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Joint statement regarding the Sir Max Aitken Pool

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Mar 1, 2018

Category: UNB Fredericton

Further to the most recent discussions about keeping the Sir Max Aitken Pool open past its announced closing date, the University of New Brunswick and the City of Fredericton wish to advise they have not been able to reach agreement and as a result, discussions have ended and the facility will close in September 2018.

The age of the building, and the fact that the building systems are past their life expectancy, means the possibility of future capital investments combined with the ongoing operating costs makes the financial risk too great to proceed with an operating agreement.

“We are disappointed that we were not able to help find a solution to Fredericton’s pool needs,” said UNB’s Vice-President Academic (Fredericton), Dr. George MacLean. “This news will undoubtedly bring disappointment and frustration to people who depend on a competitive pool, and we empathize with them.”

“We understand this decision is not what competitive swimmers in the region will want to hear, but while we were supportive of keeping the pool open longer, after long deliberation and review, it is not a sustainable decision to continue to operate the facility,” said Fredericton Mayor Mike O’Brien. “We will now focus our efforts on welcoming and accommodating as many competitive and recreational swimmers as possible at the Fredericton Indoor Pool.”

Both parties will continue to focus on existing capital project priorities, intended to move the University and City forward.

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