Fredericton Aquatics

10/20/2026

October 20, 2026
Council supports proposed 2027 General Fund capital budget

City Hall
Fredericton City Council has approved, in principle, the 2027 municipal General Fund capital budget that will support essential infrastructure upgrades, invest in recreation for all and enhance public safety priorities.

The proposed budget was discussed during an open meeting of City Council on October 19, 2026, as part of the City of Fredericton’s annual budget process, which will continue through November.

“The 2027 capital budget is focused on taking care of what we already own, maintaining the infrastructure residents use every day, while making strategic investments that strengthen our growing community,” said Councillor Colin Ebbett, Chair of the Municipal Finance and Corporate Administration Committee. “From roads and trails to recreation facilities and equipment upgrades, these projects help keep Fredericton safe, connected, and ready for the future.”

The 2027 General Fund capital budget is valued at $29.2 million that is generated through property tax, user fees, and grants. An additional $13.9 million in external funding from other levels of government is anticipated to be received in 2027.

The capital budget invests in assets such as community infrastructure including roads, trails, parks, facilities, and vehicles.

These capital investments are broken down into four categories.

Seventy-nine per cent of funds go toward maintaining and improving existing assets such as roads, sidewalks, trails, police and fire equipment, and recreation facilities.
Seven per cent supports new projects including parks, sports fields, transportation safety improvements, public realm improvements and new operational equipment
Seven per cent is allocated to non-tangible assets including planning and design work to ensure the city is forward-thinking and ready to leverage external funding as it becomes available.
Seven per cent will be dedicated to growth and supporting the needs of a rapidly growing community by investing in neighbourhoods and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate additional users such as the southeast new neighbourhood implementation.
The City is also able to leverage borrowing to help further fund major projects including completing the Hawkes Centre for the Arts, purchasing two new hybrid city buses, initial phases of the Killarney Lake Park Ballfield Multiplex and costs associated with the construction of Fire Station Five.

These investments balance community needs, responsible asset management, and fiscal responsibility.

Following discussions on the capital budget, council will consider the operating budget that pays for the day-to-day expenses that keep the city running, such as waste collection, snow removal services, personnel costs, and utilities. The 2027 property tax rates will be determined during further deliberations for the operating budget in early November.

More information about the City of Fredericton’s annual budget process, including the 2027 water and sewer budget, is available online.

10/19/2026

Thank you to all who attended the NG/HP Camp following the Sprint Meet in Saint John today, especially Coach Brian and Coach JF who shared their expertise with the group! Merci à tous ceux qui ont participé au camp NG/HP organisé après la compétition de sprint à Saint John aujourd’hui, et tout particulièrement aux entraîneurs Brian et JF qui ont partagé leur expertise avec le groupe!

10/19/2026

MLA Luke Randall is doing an "open house" at Happy Baker on Main Street on Monday, October 19th from 4:30-6 pm. He has said publicly that he hasn't heard from the public that the pool is a priority. May be a good opportunity for the aquatics groups to go and have a productive conversation about their needs. This is important to attend as MLA Luke Randal is responsible for the funding program likely to fund the regional aquatics centre.

10/16/2026

If you are part of Luke Randall Fredericton's North Side District, this might be of interest to you.

I am looking forward to hearing from you, and to get us started, let’s consider this:

Since the 2024 election, the priorities I hear about most are access to primary healthcare and making life more affordable, including housing and transit. There’s also public discussion about major projects like a new pool.

All levels of government rely on the same taxpayers, and funding decisions mean making choices. Should healthcare and affordability remain my main focus, or would you like more emphasis on major recreation projects? And, as we look to champion new initiatives, what existing programs are we willing to deprioritize to fund them?

What would make the biggest difference for you and your family?

Hope to see you in person at Trailway tonight (5:30 - 7pm) or Monday at Happy Baker North (Monday, Oct.19, 4:30 - 6pm). Watch here for more dates coming up.

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J'ai hâte d'avoir de vos nouvelles. Pour commencer, voici quelques points à considérer:

Depuis les élections de 2024, les priorités qui reviennent le plus souvent sont l'accès aux soins de santé primaires et l'amélioration du coût de la vie, notamment en matière de logement et de transport. On parle aussi publiquement de grands projets comme la construction d'une nouvelle piscine.

Tous les paliers de gouvernement dépendent des mêmes contribuables, et les décisions de financement impliquent des choix. Devrions-nous privilégier les soins de santé et l'accessibilité financière, ou souhaiteriez-vous que l'accent soit davantage mis sur les grands projets de loisirs ? Et, alors que nous cherchons à promouvoir de nouvelles initiatives, quels programmes existants sommes-nous prêts à déprioriser pour les financer ?

Qu'est-ce qui ferait la plus grande différence pour vous et votre famille ?

J'espère vous voir en personne ce soir à Trailway (de 17 h 30 à 19 h) ou lundi à Happy Baker North (lundi 19 octobre, de 16 h 30 à 18 h). Consultez cette page pour connaître les prochaines dates.

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

October 15, 2026
Council selects Grant Harvey Centre as preferred project for new aquatics facility.

Fredericton City Council has chosen the Grant Harvey Centre Expansion Project as the preferred option for a new aquatics facility to meet the recreational, competitive and therapeutic needs of the community.

