommodate more patrons. I always feel a strong sense of community as there are often swimming lessons going on, lane swims, children stretching before diving lessons, etc. The pool is well used and well loved. It’s a true community pool.

I also love the aquafit staff at Centennial because they are all of different ages which reinforces the idea that you can be fit and healthy at any age.  Being fit doesn’t just have “one look”.  It can be as varied as the participants and their instructors.

At 63 I am still working during the day but am looking forward to retirement when I can attend the daytime aquafit classes at Centennial.  There are currently 10 daytime classes and they are well attended.  I can’t imagine telling the participants of any of those classes that the pool will shut down due to redevelopment.  I understand that many of the participants use the bus service to come to the pool which speaks to their dedication and determination to participate.  For many of them it is a social as well as a physical event.  Aquafit truly heals mind, body and soul.

I feel that there are certain services that must form part of a well-functioning city and that includes a community pool.  Thousands of people both live and work in the downtown core and it’s essential to have a pool they can use before going to or after work to keep them physically and mentally fit.  Many of us choose to live in the downtown core so we don’t need a car and can walk to amenities.  We have chosen to live in the heart of the city which keeps it from becoming a ghost town in the evenings and weekends.

Obviously city planners don’t want the downtown to become a ghost town either as evidenced by all the apartment buildings and condos being built.  Once these buildings are occupied, where will their tenants exercise?

In addition to all of the above I think the Centennial Pool is a beautiful structure.  When you’re attending a late afternoon class and the sun is shining through the windows in the west wall, the light hits the water and turns it a beautiful blue and you feel almost transported away and can’t believe you are in downtown Halifax at a busy intersection.  This pool is a gem and should remain where it is serving its community as it has done since it was built in 1967 for the Canada Summer Games and became part of Halifax’s history.

Thank you,
Centennial Pool Aquacise Participant
October 16, 2023 ↑

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Hi Nancy (Aquacise Instructor),

I absolutely agree that everything possible must be done to keep the pool open. A few medical points of fact backed by research.

• Exercise helps older adults preserve their mental function, it helps prevent – or at least delay – the onset of dementia in susceptible individuals.
• Because of the reduction of the ‘weight’ of gravity, Aquacise enables older adults, especially those with joint problems, to exercise at a much more intense (and therefore more effective) aerobic level.
• Intense aerobic exercise, like aquacise, helps to prevent coronary artery disease.
• Exercise classes preserve social functioning in the elderly

However, Aquacise is not just beneficial to seniors. It is an excellent exercise in pregnancy, especially late trimester. It is helpful in rehabilitating injuries and for those with chronic diseases.

In addition, the Centennial pool is one of only two 50 metre pools in HRM and the only one on the peninsula. Does the city really want to lose this facility?

I hope these are a few points which might help.

All the best,
David
David D Imrie MB, BS, FRCA, FRCPC
October, 2023 ↑

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These are my reasons for keeping the Centennial pool open.

I started going to the pool in January, 1999.  Yes, that is 24 years ago and I am still a regular user of the facility. 

After my young husband (age 57) passed away, I very much needed a place to physically work out my grief.  The aquacise classes not only provided me with exercise but gave me a social outlet for meeting and enjoying new people.  Over the years, people from the classes organized lunches, pot lucks, Christmas gatherings, birthday celebrations, a once a month brunch group and an annual summer picnic at a member’s lakeside property. 

When I go to the pool, I see people like myself—a senior who gets out and about and makes exercise part of my healthy living style.  The pool is always busy with other swimmers, classes, swim club members, swim meets—all of us being of different age groups.  

Please keep the Centennial pool open. It is a much needed facility for the community in this part of the city for the parking lot, easy access to bus routes and most importantly all the pleasant employees of the pool and the rest of us who like going there.

Thank you,
L. A. Ginsburg
October, 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

Veena my sister by choice and I have been coming to Centennial pool 5 days a week since 2011. We have the pleasure of meeting lovely, caring ladies, front staff, and instructors – Nancy yourself and Maureen. You have made the classes enjoyable and fun for us and we are like a big family. We share so much with each other. 

This winter Veena and I took swimming lessons from Maureen. She was so patient with us and with her encouragement we both can swim.  I was scared to get in the pool and now I can swim. Our Pool family encouraged and kept an eye on our progress. 

We have tried other pools too, but we love this one for easy accessibility and Parking. This pool has no steps and that was great help to Veena and I prior to our knee replacement surgery and after. 

We are so proud of our pool that when our family visits us from anywhere we bring them to swim. Families who have visited the pool ask about pool ladies after they return to their homes. You cannot take this away from us. We sincerely hope that it will not be demolished.

Thank you
Neel Ahuja and Veena Kumar
October 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

I understand that the Council may be looking at the future of the facility and possibly planning to close the site. I am writing to express my thoughts about the importance of this facility and its services for the community. 

The pool offers an affordable option for many seniors and others that are not financially able to afford to exercise at other facilities.

• The aquacise classes provide a valuable service again primarily for seniors 
• Many of those in my aquacise classes do not drive (again seniors and those who cannot afford cars) and either walk or take the bus to the pool
• Many of the older adults who use the facility are unable to do other physical activities. I am constantly amazed by the seniors and others (many disabled) that are able to exercise in the water, but have a difficult time getting around on dry land. 

Finally, here are a few examples of folks I have observed at the pool:

• An older man that is blind, but is able to swim laps and comes weekly when I am in class
• Several women in my class that are in their 80’s and 90’s
• Several people that must use canes or walkers, but are able to swim and exercise at this pool

As you can see, I am quite passionate about Centennial Pool. It is essential for the community, especially retired, low-income, disabled, and those with limited resources.  Further having this resource for the community promotes health, which has ripple effects for the health care system. For myself, it has been a Godsend for me to have an affordable option to get aerobic exercise through aquacise, which keeps my arthritic body going!

Thank you,
Elaine Ply 
October 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:
Re: Centennial Pool

I was part of this pool on opening day, 1967. My daughter was a diver, and I did what I could to help the team, even as an adjudicator. My other children also swam.

Donna Evans’ submission continues below…

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To Whom It May Concern:

I have been going to the pool for exercise after a knee replacement for about 4 1/2 years. As a senior I feel great after an hour in the pool. I take two buses to get to the pool and the cost is very reasonable. The people are very friendly and I feel like I belong. I support the pool to stay open.

Thank you,
Sharon Cameron
November 2023 ↑

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To Whom It May Concern:

I’m presently sitting in the bleachers watching my granddaughter at her diving program. She dedicates two evenings a week to a program that she loves. Other areas of the pool have swim teams training. Thank goodness for the great facilities available to these clubs.

I’ve been a swimmer and aqua-sizer at Centennial for at least a decade. It has been an important part to my personal health, as I maneuver through my sixties and seventies. I presently am in the water five mornings a week. Here I have made many friends, all who attend to maintain their health and aging bodies.

I know that there are a few other pools here in Halifax. This one is important to keep. It’s central; it offers a great variety of programs with fabulous teachers; it’s needed for diving and other swim teams; it’s managed by a great team; and so much more. With nothing truly in place to meet what we treasure here at Centennial…. I find it hard to believe that our city leaders are short sighted enough to close it. Come join us in the pool and realize what a treasure it is!

Sincerely,
Jackie O’Hearon
November 2023 ↑

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See also Nova Scotia Aquatic Clubs Impact Statements and Aquacise | Aquafit programs at Centennial Pool