Aquarena grant from St. John's up in the air

St. John's city council has deferred a decision on whether it will continue to provide financial support to the Aquarena, the swimming facility it once managed but turned over to Memorial University two decades ago.

The city is being asked to support the Aquarena to the tune of $100,000.

But the issue, which had been on council's agenda for Tuesday's meeting, will be decided later.

The city's finance committee is recommending continuing the grant, even though four councillors - Tom Hann, Art Puddister, Bernard Davis and Jonathan Galgay - have voted in committee against it.

Memorial University took over the Aquarena in the mid-1990s when the city divested itself of the facility. The Aquarena now runs under the umbrella of The Works recreational complex, with services offered both to students and the public at large.

The city agreed to provide a transitional grant of $200,000 per year for three years. Some councillors said the time has come for the city to cut its support altogether.