Miramichi aquatic centre to be named after former N.B. premier

Frank and Julie McKenna were joined by their son James and granddaughter, Sophie and City Council for an announcement on June 25, 2025. (Source: City of Miramichi)

An aquatic centre in Miramichi will be named after a former New Brunswick premier.

Frank McKenna, who served as premier from 1987 to 1997, was joined by his wife Julie, their son James and granddaughter Sophie Wednesday, as he announced a $1-million donation for the naming rights of the aquatic centre in the Arbec Wellness Centre.

“I want to tell you how attached we are to the Miramichi. I think it’s safe to say we view this as our happiest place and all of our family have deep roots here,” said Frank McKenna in a news release from the City of Miramichi. “It’s been a hugely important part of our life.”

The Arbec Wellness Centre is scheduled to open in September 2026. It will house:

• an arena
• walking track
• double gymnasium
• 25m/six-lane competition pool
• leisure pool
• enhanced community spaces

The city says the facility’s pools will be known as the McKenna Aquatic Centre for the life of the centre.

“We are very happy to claim him as one of our own just as we were when he was here as a lawyer and as our Premier representing one of Miramichi’s ridings,” said Mayor Adam Lordon at Wednesday’s announcement, acknowledging McKenna’s work as premier and MLA for the area, which included the amalgamation of the City of Miramichi 30 years ago.

Lordon presented McKenna with a 30th anniversary commemorative coin to mark the occasion.

“We are a city today because of Frank,” said Lordon.

In 2024, the City of Miramichi launched a campaign with a goal of raising $5 million for the multiplex. McKenna hinted there would be more good news coming for the wellness centre, according to the release.

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