Aging Infrastructure Threatens Local Swimmers

Canada faces a critical shortage of safe and modern sports facilities. If you want to sign your kids up for swimming lessons, you already know the struggle. Waitlists stretch out the door. The problem comes down to aging infrastructure. According to a recent CBC Sports report, municipalities built half of the public indoor pools in Canada between 1970 and 1999. They have now passed their average useful life.

Saint John Secures a Lifeline

Here in Saint John, we almost lost our only 50 metre pool. The Canada Games Aquatic Centre opened in 1985. By 2018, the facility faced a 1 million operating deficit and desperately needed renovations. The upcoming 2029 Canada Games changed the story. Last month, the provincial and federal governments invested 9.3 million each to upgrade the facility.

The money pays for a new pool bulkhead, expanded spectator seating, two additional lanes for the leisure pool, and modernized change rooms. Andrea Foster serves as the general manager of the facility. She told CBC Sports that maintaining the building is vital for the health and wellbeing of the community.

The National Crisis

Across the country, deteriorating pools force closures. This limits community participation and stops the next generation of Olympic athletes from developing their skills. Swimming Canada CEO Suzanne Paulins points out that swimming is a public safety necessity, not a luxury sport. Children learn fundamental skills that prevent drowning.

Local advocates like track coach Bill MacMackin push hard for recreation facilities. He notes that sport and recreation projects are not just nice to have. The federal government recently announced 1.5 billion in infrastructure funding for recreational facilities over the next nine years. This gives municipalities the push they need to prioritize local projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many Canadian pools in bad shape?

Municipalities built most public indoor pools between 1970 and 1999. These facilities have surpassed their 40 year useful lifespan and require major repairs.

What upgrades will the Canada Games Aquatic Centre receive?

The Saint John facility will get a new bulkhead, more seating, two extra lanes in the leisure pool, and updated change rooms.

Where is the funding for the Saint John pool coming from?

The provincial and federal governments each provided 9.3 million ahead of the 2029 Canada Games.