If you rely on the Canada Games Aquatic Centre for your daily workout, your routine faces a major disruption. Saint John city council wants the Fundy Region Service Commission to rethink its recent funding denial. Councillors unanimously backed a proposal Monday night to send a letter requesting $125,000 in transitional funding for the facility. As reported by CBC News, this money ensures the centre maintains its programming during an upcoming massive renovation.

Preparing for the 2029 Summer Games

The aquatic centre closes this December for 15 to 18 months. Crews will complete a $25 million upgrade to prepare the facility for the 2029 Canada Summer Games, which Saint John and Moncton cohost. The project includes a new 20 metre warm up pool, improved change rooms, and increased seating capacity from 400 to 750 spectators.

While the upgrades represent a generational investment, the lengthy closure creates an immediate problem for current members and staff. The requested $125,000 bridges the gap so the centre can relocate fitness, swimming, and physiotherapy programs to other facilities.

Program Cuts and Job Losses

The commission recently rejected the funding request. Coun. Greg Norton brought the motion forward to ask for a sober second thought. He calls the facility an uptown anchor and warns of the consequences of a funding shortfall.

“This is not simply about protecting jobs,” Norton said. “We have a well equipped, well trained workforce that will simply be in layoff. Calling them back is going to be very, very difficult.”

General Manager Andrea Foster confirmed the organization will continue operating, but at a scaled down level. The centre will use local schools for swimming lessons and maintain summer beach contracts. However, everyday fitness, massage, and physiotherapy programs face suspension without a temporary space. This reduction directly impacts the workforce.

“We have 15 full time staff,” Foster said. “We will reduce that by five in the scenario that we have to move forward with.”

The True Cost of Recreation

City leaders view recreation as a core pillar of Saint John. Coun. Brian Wyatt expressed frustration over the commission’s focus on minor expenses rather than the big picture.

“If the region is not supporting these facilities, these facilities might not exist anymore,” Wyatt said. He questioned what the city looks like without the aquatic centre, TD Station, or the Sea Dogs.

Mayor Donna Reardon echoed this sentiment. She believes amenities drive population growth and community building.

“When people look for another place to live, they want to know: What do you have for amenities? What do you have for parks? What do you have for recreation?” Reardon said. “These are all of the things that build a city, build a community, build a region, and it’s what attracts people to your region.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Canada Games Aquatic Centre closing?

The facility closes in December for 15 to 18 months to undergo $25 million in renovations ahead of the 2029 Canada Summer Games.

What upgrades are happening at the aquatic centre?

Renovations include a new 20 metre warm up pool, improved change rooms, and an increase in spectator seating from 400 to 750.

Why does the aquatic centre need transitional funding?

The centre needs $125,000 to relocate and maintain its fitness, massage, and physiotherapy programs at other facilities during the closure.

Will aquatic centre staff lose their jobs?

Yes. Without the transitional funding, the centre will lay off staff, including reducing its 15 full time employees by five.