Marion Aquatics Set to Close June 30

The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and the City of Prince Albert are jointly announcing that Marion Aquatics will close June 30, 2021.

Since construction of the Marion Aquatics Centre was completed by the Sisters in 1977, they have opened the immaculately maintained pool to broad public use, ensuring affordable access in the spirit of the Sisters’ mission and service to Prince Albert and area.  To help meet  community demand for aquatics, the City of Prince Albert has contributed $143,000 annually to the operation of the pool since 2018, which reduced the cost of the Sisters' subsidy. While modest user fees also helped lessen the high cost of operating the aquatics centre, Covid-19 restrictions have significantly curtailed those revenues.  After 44 years of operating the pool for the public, the Sisters have decided that this is the right time to conclude operations. 

"We are grateful for the support the City has provided which allowed us to continue offering services to the community for the past three years," said Sister Lise Paquette, Sisters of the Presentation of Mary Provincial Superior. "It is a difficult decision, but one that we feel is right for us at this time."

The Sisters of the Presentation of Mary are celebrating 225 years since their Foundation in France in 1796.  This year also marks 118 years the Order has served in Saskatchewan, and 96 years in which they have been an integral part of the Prince Albert community.  The Sisters will continue an active presence in Prince Albert and in other centres in Saskatchewan. 

"I would like to thank the Sisters for their dedication to the community, their students and to the operation of the school and pool for so many years," said Mayor Greg Dionne. "Academy Presentation of Mary, Rivier Academy and Marion Aquatics are historic institutions in Prince Albert. It's been an honour to have them in our community and I wish them the best as they move onto their next chapter of service."

The City of Prince Albert will continue to operate the Frank J. Dunn Pool and Kinsmen Water Park with swimming lessons and aquatics programming at both. 

Blessed Marie Rivier School, operated in more recent years by the Prince Albert Roman Catholic School Board, was closed in 2017. The building at 1405 Bishop Pascal remains in pristine condition and is currently listed for sale.

For media inquiries please contact:

Mayor Greg Dionne
(306) 953-4300

Sr Lise Paquette
Provincial Superior
Sisters of the Presentation of Mary
(306) 980-7878