Published Jun 15, 2025 • Last updated 16 hours ago • 2 minute readBette El-Hawary, the executive director of Swim Nova Scotia, told the crowd gathered at the Old Orchard Inn on June 3 that the organization is trying to meet with Acadia University officials to propose how they could work together to prevent the pool closure. Photo by Carole Morris-UnderhillJune 15 marks a sad milestone for the swimming community in Nova Scotia.After more than five decades of service, the doors to the Acadia swimming pool will close for the final time.This facility has been more than just a pool – it has been a hub for health, connection, and achievement. From early morning practices to late night swim meets, generations of swimmers, families, and volunteers have built memories on its deck. It has been home to provincial champions, university athletes, beginners finding their first strokes, and seniors finding renewed mobility and strength.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe loss of this space leaves a deep void not only in the Annapolis Valley, but in the broader fabric of aquatic sport and recreation in our province.Over the past several months, Swim Nova Scotia has made numerous attempts to engage Acadia University in discussions around keeping the pool open for a short period – at no cost to the institution, to provide time for a community-driven solution to take shape. Sadly, those efforts were met with silence.Read More COMMENTARY: Swim Nova Scotia’s offer remains on the table to keep Acadia’s pool open Swim Nova Scotia offers to fund Acadia pool assessment with closure looming Acadia’s pending pool closure worrying for 91-year-old Annapolis Valley swimmer COMMENTARY: Acadia University must be transparent with its community After nearly three months of no response, we finally received a reply earlier this week – declining our request to meet. Acadia University’s unwillingness to collaborate in the final days of this facility is deeply disheartening.Article contentAt the recent community town hall, the message was loud and clear: this region values its pool. Residents, athletes, parents, and local leaders came together to express not only their disappointment, but their willingness to explore short- and long-term solutions.The public support was undeniable. The energy in that room reflected what we have always known – that aquatic facilities are not a luxury; they are essential infrastructure.The closure of the Acadia pool is not just the end of an era; it is a wake-up call. The future of aquatic sport and safety in Nova Scotia hinges on access to quality facilities. We are witnessing a growing infrastructure crisis in our province, one that demands attention, investment, and above all, partnerships.While today we acknowledge the closing of a pool, tomorrow we return to the work of rebuilding.Swim Nova Scotia remains committed to advocating for the future of aquatics in this region. We believe in the power of community, and we will continue to push for the kind of collaboration and vision that our athletes and residents deserve.Bette El-Hawary,Executive director of Swim Nova Scotia Article content
COMMENTARY: Acadias pool closes but the need for aquatics remains
