Joint government funding for a new regional aquatic centre in Fredericton.

More than $ 1.2 million was announced earlier today to support the preliminary planning and design phase of the project.

“The vision for the new aquatic centre is now one step closer to being realized with today’s announcement,” said Social Development Minister Jill Green, who is also minister responsible for housing. “The project is a great example of how communities can work together to advance major infrastructure projects to benefit residents of the region.”

The investment will help the Capital Regional Service Commission prepare a preliminary design and engineering plan for the eventual construction of the new centre. The project goal is to expand the existing Grant-Harvey Centre to include a new facility that will replace the Sir Max Aitken Pool at the Fredericton campus of the University of New Brunswick.

The province is investing $423,405 in the project while the federal government is providing $508,137 and the commission is contributing $338,800.

The project will determine the most effective method of implementing the addition through schematic design, design development, and construction documents to provide a recreational aquatic centre that supports the health and wellness needs of the region.