Town Council Announces Intention to Close Outdoor Pool
- Details
- Published: Monday, 01 June 2026 08:48
TOWN OF TRENTON NOTICE
Town Council Announces Intention to Close Outdoor Pool
Town Council wishes to inform residents that it has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to address current fiscal challenges in this year’s budget by removing future funding for the outdoor pool. Council will consider the draft budget in the upcoming weeks, and if passed, the outdoor pool will be closed permanently.
In considering anticipated future costs, Council determined that continuing to operate the outdoor pool would place significant pressure on municipal finances and would ultimately require property tax increases.
“It’s incredibly challenging to operate an aging, seasonal asset like this,” said Mayor Dove. “Weather can impact operations and climate impacts, like the threat of fire season impacting the park opening, are all considerations we must factor in. Even with excellent weather and maximized operational hours, the projected costs of the pool would be over $50,000 for a 10-week facility, which is simply not feasible without a tax rate increase, and Council is not comfortable doing that.”
Council believes it is important to take proactive steps now to help keep taxes affordable for residents, while ensuring the Town can continue delivering essential municipal services in a financially sustainable manner.
“Council recognizes the outdoor pool has served generations of families and appreciates the community connections it has provided over the years. We do not want this to be seen as taking something away from our town, but rather Council making a fiscally-responsible decision in the best interests of our taxpayers. We need to balance delivering recreation services with ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability,” said Dove. “We look forward to hearing from residents on their ideas for alternative uses of the space as we move forward.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to use the fully accessible splash pad located at the park and others in Pictou and Westville, and to enjoy the pool facilities and programming year round at the two Pictou County YMCA Aquatic facilities.
Media Contact:
Gabryel Joseph
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Trenton
Town Council wishes to inform residents that it has directed the Chief Administrative Officer to address current fiscal challenges in this year’s budget by removing future funding for the outdoor pool. Council will consider the draft budget in the upcoming weeks, and if passed, the outdoor pool will be closed permanently.
In considering anticipated future costs, Council determined that continuing to operate the outdoor pool would place significant pressure on municipal finances and would ultimately require property tax increases.
“It’s incredibly challenging to operate an aging, seasonal asset like this,” said Mayor Dove. “Weather can impact operations and climate impacts, like the threat of fire season impacting the park opening, are all considerations we must factor in. Even with excellent weather and maximized operational hours, the projected costs of the pool would be over $50,000 for a 10-week facility, which is simply not feasible without a tax rate increase, and Council is not comfortable doing that.”
Council believes it is important to take proactive steps now to help keep taxes affordable for residents, while ensuring the Town can continue delivering essential municipal services in a financially sustainable manner.
“Council recognizes the outdoor pool has served generations of families and appreciates the community connections it has provided over the years. We do not want this to be seen as taking something away from our town, but rather Council making a fiscally-responsible decision in the best interests of our taxpayers. We need to balance delivering recreation services with ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability,” said Dove. “We look forward to hearing from residents on their ideas for alternative uses of the space as we move forward.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to use the fully accessible splash pad located at the park and others in Pictou and Westville, and to enjoy the pool facilities and programming year round at the two Pictou County YMCA Aquatic facilities.
Media Contact:
Gabryel Joseph
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of Trenton