Riverview’s future $46 million recreation complex will now include a ten-lane swimming pool, instead of just eight, thanks to a large public donation.

Councillor-at-Large Heath Johnson brought forth the motion at this week’s Town Council meeting.

“I move that Riverview Town Council accept the proposed donation of $2 million and approve the addition of two 25 metre pool lanes within the Riverview Recreation Complex as well as give direction to staff to explore the feasibility of an outdoor skate park in the project’s design.”

Johnson later confirmed to us that the name of the donor would not be revealed.

“The donor does want to remain anonymous in all regards so we are going to respect their privacy unless we are otherwise granted permission to share publicly,” Johnson told our newsroom.

Two additional pool lanes were not considered in the initial design of the centre, but Johnson says their Parks and Recreation Department has said this is a desirable addition to meet current and future FINA standards, of the International Aquatics Body.

“It will also give us more opportunities to attract events to the region, as well as to offer more day-to-day programming. So, if you think about us offering swimming lessons, that will give us a bit more space to offer more lessons in the Town., so that’s great,” Johnson adds.

Head Coach for the Codiac Vikings Aquatic Club Katherine Trevors adds that the extra lanes would mean great possibilities for their Club and more room to grow and evolve with less lane crowding.

“We cannot wait to maximize the space we are being offered through this new facility,” Trevors says.

Trevors also hoped the Town had also given serious consideration to a 50-metre pool, with the Canada Summer Games coming to New Brunswick in 2029.

But Johnson told us, a 50-metre pool was something that had been discounted earlier on because it came with a much bigger price tag.

Town Council voted unanimously on Monday to accept the donation and also to look at the feasibility of an outdoor skate park. The Town of Riverview does not have an outdoor skate park currently, but it is something that has been of high demand from some members of the community with feasibility studies and fundraising done by the public since 2012

Director of Parks and Recreation David Shea didn’t anticipate any delays in the project due to the changes. Shovels are expected to go into the ground this fall, with projected completion by early 2026.