The Region of Queens Municipality is seeking community members to join the Accessibility Advisory Committee.
We’re looking for individuals who have lived experience as a person with a disability, or a strong connection to someone who does, and who are passionate about improving accessibility in our community. Committee members should be open-minded, willing to engage in meaningful discussions, understand the importance of education in reducing discrimination, and be comfortable advocating for accessibility.
If you’re interested in helping create a more inclusive Queens, we’d encourage you to apply.
Application forms are available online at regionofqueens.com, by emailing clerk@regionofqueens.com, or by calling 902-354-3453. Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of the Municipal Clerk.
Notice – Reduced Capacity for Afternoon Swim, August 7.
Issued Friday August 7, 2026 at 12 noon:
For the Afternoon Public Swim on Friday, July 7, from 2 – 4 pm, the maximum capacity is 60 bathers.
The Evening Public Swim will will have the usual capacity.
Rates for The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool, in effect starting August 10, 2026
Issued August 5, 2026:
A big part of enjoying summer is going for a swim – Region of Queens Municipality is excited that The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool at Queens Place Emera Centre is now open, and that residents and visitors to the area have been enjoying the pool on it’s first day open (opening day was August 4!). To celebrate opening week, all public lane swims, and afternoon and evening swims are free of charge! Have you been for a swim yet?
The rate sheet shows the different ways users can add swimming at The Big Splash to their recreational activities – whether you want to swim occasionally, frequently, as part of an “All Access” facility pass, or added to your annual or monthly Queens Place Emera Centre membership – there are lots of options to choose from!
Entrance to The Big Splash is through the lobby at Queens Place Emera Centre, 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool. Please check in at the Customer Service Desk.
Times of Free Swims During Opening Week (August 4 – 7, 2026)
originally posted August 4, 2026 TODAY is the day you have been waiting for!!! Region of Queens Municipality is thrilled that as of today, the wait is over, and people will be able to enjoy the Municipality’s newest recreation facility, The Big Splash at Queens Place Emera Centre.
To celebrate the opening of The Big Splash, public lane swims as well as afternoon and evening swims will be FREE from August 4 to August 7, 2026.
Come for a swim, cool off and enjoy the beautiful new pool!!
Swim times this week include:
Tuesday, August 4th:
• Lane Swim: 10:00am-1:00pm
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Wednesday, August 5th:
• Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Thursday, August 6th:
• Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Friday, August 7th:
• Lane Swim: 9:00am-11:00am
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
For complete details on this amazing new outdoor pool, please visit www.regionofqueens.com or call us at 902-354-4422.
A BIT of INFORMATION ABOUT THE NAME
This project wouldn’t have been possible without contributions from the Province of Nova Scotia and private donor who made an anonymous contribution to help see the pool project come to fruition. As part of the anonymous donation agreement, the donor was invited to select a name for the new pool – they chose The Big Splash, which conveys the fun, energy, and excitement we know that swimmers of all ages will feel when they arrive at the facility and get to experience their first swim.
Stay tuned for more news in the next week or so as we unveil the date for our celebratory Grand Opening Pool Party event!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
💦The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool 💦 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) originally published August 4, 2026 UPDATED: AUGUST 6, 2026 😎 Now that The Big Splash has opened at Queens Place Emera Centre, we have compiled a list of answers to some questions people have asked or may be wondering about before going to the new pool. 😁 As more questions are asked, we’ll update the list. Go – swim – have fun!! 😎 💦
💦 How early can I arrive for a public swim or swimming lesson? – Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled swim or lesson. This helps us manage the number of people in the change rooms and ensure everyone has enough space. It also allows participants in the swimming lesson or program before yours to leave the water and pool deck before you enter, reducing congestion and creating a safer, more comfortable environment for everyone.
💦Where is the facility entrance? – All guests using The Big Splash Outdoor Swimming Pool enter and exit through the main lobby at Queens Place Emera Centre. Please check in at the front desk before entering the pool area. Are lockers available? – Yes. Day-use lockers are available for your convenience. Please bring your own lock, as locks are not provided.
💦 What footwear is allowed on the pool deck? – Outdoor footwear is not to be worn on the pool deck to help keep the area clean. Clean flip-flops, sandals, or other clean pool-safe footwear are recommended.
