Funding in Place for Outdoor Pool in Queens County

April 29, 2024; Liverpool, NS:  Big things result from collaborations. Provincial funding in the amount of $2.2 million was announced on Friday, April 26 to support an outdoor pool project initiated by the commitment of a large private donation, and funding from Region of Queens Municipality.  The $7.2 million outdoor pool project is planned to be built on the grounds of Queens Place Emera Centre, in Brooklyn, Queens County as a replacement for the 57-year-old Milton Centennial Pool.  The Municipal contribution to the project is $2 million.

“Partnerships between levels of government, private donors and volunteers who provide their expertise, result in significant community impact,” said Darlene Norman, Mayor of Region of Queens Municipality.  “Municipalities provide important services to the community such as recreational opportunities. Infrastructure such as trails, arenas, playgrounds, and pools help create a healthy lifestyle, as well as being attractive features for those looking to relocate their home or business here in Queens.  Growth benefits everyone, and we appreciate the support of the province in helping with the development and improvement of Queens County’s recreational assets.”

More than two years ago, Council received a commitment for a generous anonymous donation to be used to build a community outdoor pool in South Queens to replace the Milton Centennial Pool, which was starting to show significant signs of failure due to its age. The donors envisioned a pool large enough to provide various aquatic activities including hosting recognized swim meets. Council was supportive, and formed a community led Pool Committee with two Council members as members, and the Pool Committee researched the design, with accessibility as a priority.  Moving forward, the Pool Committee will remain involved in a supportive role through activities such as fundraising initiatives for additional components. 

The 6-lane, 25 metre, outdoor pool will be heated, using the excess heat generated from ice production in the arena at Queens Place Emera Centre; this will enable the season to be extended earlier in the summer and later in the fall than the traditional outdoor pool season of July and August.

The outdoor pool project will soon go to tender for construction, with an anticipated opening for the 2026 season.