To help alleviate the financial shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government and Memorial University have partnered to contribute $600,000 to The Works, to assist with re-opening of the Aquarena pool.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a provincial investment of $400,000 with Memorial University contributing $200,000 towards the project. Premier Furey was joined at the announcement by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation; Iris Petten, Chair of Memorial University’s Board of Regents, on behalf of Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University; Bill Thistle, Chair of the Memorial University Recreation Complex; and Connie Duffett, Vice-President the St. John’s Legends Swimming Club, as well as members of the local aquatic community.

This funding will allow The Works to safely re-open the Aquarena pool to lessons and community and recreational swims by mid-October. The Works manages the Field House, Aquarena, and recreation facilities on the St. John’s campus of Memorial University.

The Aquarena is the only 50-metre pool in the province, and is only one of three competitive pools in Atlantic Canada. In addition, the pool is the main training facility of the St. John’s Legends, Edge Diving Club and Sea Stars Artistic Swimming Club.

Provincial funding is being allocated through the COVID-19 contingency fund, complementing other emergency supports announced by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada.

Quotes
“The Aquarena pool is more than just a recreational facility. As a critical piece of province’s sports infrastructure, it is a place that is important to the health and well-being of many. Our government is pleased to help alleviate the financial shortfall facing The Works as a result of pressures due to COVID-19, and get the pool re-opened to the community and competitive swim groups by mid-October.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“After meeting with stakeholders, I committed to finding a path forward to re-open the Aquarena pool. Today’s announcement is proof that we can find a resolution by working together, and I am pleased that users of all ages can get back in the pool for leisure and competition. I thank Premier Furey, as well as Dr. Timmons and Memorial University for recognizing the urgency around this issue.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“The re-opening of the Aquarena will not only benefit the people of the province, but also contributes greatly to the health and wellness of the university community. The Aquarena is not only the recreational focal point for our students, faculty and staff on the St. John’s campus; it also provides important on-campus employment opportunities for many of our students.”
Dr. Vianne Timmons
President and Vice-Chancellor, Memorial University

“The Aquarena is the heart of Aquatic recreation in the province. The Works is eager to resume family-focused recreation programs and training opportunities for the community including students, faculty and staff of Memorial University. This support will also provide the opportunity for our valued employees to return to work. On behalf of The Works, I would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University for their support and acknowledgment of the importance of recreation, leisure and physical activity to residents of our province.”
Bill Thistle
Chair, Memorial University Recreation Complex Inc

“The St. John’s Legends are thrilled with the news that the Aquarena is set to re-open its doors. While the Legends rely heavily on the Aquarena as the home for competitive swimming in the province, we also recognize that the Aquarena is a critical piece of recreation infrastructure that supports the physical and mental health of thousands of patrons across the Northeast Avalon Region. We view today’s announcement as an important recognition of the value of sport, fitness and recreation as a cornerstone of a healthy society. The Legends are profoundly grateful for the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in re-opening the Aquarena. When we received the initial news of the Aquarena’s closure, we were facing real questions about our ability to survive the direct and indirect consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. This incredible turnaround marks a great day for the Legends, and for all members of the Newfoundland aquatics community.”
Connie Duffett
Vice-President, St. John’s Legends

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-725-9655, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

David Sorensen
Memorial University
709-685-7134
sorensen@mun.ca

Robyn White
The Works
709-864-6737
robynw@mun.ca

Connie Duffett
St. John’s Legends
709-690-4781
connie.duffett@gmail.com