💦 What should I bring? – Please arrive ready to enter the pool wearing clean swimwear. Guests are also required to bring their own towels and sunscreen, as these items are not provided. Water bottles are permitted; however, please use non-glass containers for the safety of all guests. There is a water bottle filling station at the pool to refill water bottles. Please note that food and gum are not permitted on the pool deck.
💦 What are the admission requirements? – For the health and safety of everyone: · Children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper. If you forget a swim diaper, we can provide one. · Please shower before entering the pool. · Do not enter the water if you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of illness. · Patrons with open cuts or sores should not use the pool until they have healed or been cleared by a doctor.
💦 Do I need to supervise my child during public swims and other pool programs? – Yes. Children ages 7 and under and non-swimmers must always remain within arm’s reach of a responsible person 16 years of age or older. Children aged 8 – 9 must have an adult (aged 16+) on deck or in the pool supervising. Children ages 10 – 11 must have an adult (age 16+) supervision present at the aquatic centre. Ages 12 and up can swim independently unless a weak/non swimmer. If you are not swimming or supervising someone in the water, please do not remain on the pool deck. This helps us manage deck capacity and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
💦 Will I need to complete a swim test to swim in the deep end without a lifejacket during public or lane swim? – Yes. Swimmers who wish to use areas of the pool beyond the shallow end are required to complete a swim test. Swim tests help our lifeguards assess each swimmer’s comfort level and swimming ability, ensuring everyone can enjoy the pool safely. The swim test only needs to be completed once per season, during your first public or lane swim visit. After successfully completing the test, swimmers will have access to the appropriate areas of the pool based on their demonstrated swimming ability.
💦 Can parents or spectators stay on the pool deck during swimming lessons? – Only participants, staff, and those actively supervising a swimmer should be on the pool deck during swimming lessons. Spectators who are not supervising should remain in designated viewing areas, if available, to help manage capacity.
💦 Can I bring my own pool equipment during public swims? – For the safety of all swimmers, personal equipment such as snorkels, flippers, fins, and mermaid tails is not permitted during public swims. We have various sized PFDs, noodles and flutterboards available for use.
💦 Why are there maximum capacities for swims? – Each swim has a maximum number of participants based on the type of program, available lifeguards, and safe supervision ratios. Public and lane swims are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, additional admissions cannot be accommodated. – At The Big Splash Outdoor Swimming Pool, the number of lifeguards required on deck increases as the number of swimmers increases: • 0–30 swimmers: 1 lifeguard required • 31–60 swimmers: 2 lifeguards required • 61–90 swimmers: 3 lifeguards required – Pool maximums also depend on staffing levels and therefore may be reduced to align with lifeguards on duty. – Any time the beachfront entry and lap pool are open, 2 lifeguards are required. – These guidelines help ensure appropriate supervision; however, the number of swimmers permitted may be adjusted at the discretion of the on-site supervisor or lifeguards based on current conditions, safety considerations, and the ability to effectively supervise all areas of the pool.
💦 Do you have to wear a bathing suit, or can you wear shorts and a t-shirt? – You may wear either a bathing suit or clean shorts and a T-shirt. If you choose to wear clothing, we recommend light, breathable shorts and a T-shirt, as heavier clothing can become waterlogged and make it more difficult to swim. Lifeguards may require that you wear a PFD or use a pool noodle if your swim attire affects your ability to float to ensure your safety.
💦 Can young children wear puddle jumpers? – Yes, but that does not replace the requirement for direct supervision.
💦 Do adults have to do the swim test? Why? – Yes, adults must do the swim test. Being an adult does not necessarily mean someone is a strong swimmer. While you know your own swimming abilities, our lifeguards do not. That’s why we ask everyone to demonstrate their swimming ability before accessing certain areas of the pool. This process helps us accurately assess each swimmer’s ability so we can maintain a safe environment for everyone. It’s not about questioning your experience; it’s about ensuring our lifeguards have the information they need to respond appropriately and keep all guests safe.
💦 Will there be aqua fit classes? – Aquafit classes will be announced once staff and instructor availability has been confirmed. Please stay tuned for more information, which will be shared in the coming week.
💦 Will there be evening or weekend lessons so people who work can register their child in lessons? – Expanding options for our lesson schedule to include these times is something we hope to offer in the future based on staffing availability.
💦 Are strollers allowed on the pool deck, or must they be stored in the locker room? – Yes, strollers are welcome on the pool deck! We just ask that the wheels are reasonably clean and free of mud or debris before entering the pool area to help keep the deck clean. We can provide supplies to clean the wheels, if needed.
