Fredericton seeks talks on new UNB pool with community groups

Fredericton's deputy mayor says the city wants to help find a way to build a new aquatic centre in Fredericton but stopped short on saying whether council would offer financial contribution to any future projects.

Deputy Mayor Kate Rogers toldInformation Morning Frederictonon Mondaythe city was aware of the plan to close down the Lady Beaverbrook Gymnasium and the Sir Max AitkenPool.

But she said details about when that might happen weren't known by city officials until the announcement last week.

• Former Olympian surprised no contingency plan for UNB pool

Rogers said she believes a conversation needs to start immediately between the various groups that use the Sir Max Aitken Pool at UNB.

In terms of whether the city would be willing to help finance a new swimming pool at UNB, Rogers said the city doesn't have room in its budget now because of funding for the new performing arts centre.

As funding builds up for the next project, where that money goes "will haveto be determined."

Rogers added the city is committed to funding recreational facilities, but whether a new pool is a priority will have to be discussed "with the larger community."

Rogers noted that in 2011, a needs assessment was completed by the city looking at a swimming pool.

She said that the study focused more on a recreational facility, but with groups raising concerns with the pool's closure, the assessment needs to be revised.

Pool widely used, deputy mayor says

The city's deputy mayorsaid the pool is not only important to competitive groups but also members of the community, such as seniors and residents taking swimming lessons.

The university is closing the Lady Beaverbrook Gym and building a $36-million Centre for Healthy Living.

The current buildingwill remain open until at least 2018.

Last week, George MacLean, the vice-president,academic, at UNB, said the Lady Beaverbrook Gymnasium will remain open until at least 2018 while the new centre is being built.

Local groups, such as the Fredericton Diving Club, are concerned about the pool's closure and the potential lack of an aquatic facility for the community as well as for practice and competitive events.