REQUEST FOR HELP FROM MEMBERS

Hello FAST families,

The recent SMA Pool shutdown, FIP maintenance and reopening of SMA with limited access
together highlight the egregiously inadequate aquatics spaces in Fredericton.

The city of Fredericton has recognized since at least 2011 that Fredericton has lacked adequate
aquatics infrastructure, yet there has been no action or even commitment to breaking ground.
In the short term, we continue to do our best to manage the situation to adapt our schedules in light
of the new reality with SMA’s aging air handler. At the same time, it’s important we ensure relevant
officials hear from our members.

Fredericton needs a commitment that the City will continue to support UNB to ensure that the SMA
remains viable for as long as is needed to build new aquatics infrastructure that should have
been built 12+ years ago.

Please write and ask your representatives to commit to:

i) provide any needed funding to repair and maintain the SMA pool air handler so it can stay open;       

ii) take visible action on building a new Aquatics facility for the city of Fredericton

Please note: The city has not moved forward on the most recent plans for an aquatics facility as
they considered it ‘regional’, but in 2024 supporting municipal partners voted not to contribute
financially. As a result, the project has landed back with the city of Fredericton, which has said it is
seeking other partners. Of note, the Performing Arts Centre, which also has NO regional
funding (and is clearly a regional facility) is already under construction.

Please email (Click here for contact information for Key Representatives):

• your Municipal councillor, CC the mayor, add other relevant City staff
• your GNB MLA, CC the Premier
• your Federal MP
• relevant GNB Ministers
• relevant officials @ UNB

We need to ensure that aquatics users can continue their activities at their regular programming
capacity until a new aquatics facility in Fredericton becomes a reality.

FAST is also working to revive a collaborative user-group based action committee focused on
moving a new aquatics facility forward. Please stay tuned for information, as FAST families will be
invited to participate in a related working group.

Please email any questions to fastswimmingoffice@gmail.com