💦 Have you thought about people with sensory impairments that can’t handle a lot of noise/ large groups? On a smaller scale? – Yes, we would love to add more programming options based on staffing availability.
💦 What will a normal season be? How long will the pool be open this year? – A regular pool season will run from June through September, with programming offered throughout those months based on staff availability. If staff availability and the environment supports opening sooner, or closing later, the season could be extended further. – For the remainder of this season, programming will depend on both weather and staff availability, so we’ll be taking things week by week. We will offer as much programming as our staffing levels can support while ensuring supervisory requirements are maintained at all times.
💦 Are swimming lessons for adults being offered this season? – Once youth registration for swimming lessons is finished, we will know what other things we can add based on staffing. If we have free slots, absolutely we can do adult classes. Stay tuned!
💦 Want to see more programming? – Consider becoming a lifeguard or swim instructor and join our aquatics team! Contact us for more information at 902-354-4422 or email info@queensplace.ca.
New Outdoor Pool to Open to Public on August 4, 2026!
originally posted July 31, 2026: Region of Queens Municipality is thrilled to announce that our newest recreation facility, The Big Splash at Queens Place Emera Centre, opens to the public on Tuesday, August 4!
To celebrate the opening of The Big Splash, public lane swims as well as afternoon and evening swims will be FREE from August 4 to August 7, 2026.
Swim times this week include:
Tuesday, August 4th:
Lane Swim: 10:00am-1:00pm
Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Wednesday, August 5th:
Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Thursday, August 6th:
Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Friday, August 7th:
Lane Swim: 9:00am-11:00am
Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
For complete details on this amazing new outdoor pool, please visit www.regionofqueens.com or call us at 902-354-4422.
ABOUT THE NAME This project wouldn’t have been possible without contributions from the Province of Nova Scotia and private donor who made an anonymous contribution to help see the pool project come to fruition. As part of the anonymous donation agreement, the donor was invited to select a name for the new pool – they chose The Big Splash, which conveys the fun, energy, and excitement we know that swimmers of all ages will feel when they arrive at the facility and get to experience their first swim. Stay tuned for more news in the next week or so as we unveil the date for our celebratory Grand Opening Pool Party event!
To learn about the Aquatic Programs in Queens, please go to Aquatic Programming – Region of Queens Municipality. The Swimming Lesson registration information is posted there, as well as information about public swims, pool schedules and more.
Notice: Temporary Closure: North Queens Aquatic Centre
Issued Monday, August 3, 2026: North Queens Aquatic Centre will be closed today, Monday, August 3, 2026, due to unavailability of staff. Swimming lessons have been cancelled, and all participants are currently being contacted to notify them. The morning and afternoon swims scheduled for today are also cancelled. The pool is expected to reopen for normal scheduled programs on Tuesday, August 4.
It’s summer time, and we want you to have a great time at Public Swims at North Queens Aquatic Centre in Caledonia!
For the two-week period of August 3 – 14, there are lots of opportunities to cool off, be active and have some fun with friends and your family! The cost for each swim is $2 per person. Questions? Call North Queens Aquatic Centre at 902-685-2009 or email nqac@regionofqueens.com
MORNING, AFTERNOON & EVENING SWIM TIMES: On Mondays and Wednesdays, the morning swim time will be from 10 – 11 am, and the afternoon swim time is from 2 – 4 pm.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the afternoon swim time is 2:30 – 4 pm, and evening swim time is 5 – 6 pm.
On Fridays, the afternoon swim time is 2:30 – 4 pm.
See you there!
North Queens Aquatic Centre is located at 9708 Highway 8, Caledonia.
Swimming Season is nearly here – are you ready for it?
Get your swimsuit, grab your towel, and get ready – North Queens Aquatic Centre opens for the season on Monday, July 13!
In recognition of opening week and to celebrate Region of Queens Municipality’s 30th anniversary since amalgamation, from July 13 to July 17 there will be two public swims each day – and the best part is … they’re free all week!
We appreciate your patience over the past 10 days while staff completed some important safety upgrades at the North Queens Aquatic Centre.
Check back soon for information about swimming lesson registration and session dates. Stay tuned!
Since we have you thinking about swimming, it’s the perfect time to give you an update on the new outdoor pool In South Queens.
Crews are working to finish off the remaining parts of the new aquatics centre in South Queens at Queens Crossing, and we look forward to unveiling this exciting new addition to Queens County to our residents in the very near future!