Council also directed staff to develop a funding strategy for the project, which has been fully designed and costed, and includes three separate tanks, a 25-metre training pool, a therapy pool and leisure pool.

Staff will work to secure federal and provincial funding while exploring potential community funding partners and a community-led fundraising effort. The municipal contribution will depend on the outcome of this work. The project is still subject to final approval by Council once federal and provincial funding are secured, and an acceptable funding strategy is approved.

“The City of Fredericton is on the path to deliver a new facility that will meet the needs of our growing community and create a space for everyone to thrive,” said Mayor Steve Hicks. “We’ve heard from residents that a new pool is needed and we are committed to delivering on a new modern, accessible indoor aquatics facility as envisioned in the City’s 2025 Recreation and Leisure Master Plan.”

The project was recommended through a neutral third-party options analysis which contemplated design and costing, current and future community needs, operational considerations and ownership models. Proposed projects involving the YMCA and University of New Brunswick (UNB) were considered alongside the Grant Harvey Expansion.

The analysis confirmed that Grant Harvey Centre Expansion offers the most cost certainty, has the most workable ownership model, and is best suited to serve aquatics users as it aligns with the 2020 Greater Fredericton Region Aquatics Facility Feasibility Study and the City’s 2025 Recreation and Leisure Master Plan.

In December 2025, the cost of the new facility was estimated at $81 million.

The design for a facility at Grant Harvey Centre was previously completed through work with the Capital Region Service Commission.

While work to deliver a new facility is ongoing, the City of Fredericton remains committed to aquatics and will continue to invest in existing facilities.

In August 2026, the City announced a series of actions to support aquatics while reaffirming its commitment to a new facility. These actions included a retrofit of the Fredericton Indoor Pool is scheduled to begin in April 2028, and continued support to UNB to keep the Sir Max Aitken Pool open.

The Grant Harvey Centre Expansion Project was discussed during Fredericton City Council’s regular public meeting on October 13, 2026, and is available online.

10/15/2026

August 25, 2026
Council invests in aquatics with pool retrofit, funding for UNB and push for new facility
August 25, 2026

Fredericton City Council is investing in the community’s long-term aquatics future with plans for a deep retrofit at the Fredericton Indoor Pool, improvements to the Sir Max Aitken Pool, and work to secure funding and a partner for a new aquatic facility in the city.

“We are committed to a long-term, responsible approach to aquatics that meets the needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Steve Hicks. “This means investing in existing facilities now while continuing to pursue funding for a new facility. Swim programs supported by modern, sustainable facilities are essential to making Fredericton a healthy, vibrant, and safe place to live.”

At its regular meeting on August 24, Fredericton City Council approved a major renovation project to address the Fredericton Indoor Pool's infrastructure challenges, and support delivery of aquatic programming and services to residents, particularly those in our community who rely on the pool for aquatics programs tailored to their needs.

Council approved a targeted construction start date of April 2028, to allow time for engaging with aquatics user groups and finding alternative options for programming during construction planning as well as the procurement of specialized equipment, and vendor selection. The facility will be closed to the public during renovations, which are expected to last 12-18 months.

"This project is much needed and long-awaited; however, we acknowledge the impact the construction closure will have on the community," said Hicks. "We will work closely with swim groups and partners to offer as many aquatics programs as possible while this project is underway. This will include exploring options to extend the outdoor swim season, partnering with non-profit and private pool operators in Fredericton and neighbouring communities, and engaging with the swim community."

In addition, Council agreed to cost share $115,000 with the University of New Brunswick’s Sir Max Aitken Pool for repairs to the pool walls and deck and waterproofing to extend its useful life.

These approvals coincide with the City's formal funding application to the Government of Canada’s Building Communities Strong Fund for support towards a new facility. The City has also commissioned an options analysis to determine the best option to balance service to the community with affordability.

Council and staff continue to pursue all available options and potential funders, including the Provincial Government, to support a facility to serve all city residents, as envisioned in the City's Recreation and Leisure Master Plan. The City has set aside borrowing room in its long-term capital plan to fund its proportional share of the project.

The Fredericton Indoor Pool project will replace the 36-year-old facility's HVAC systems, modernize building automation, controls and electrical systems, install energy and water efficient pumps, motors and fixtures, and replace and renew pool and deck surfaces, including windows and doors as required.

The project will also make the building more accessible and inclusive with a wheelchair accessible elevator and other enhancements, renew fire detection and suppression systems, and create a new classroom space for teaching and community use, and additional storage to support programming and operations.

The project cost is estimated at $15 Million, supported by funding from the Government of Canada and City borrowing.

10/15/2026

Aired: Oct. 14, 2026
The future of aquatics in Fredericton has been up in the air for several years. But last night a decision came from city council about the next steps for a new facility. Jeanne Armstrong spoke to Nathan White, spokesperson for the Fredericton Aquatics Group.
If you are interested in listening to Nathan White about the interview, retype the link. I am unable to paste it. Or go to CBC Information Morning in Fredericton and listen to the interview there.

10/14/2026

The future of aquatics in Fredericton has been up in the air for several years. But last night a decision came from city council about the next steps for a new facility. Jeanne Armstrong spoke to Nathan White, spokesperson for the Fredericton Aquatics Group.

Information Morning Fredericton is your window on the community every weekday morning, from 5:55 to 8:37 on CBC Radio One, the news and stories of our lives in your city and around the province; keeping you informed and engaged.