Saint John Pool Closure Sparks Funding Controversy

The Canada Games Aquatics Centre, New Brunswick's only 50-metre pool, will close for 15 to 18 months beginning December 20, 2026, for approximately $29 million in essential upgrades. These renovations aim to improve accessibility, expand leisure pool lanes, and modernize changing rooms and tiling.

Despite the planned closure for renovations, the aquatics centre's management is seeking $125,000 in transitional funding from the Fundy Regional Service Commission to sustain programming and staff. The commission, however, denied this request, raising concerns about potential staff layoffs and the continuity of services like physiotherapy and fitness programs.

The Fundy Regional Service Commission, established in 1998, oversees five regional facilities, sharing operating costs among several municipalities. Recent budget proposals suggest increased capital spending shifts, potentially burdening Saint John taxpayers further, although the $29 million aquatics centre renewal is separate.

Saint John City Council has unanimously voted to send a letter to the commission urging reconsideration of the funding denial. The commission chair stated the denial was due to a lack of budget room but indicated openness to a business case demonstrating long-term cost savings from upfront investment.