The pool at Acadia University in Wolfville, N.S., is set to close in a few months and the news has caused an uproar in the valley community.

In a statement on the University’s website, the closure is due to years of challenges from maintaining the facility, creating an annual deficit of $400,000.

The pool is leaking and the mechanical systems including the HVAC and filtration system have “reached the end of their life”.

The estimated cost to fix it, is about $3 million.

It is the only pool in town.

Dr. Jeff Hennessy, president and vice-chancellor says, he knows how many people will be deeply impacted.

“We know how much the pool means to our university and local community, and making this decision has been incredibly difficult.”

Swimming program discontinued

The university has had the pool for 60 years, serving the Acadia Varsity Swimming Program, Wolfville Tritons program and the entire community.

The swim team is set for the AUS Championship this spring and according to Acadia, are “strong contenders”.

The University says they will support the team until the end of the season, “so long as water quality and safety be maintained.”

However, that’s when they will pull the plug and discontinue the swimming program.

Fighting back

Swim Nova Scotia is advocating to preserve the pool.

The organization is a governing body for the more than 50 swim clubs in the province with over 2,500 members.

In a post on social media, they say losing the facility will affect programs, activities and competition opportunities and have created a petition to fight back.

“Swim Nova Scotia, along with swimmers, parents, and community members, is actively advocating for the preservation of this critical facility by working with Acadia University, the Town of Wolfville, the Municipality of Kings County, and local MLAs.”

Meantime, the Wolfville Titans Swim Club are also calling for action.

“Many of our members have been hard at work expressing to many of the big names in our community. If swimming means anything to you, even if you aren’t in the Annapolis Valley, we encourage you to make your voices heard and describe what losing a pool would mean to you.”

Filling the void

Dr. Hennessy says they recognize the pools significance and are looking for ways to compensate for the loss.

“While this decision is necessary, we are dedicated to advocating for community resources to fill this void.”