A funding agreement between The University of New Brunswick, the province and the City of Fredericton will keep the Sir Max Aitken Pool for at least another three years.
The pool was slotted to close in September, but the province has stepped in, and will provide $260,000 a year to keep the pool going. The City of Fredericton will also provide $140,000 a year.
The City has agreed in principle to be a partner in keeping UNB’s pool open. The City will contribute $140,000/year for up to 3 years, so UNB can continue to operate their pool. The City is prepared to enter into an agreement with @UNBFredericton & @Gov_NB based on these terms.
— City of Fredericton (@CityFredGov) May 14, 2018
Melanie Melanson used to coach in Fredericton, but she now calls Moncton home and is the Head Coach with the Codiac Vikings Aquatic Club based out of Riverview.
She says New Brunswick is generating some quality swimmers from clubs across the province and without quality pools, that wouldn’t be the case.
“As a sport itself, performance wise, we are doing a much better job in New Brunswick of producing swimmers that are successful and that are having fun while they’re doing it. Across the country, we are doing really well.”
Proud of our swimmers! Fier de notre nageurs! #NBProud #FiertéNB https://t.co/4uPw1RTBwQ
— SwimNB/NatationNB (@SwimNB) April 13, 2018
She says the sport of swimming is seeing growth across the province, and at this point most of the communities have at least one pool.
“Unfortunately, those pools need active repair and they need investment and they need renewal and they need to grow with those communities, and that is something we can do a better job at,” Melanson says.
There are several successful swim clubs in communities across New Brunswick. The Codiac Vikings have seen a lot of growth, with an increase of at least ten swimmers this season alone.
She says this is a sport that can be both competitive and recreational.
“By investing in kids when they are young swimmers, it encourages them to continue and develop a relationship with a sport that they will go back to. Maybe when they are stressed out, they’ll go back to swimming, or if they need rehab, they may use swimming. If they move and are looking for a new social group, they may turn to swimming as well.”
The two Clubs in Greater Moncton, are the Codiac Vikings and CNBO.
For a full list of Clubs in NB, visit SwimmingNB