While contractor work continues at the facility, our aquatics staff team have been participating in on-site training over the past week to get acquainted with the new facility so that when the time comes to open the doors and welcome you in, they’ll be ready to go!
Stay tuned for more details and an announcement about the grand opening (and the name of the new pool)!
In observance of Emancipation Day, Region of Queens Municipality is flying the Pan African Flag on the Special Purpose Flagpole at Town Hall Arts & Cultural Centre, 219 Main St., Liverpool, on August 1.
Emancipation Day marks the end of slavery in many British colonies. Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. The Slavery Abolition Act of 1834 ended slavery in the British Empire on August 1, 1834. The first colony to have anti-slavery legislation was Upper Canada (modern day Ontario) with the Act Against Slavery 1793.
Learn more on the Canadian Heritage website: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/emancipation-day.html or online at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia: https://emancipationdayns.ca/
With the upcoming opening of The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool at Queens Place Emera Centre on Tuesday, August 4, swimming lessons are on the minds of many! If you are not sure of which level to register your child in, we can help!
Certified Swim Instructors will assess a swimmer’s skill level and recommend the most appropriate swimming lesson level to support their success and water safety. Evaluations are by appointment and are held at The Big Splash – Outdoor Swimming Pool on Monday, August 3, 15 minute spots are available between 9 am and 12 noon, and 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. To reserve an evaluation for your child, please call 902-354-4422. Evaluations are conducted in groups of 4 children maximum – wear appropriate swimwear and bring a towel. Evaluations are for children aged 5 and up, and children under 12 must be accompanied on the pool deck during the swimming evaluation by someone age 16 years or older.
The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool is located at Queens Place Emera Centre, 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool. When arriving for the Swimming Evaluation, please check in 10 minutes before the scheduled evaluation time at the front Desk at Queens Place Emera Centre. The entrance to the pool is through the lobby of Queens Place Emera Centre.
Information about swimming lessons at The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool, including dates and cost, will be posted soon! Check back for the details!
Each year near the beginning of the new fiscal year, Region of Queens Municipality compiles and posts a list of grants provided to Queens County based organizations during the previous fiscal year. In the 2025 – 2026 fiscal year, $1,433,668.79 was approved in grant funding to local organizations.
Council is proud to support organizations in Queens, and feels it is important to invest in the local community. Funding support for local organizations, business facade improvements, and athletes who excel in heir sport, enriches our community.
Starting Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the section of College Street between Waterloo Street and Barss Street will become a one-way street.
Vehicle access will be from Waterloo Street or by making a right turn from Barss Street onto College Street. The section of College Street between Pleasant Avenue and Shore Road will remain two-way for vehicle traffic. Pedestrian and active transportation access will continue to be available in both directions along the entire street.
Update issued, 8:55 p.m., July 31, 2026: We are happy to advise that the scales are now operational at Queens Solid Waste Management Facility, following the repair being made. Weight based drop offs from commercial clients and commercial waste haulers.are being accepted again.
Originallyissued at 11:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2026
Partial Re-Opening of Queens Solid Waste Management Facility
Partial Re-Opening of Queens Solid Waste Management Facility
Repairs to the scales at the Queens Solid Waste Management Facility have not yet taken place due to delayed arrival of the replacement part needed. Once the part arrives and is installed, an update will be posted.
Until the scales are repaired, the facility is unable to receive weight-based material from commercial drop-off clients and commercial haulers. The Waste Management Facility remains open regular hours and is able to accept ONLY waste that is not billed by weight, such as residential drop-off material, curbside collected material, and grey box site material.
Please note that regular waste collection is not affected by this work; residents may continue to place their waste out for collection on their scheduled collection day. __________________________________________________ Information originally issued at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026
The Queens Solid Waste Management Facility has partially re-opened to public use today. The facility will be open to receive ONLY waste that is not billed by weight, such as curbside collected material, grey box site material, and residential drop-off material.
At this time, the Waste Management Facility is still unable to receive weight-based material from commercial drop-off clients and commercial haulers due to damage to the scale system on site caused by lightning strikes in the area last week. Repair work is expected to take a few days to complete.
Region of Queens Municipality will provide an additional update to commercial clients/haulers by Thursday, July 16.
Thank you for your patience as repairs take place. Regular curbside collection for residents will not be impacted by this work.
