Halifax and Nova Scotia are gearing up to host the Canada Games in 2037, but the current pool facilities fall short of the required standards, which has urged the Halifax Regional Municipality to consider building a new aquatics facility.
According to a report by CTV News Atlantic, findings presented to Halifax City Hall underscore the urgency of planning for a new aquatic facility in Halifax. The proposed facility would include a 50-m (164-ft) pool with 10 lanes, a secondary 25-m (82-ft) pool for warm-downs, and spectator seating—an endeavor estimated to cost between $73 to $114 million.
As per the report, Swim Nova Scotia’s (SNS’s) executive director, Bette El-Hawary, advocates for a multi-use aquatic facility catering to various activities and community needs. However, the location remains undetermined.
The findings presented suggest exploring three scenarios: constructing a new standalone facility, renovating an existing one for potential cost savings, or collaborating with an external institution such as Dalhousie University for a joint aquatics facility.
The report continues by saying that while SNS emphasizes the need for more swim times due to high demand, the advocacy group “Save Centennial Pool” insists on preserving the Centennial Pool—a subject of decommissioning discussions—alongside the construction of a new facility.
The city and staff are urged to thoroughly investigate the aquatic facility requirements and optimal locations, with no specific timeline for the study’s completion, which is pending city council approval.
