Aquarena's public reopening delayed by a year, says MUN

Construction work at the Aquarena for the 2025 Canada Summer Games is taking longer than expected, Memorial University says,and its reopening to the public has been delayed by a full year.

The university announced the delay Monday afternoon. Jordan Wright, who heads MUN's Canada Games work, says there have been unexpected challenges.

"As with any construction job, big or small, I think that's happening right now, you run into things relating to labour availability, supply chain challenges or just some unforeseen conditions on site," Wright said Monday.

The Aquarena, on MUN's campus in St. John's, is set to host swimming, diving and artistic swimming events. The facility was built for the 1977 Games the last time Newfoundland and Labrador hosted the summer sporting competition.

Its doors closed to the public in September for upgrades and was initially expected to reopen this September. That date has been pushed back an additional year.

The news comes a week after2025 Canada Games Host Society CEO Karen Sherriffstold CBC News projects are on schedule for August 2025. A potential delay for the Aquarena's public reopening was not mentioned, but university spokespersonSandy Woolfrey-Fahey told CBC News at the time thatmore details about the project's status would be coming soon.

Wright said they still intend to be ready ahead of the Games which begin Aug. 8, 2025andexpecta substantial part of the construction will be done in the late spring of next year.

WATCH | Here's what the general manager of the Works says about the delay:

Groups booted from Aquarena disappointed opening delayed a year but eye long-term gain

8 months ago

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Craig Neil, general manager of the Works, says the swim team, synchronized swimmers, dive team and regular patrons of the Aquarena wont be returning to the facility as soon as planned.

Wright said they are working with the contractor to see whenathletes will be able to use the Aquarena for training ahead of theGames. However, it won't be opento the public until after the Games wrap up.

"Obviously, there's an element of operational readiness of getting the pool up and running, making sure thebuilding systems are working well, et cetera. So obviously all of that also needs to happen before the Games," he said.

Wright also said the projectis still on budget, which is$24.6 million.

"We are happy to report that we're still on budget on this project."

In April, CBC News reported that repair costs had risen to meet standards for the Canada Summer Games.

Swim disruption

The Aquarena's closure has meant the St. John's Legends Swim Club hasn't been able to train at the only Olympic-sizeswimming pool in the province.

"While the news of delays is disappointing, our swimmers are resilient. They have adapted to the loss of their home pool and are doing their very best to train hard for this season's goals and then on to Canada Games, for those eligible," Legendspresident Chris Young said in an emailed statement to CBC News.

Without access to the Aquarena, the team has been using facilities around St. John's.

Young said they're grateful to the city for allowing its members to have access to other swimmingfacilities to train in.

"Not having access to a 50-metre pool or diving blocks is not ideal so we are anxious to dive in to the modernized facility once the renovations are complete," he added.

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