The Canada Games Aquatic Centre is getting a bit of help from the city as it struggles with a massive deficit.
It was revealed in July the centre is projecting an operating deficit of $1.1 million for the end of the year.
Council approved nearly $177,000 for the centre at Monday night’s meeting, but Mayor Don Darling said it is not new money.
“We’re advancing our regular funding,” Darling said, “so we’re just pulling it ahead by, I think it’s about 30 days or so, just to help them with some short-term cash flow issues.”
Council has also asked aquatic centre staff to make a presentation in September outlining how they plan to deal with their financial challenges.
“The greater Saint John communities need to step up and support this one-of-a-kind facility, as of right now in New Brunswick,” Darling said. “If it isn’t supported, I don’t know … We can’t carry the burden of this facility all on our own shoulders.”
