'Can't get 'er done fast enough': Behind the push to open a new Annapolis Valley pool

For Hayden Adams, the closure of Acadia University's pool five months ago has required, in his words, "some finagling."

He's the head coach of the Wolfville Tritons swim club, which lost its home pool when the Annapolis Valley, N.S., university decided to shut down the aging facility that needed many repairs.

As a result, the Wolfville Tritons are now operating out of nearby smaller pools in Windsor and Waterville at less-than-preferred times.

"It's been an adjustment, but we're making it work," said Adams.

For years, there's been talk of constructing a regional recreation facility, of which a pool would be a key component.

"The project really excites me," said Adams. "First and foremost, I hope we see it sooner rather than later, but these are, you know, very big projects that take a lot of steps and funding and meetings, but I am all in support of it."

While Kings County council's recent decision to implement a deed transfer tax was touted as necessary to help fund a new regional recreational facility, getting to a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take at least a few years.

Kings County Mayor Dave Corkum appreciates the urgency with which people want the project to go ahead.

"Every day, people are approaching me and telling me how badly needed this is and we basically can't get 'er done fast enough," he said. "But you got to make sure it's done right and I think it'll be something that Kings County and the Annapolis Valley will be proud of."

While final designs have not been established, it's expected the facility will include a pool, gymnasium, walking track and meeting space, said Corkum. He said it might even include a rink to replace the Kentville Centennial Arena.

The location has been selected. A purchase and sale agreement is in place for a parcel of land in Coldbrook. Corkum said the location's benefits are that it's close to Highway 101, it's on a bus route, it's in the middle of the county and the land is flat and easy to develop.

Corkum said the county is working on a memorandum of understanding with the towns of Wolfville and Kentville.

From there, these governments will need to secure provincial and federal funding for the project. A community group is also planning to help fundraise for the project, which Corkum said could cost around $100 million if it includes an arena.

Corkum said if all goes according to plan, the facility could open in three to four years.