The PotashCorp Civic Centre in Sussex is facing the possibility of closing its doors next month after only five years of operation due to a lack of funding.
The Board of Directors has announced that as of Sept. 4 the pool would be closing because there isn’t enough money coming in to cover operating expenses.
While fundraising is welcome, officials say more is needed.
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“Let’s be clear this isn’t something that can be fixed with bake sales and 50/50 draws,” said board chair Bridget Ryan. “This is an operational deficit year over year that needs to be addressed”.
The board is looking for an increase in tax money provided to the centre by surrounding communities.
“Giving us enough funding to wipe out that deficit we have every year, but also allow us to have some money to put into our capital account,” she added.
In a statement, Environment and Local Government Minister Serge Rouselle says staff will meet with the board next week to “review the financial information, the feasibility of their facility going forward and their request for additional funding.”
He added he would be “consulting the LSD (Local Service District) Advisory Committees, and we will ensure proper processes are followed.”
Facility general manager Alex Coffin says the pool is a great resource for people who can’t exercise on solid ground.
“It’s a pleasure of mine to witness that when you see someone who’s struggles upright but in the water they’re all of a sudden free and able to work on rehab type things movements,” Coffin said.
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Richard Allaby of Hampton, N.B. uses the centre four or five times per week.
He says the facility can make you a better person.
“[It] changed my life around by coming back to the gym and and trying to stay fit and just a change of lifestyle,” Allaby said.
The board says unless a solution is found, the Sept. 4 closure date for the pool is firm. Officials say other parts of the centre may be able to stay open a little bit longer, but it will not over the long term.
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