SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK — The federal and New Brunswick governments are committing a combined $18,664,800 to renovate the Canada Games Aquatic Centre before Saint John hosts events during the 2029 Canada Summer Games.

Each government will contribute $9,332,400, according to an announcement released Wednesday. The public funding is subject to a signed contribution agreement and the completion of consultation and environmental requirements.

Accessibility and competition upgrades

The renovation is expected to add barrier-free access, expand the leisure pool and create gender-inclusive change areas. Plans also include work on the main electrical system, lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment.

The City of Saint John says the project will upgrade the 50-metre competition pool and warm-up pool, improve spectator seating and accessibility, and replace or modernize mechanical and electrical systems. Boiler and exterior-cladding work is also planned.

The centre, built in 1985, has New Brunswick’s only 50-metre pool. The city says the upgrades are intended to support competitive swimming, adaptive sport, seniors and users with different accessibility needs.

Closure expected later than first planned

The aquatic centre remains open. Its project update says a temporary closure is now anticipated in late December, but the exact date has not been finalized.

That timing is later than an earlier October closure estimate. The centre says it will provide notice before closing and will post construction updates as the schedule is confirmed.

Project still has conditions and procurement steps

The City of Saint John issued a request for proposals for construction-management services earlier in 2026. The procurement notice described a 36-month contract period, but that notice is not a guarantee of a final completion date.

Officials say the work will improve energy efficiency and support the city’s carbon-neutral goals. Those are project objectives; the announcement does not quantify the expected energy savings or emissions reduction.

Sources

Lead image: Canada Games Aquatic Centre entrance, via the City of Saint John. File photograph; it predates the announced renovation.