Saint John Seeks Big Ideas For Aquatic Centre Revamp
SAINT JOHN–The Saint John Aquatic Centre Commission is working with the City of Saint John to identify new revenue opportunities as part of an ongoing effort to revitalize the Canada Games Aquatic Centre, (CGAC).
The city released a public appeal posted earlier this week it hopes will gather submissions for concepts and ideas to increase the use of the facility.
The Canada Games Aquatic Centre was built to host swimming competitions during the Canada Games in 1985 and is operated by the Saint John Aquatic Centre Commission. The past few years have been challenging as the commission dealt with revenue shortfalls stemming from Covid-19.
Earlier this year, the City of Saint John approved $250,000 in Covid-19 relief funding for the facility.
The funding was conditional on the Aquatic Centre’s Commission requesting all members of the Regional Facilities Commission contribute their share of the funding.
Among other steps, the city manager needed to complete an analysis of alternative business models for the Aquatic Centre, part of the ongoing review of the city’s agencies, boards, and commissions, with a deadline to bring forth recommendations by September 1.
Expressions of Interest sought
The notice was shared on the city’s website on June 27. It asked for expressions of interest in a limited timeframe of one week.
According to the posting on behalf of the Aquatic Centre, input can come from individuals, businesses, or other organizations regarding what the CGAC calls “possible partnerships or opportunities.”
It also states the notice is not a call for tenders or a request for proposals but rather an opportunity to present ideas for potential business concepts.
Anyone interested has been invited to submit a written description of an idea or concept for a possible partnership, business venture, or other use by July 5.
While all types of suggestions are welcome, the posting says the city will prioritize ideas that make use of the space during its core business hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
In addition to its showcase, 50-metre competition swimming pool, the Aquatic Centre’s accessible, twin 25-metre leisure pools and enclosed “Tots” pool, along with hot tubs and sauna, are named as amenities that could be useful for new partnerships.
A fully equipped fitness area with weight machines, free weights, cardio equipment, and spin bikes, along with fitness and aerobics studios, are also up for new ideas to consider.
Providing perhaps the most options for use are the Aquatic Centre’s three meeting rooms next to the pool along the lower pedway.
The city and the CGAC also reserve the right to invite some, all, or none of the proponents to any further phase.
Tyler Mclean is a Huddle reporter based in Fredericton. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].