The new Queens outdoor pool will be next to Queen's Place Emera Centre. Photo: Evan Taylor.

The new Queens outdoor pool is much closer to becoming a reality following a funding announcement Friday.

Queens MLA Kim Masland announced at Queen’s Place Emera Centre that the province is contributing $2.2 million towards the project which already had funding in place from the municipality and an anonymous donor.

“Contributing to a new outdoor pool for the community is very exciting and will play a significant role in bringing people together to be active,” said  Masland.

“It’s basically a reality now because we can start sending out our tender documents,” said Region of Queens Mayor Darlene Norman. “All the predesigns are completed and I believe they (tenders) are being prepared currently,”.

The pool will be built next to the Emera Centre and Norman expects construction to begin next spring, targeting opening in time for the summer of 2026.

The pool once completed will be heated, with six lanes suitable for competition as well as therapy and recreation.

Other recreation funding

As part of the announcement funding was also announced for the Liverpool Curling Club and an outdoor running track.

The curling club will be receiving $47,030 to begin much-needed upgrades to its kitchen.

The track funding ($500,000) will go to the South Shore Regional Centre for Education which will be building an outdoor running track at Liverpool High School.

The province previously announced funding for the track in October 2023, but MLA Masland indicated an additional $500,000 was granted after the plans to build a gravel track were deemed unfeasible due to the high amount of maintenance required.