UPDATE: Issued July 10, 2026 at 4:48 p.m.: Queens Solid Waste Management Facility will remain closed on Saturday. There will be no access for residential drop offs of waste. Updates will be posted when there is a change to note.
Issued Friday, July 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.: Queens Solid Waste Management Facility, located at 3750 Highway 8, Milton, has closed for the day due to the effects of the thunderstorm. The vehicle weigh scales at the entrance to the facility have been impacted by the lightning.
Waste collection will take place as scheduled today, however, curbside collection may be impacted. If so, an update will be posted that uncollected waste will be collected at a specified date.
Residential and commercial drop offs of waste will not be accepted today. The facility will reopen for drop offs once the scales have been repaired. Updates will be posted on Region of Queens Municipality’s website (www.queens.ca) and Facebook page.
Residents of Queens: Is your well low or dry? Or do you have housing issues and need a shower? We can help!
Residents of Queens County can access public shower facilities at Queens Place Emera Centre. There is no charge for using the showers. Queens Place Emera Centre is located at 50 Queens Place Dr., Liverpool, NS.
20 minute increments for family units of 1-2 persons.
Family units of 3+ persons have one 30 minute timeslot.
NOTE: There may be times due to facility events and activities where the service is not available. Advance notice will be provided in these instances.
🗓 How to reserve a spot?
Phone the Customer Service Desk at 902-354-4422 during open hours of operation. (Reserving a time in advance is not required, but is strongly encouraged to ensure the shower facilities are available upon arrival).
Check in at the Customer Service Desk to sign out the key and/or be provided access to the space being used for showers.
BOIL WATER ADVISORY ENDED Issued: July 3, 2026, 9:58 p.m.
The Boil Water Advisory for customers of the Region of Queens Water Utility has ended.
The provincially required testing of water samples following repairs to the chlorination earlier this week has been completed by Region of Queens Municipality, working collaboratively with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change. The water samples passed the required testing and water from the utility is now safe to consume without boiling.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
UPDATE – 3:20 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026
A Boil Water Advisory remains in place until further notice, pending the completion of required water testing.
The issue with chlorination equipment at the Region of Queens Water Treatment Facility was corrected as of late this morning by our staff team.
Provincial drinking water guidelines require the Region of Queens Water Utility to submit water samples for testing to ensure drinking water is meeting the required standards following a disruption of this nature.
As such, in compliance with Provincial regulations, the Boil Water Advisory for Region of Queens Water Utility customers will remain in effect until further notice.
We anticipate receiving the water sampling results early next week. Once the results have been received, they will be submitted to the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) and the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) with a request that the Boil Water Advisory be rescinded immediately. The public will be updated as soon as a decision has been made.
The Boil Water Advisory does not impact water drawn from Cowie Well – the Boil Water Advisory only affects Region of Queens Water Utility customers connected to the water utility system.
BOIL WATER ADVISORY REMINDERS Region of Queens Water Utility customers are advised until further notice to bring all water taken from the system to a rolling boil for at least one minute then allow it to cool before consuming.
This includes water being used for drinking, preparing infant formulas, preparing juices and ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, dental hygiene, or any other activity that may result in consuming water taken from the utility system.
Per the Province of Nova Scotia’s Boil Water Fact Sheet, under most circumstances it is not necessary to boil water used for other household purposes. Adults, adolescents, and older children may shower, bathe or wash using tap water but should avoid swallowing the water. Toddlers and infants should be sponge bathed. Dishes and laundry may be washed in tap water, either by hand or by machine.
We appreciate your patience and understanding. For more information regarding this notice, please call 902-354-7170.
Originally issued message at 8:55 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, follows below:
A temporary Boil Water Advisory is in effect for customers of the Region of Queens Water Utility. The advisory has been issued out of an abundance of caution following an issue with a piece of equipment that is part of the chlorination system at the treatment facility this morning.
Region of Queens Water Utility customers are advised until further notice to bring all water taken from the system to a rolling boil for at least one minute then allow it to cool before consuming.
This includes water being used for drinking, preparing infant formulas, preparing juices and ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, cooking, dental hygiene, or any other activity that may result in consuming water taken from the utility system.
Staff are working to correct the issue and are doing so in close consultation with the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change.
This does not impact water drawn from Cowie Well – the Boil Water Advisory only affects Region of Queens Water Utility customers connected to the water utility system.
Further updates will be provided as they are received. We appreciate your patience and understanding. For more information regarding this notice, please call 902-354-7170.
