The Canada Games Aquatics Centre closes its doors on December 20 for massive renovations. The facility requires 29 million dollars in upgrades before Saint John cohosts the 2029 Canada Games. This closure lasts 15 to 18 months. If you use the facility regularly, you need to prepare for these changes.

Funding Denial Halts Temporary Services

While the main pool undergoes construction, facility leaders want to keep offering services to the community. They asked the Fundy Regional Service Commission for 125,000 dollars in transitional funding. The commission denied the request. According to a report from CTV News Atlantic, this decision halts temporary community programs.

Without this money, the centre cannot offer temporary fitness classes, massage therapy, or physiotherapy. General Manager Andrea Foster says the denial creates significant challenges. “It affects staffing, it affects our continuity and providing the wellness that we want to continue to provide for our members,” Foster told CTV News.

Impact on Staff and Community

The closure forces layoffs for many of the 120 staff members. The transitional funding allows the organization to partner with local high schools and hotels to host swimming lessons and fitness programs. “We can never replace the lap swim, but with the partnering that we want to do with the other pools in the city and schools we could still provide lessons,” Foster says.

The Fundy Regional Service Commission oversees five major facilities in uptown Saint John. Commission Chair and Saint John Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie says the budget lacks the room for the extra funding. However, Saint John City Council recently voted unanimously to ask the commission to reconsider. MacKenzie remains open to reviewing a solid business case. “If a business case to be made saying, you know what, it’s going to cost more in the long run than to pay the upfront cost, then we’ll have to look at that,” he says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Canada Games Aquatics Centre closing?

The facility requires 29 million dollars in upgrades to prepare for the 2029 Canada Games.

How long does the closure last?

The building closes on December 20 and remains shut for 15 to 18 months.

What happens to the staff during the renovations?

The closure results in layoffs for a mix of full time and part time employees.

Why did the commission deny the transitional funding?

The Fundy Regional Service Commission states they have no additional room in their budget to cover the 125,000 dollar request.