Progress is being made in the development of a new aquatic center in Fredericton, with potential collaboration between the City of Fredericton, University of New Brunswick, and YMCA. During a recent council meeting, Sara DeGrace, Fredericton’s deputy chief administrator, stated that discussions have been ongoing with the two potential partners regarding the design, construction, and operation of the new aquatic center.
Recognizing the challenges faced by the aquatics community due to aging facilities and limited capacity, DeGrace emphasized the need for a sustainable solution. Both potential partners have expressed interest in locating the facility on land they already own to potentially reduce costs and expedite the project timeline.
Affordability is a key priority for the city, focusing on minimizing construction costs for taxpayers and ensuring reasonable user fees for residents. While the city may ultimately partner with either the University of New Brunswick or the YMCA, Mayor Kate Rogers expressed her desire for both institutions to be involved throughout the project, highlighting their viability as partners.
The push for a new aquatic center has long been a priority for the City of Fredericton, particularly gaining momentum in 2018 when the University of New Brunswick announced the closure of the Sir Max Aitken Pool. A temporary agreement was reached between the city and UNB to keep the pool operational while plans for a new center progressed.
However, challenges with the existing pool’s infrastructure have hindered its ability to host competitive events, prompting the need for a modern facility. Despite initial hopes for regional funding, the city found itself reevaluating its approach after facing setbacks with securing financial support from other municipalities, provincial, or federal sources.
As plans for the new aquatic center evolve, discussions will continue with UNB and the YMCA to determine aspects such as facility size, location, ownership structure, and maintenance strategies. DeGrace emphasized the importance of making informed decisions upfront to avoid cost overruns and ensure the success of the project in the long run.
