The pool at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., is still on track to shut down permanently in June with the cost of repairs now doubling in price.
The university broke the news last week that the facility, the only pool in town, is set to close this spring because of skyrocketing maintenance costs with the initial estimate for repairs at $3 to $4 million.
However, in an updated statement, the university now says after a second round of consultations with an engineering firm, the price has jacked up even higher.
“The findings indicate that a full-scale renovation, costing up to $7 million and requiring up to a two-year shutdown, would be necessary to sustain the pool until a new aquatic facility is constructed. Additional concerns include unknown structural deterioration, leakage damage, and groundwater pressure, all of which add complexity and cost.”
This means, according to the university, the pool must close for good, June 15.
This has caused major waves throughout not only the school’s community, but through the province, with many keen to save it and thousands have already signed a petition.
Still hope
The organization that supports swimming groups in the province is not taking this new information as the final word.
Executive Director of Swim Nova Scotia, Bette El-Hawary tells our newsroom, they want to know why there is such a big jump in the cost of repairs and are waiting for the engineering report.
“Get a better idea of exactly what all the issues are. Make sure that we have a chance to explore all of the opportunities that might be available in terms of repairs. What those timelines could look like.”
El-Hawary says, as the main stakeholders in the pool, they want to have their people look at it.
“In the past, we’ve had people look at different ways of repairing facilities that are a little bit more innovative and creative than what we’re typically used to. So, for us, we just really want to be able to explore all avenues before we call it quits.”
New facility?
If there is in fact nowhere to go from here with the current pool, El Hawary says that’s when they will engage with different levels of government on a new facility in Kings County.
“I think that’s been on the horizon for a number of years, even before Acadia announced the closure of their facility. That is something we have been chatting with them about in the municipality already. So, for us being able to look at that, you know, that’s definitely on our horizon.”
The engineering report is expected out any time now.
