No half-measures

By BETTE EL-HAWARY
It may not be well known, but currently, Swim Nova Scotia programs in HRM have waiting lists of 200-plus people due to the lack of access to swimming pools, and the provincial swim team cannot even get training times in HRM. This is unacceptable. Now is the time to invest in the citizens of HRM and Nova Scotia. Our province cannot even host any major national aquatic event!

Financial models exist across Canada that demonstrate the sustainability of a facility with a 50-metre pool. HRM needs to invest now to positively impact our citizens’ health and wellness in the future and to fight chronic disease.

HRM needs to provide equal access to recreational and sport opportunities for our community and region. Would we ever accept building half a rink to address the need for rinks in the metro region? Then why would we replace a 30-year-old facility (Northcliffe Pool) with virtually the same sized facility and why would we build half a pool, which offers only a fraction of the opportunities to all HRM’s citizens?

It is time that the HRM stepped up and supported a project that will have a lasting impact, not just a Band-Aid effect.

Bette El-Hawary,
Executive Director,
Swim Nova Scotia