New Brunswick plans to spend a lot of money ahead of a major sporting event in three years. The province is hosting the 2029 Canada Summer Games in Saint John and Moncton. On Thursday they revealed they will be spending $11.5 million on the event. Operational funding – which covers staffing, security, medical services, volunteer support, ceremonies and translation services – will be $8.85 million. The capital funding will be $3 million and will cover upgrades for facilities and infrastructure. “Not only does this investment reflect our government’s commitment to advancing sport development, but it also creates lasting social and economic benefits for the province,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault. After the announcement, Thériault told reporters it was vital for the province to contribute to the games. “It is such an important event,” said Thériault. “We’re super excited to welcome athletes from all over Canada.” Thériault said the games are also a great opportunity to increase tourism in the province. The Summer Games – which are expected to bring in roughly 4,600 athletes, coaches and managers – are held every two years. They were last held in New Brunswick in 1985. Bathurst, N.B., hosted the Winter Games in 2003. The province claims the Summer Games will boost the economy with $200 million. “The Canada Games have consistently proven to be a significant economic driver for host communities and provinces,” said Thériault. “Most recently, the 2025 Canada Summer Games generated approximately $193 million in economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, demonstrating the significant economic benefits that hosting the Games can bring.” Last January, the province said it would spend $400,000 to support athletes, coaches and organizations ahead of the 2029 games. Getting facilities ready Bill MacMackin, one of the co-chairs of the 2029 Host Society, said the games will be a regional effort and will see several communities host events. “It’s not something that we’ve done before, so we’re pretty proud of that joint initiative,” said MacMackin. “We have outstanding facilities across both regions and that’s what really brought us together. The opportunity to host the games in a small province in a way that can be effective.” There is some concern over the Canada Games Aquatic Centre in Saint John, which was built for the 1985 Canada Summer Games. “It needs a lot of work to be upgraded,” said Saint John Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie. MacKenzie said the estimate to get the facility ready for 2029 is around $29 million. “We’re working on trying to get some different money from the feds and the province, the region will pitch in. It’ll all come together and we’ll get corporate sponsors I’m sure,” said MacKenzie. Fundy Region Service Commission CAO Phil Ouellette said over the next two months the renewal project for the aquatic centre will be resolved. “We’re ultimately at this stage waiting for federal, provincial confirmation of their contribution and once that’s secured, we’re in a preparation of making a final decision on the project which will bring new life to a 40-year-old facility and to give 40 more years of great service and support to the only 50-metre pool in the province,” said Ouellette. The City of Moncton’s director of events and venues Shane Porter said the city is in great shape going into the games. “Obviously, there are some upgrades that need to be made in some facilities, but overall, we’re in great shape. We’re feeling really good about it,” said Porter. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
