New Leisure Pool in Fort St. John expected to come with hefty tax increase

FORT ST. JOHN -- Residents of Fort St. John, Taylor, and communities in PPRD jurisdictions ‘B’ and ‘C’ can expect property tax increases as on-going discussion around the future of the North Peace Leisure Facility Project continues.

The PRRD says they have completed several rounds of community engagement to learn what residents want to see in the new facility.

They say there is strong support for an aquatic and indoor recreation space, but questions remain on how to pay for the facility.

The PRRD and the City of Fort St. John has proposed three options for the new facility, all of which are expected to raise property taxes.

“Unfortunately, the costs were a lot higher than anticipated due to inflation and the construction market. We ruled out one option immediately, and we are taking the other three options forward to our communities for input,” read an administration report presented to council on April 8^th.

The first option, will see an enhanced aquatic facility with an estimated project cost of $136 million, and $5.9 million in yearly operating costs.

The second, would also see an enhanced aquatic facility in addition to a 50-metre lap pool at a cost of $284 million, and an estimated $8.8 million in yearly operating costs.

The final option, a multi-use facility with a leisure pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, waterslide, sports field, two gymnasiums, and two 25-metre lap pools has an estimated project cost of $280 million and $6.6 million in yearly operating expenses.

The report highlighted potential tax impacts for each of the facilities, ranging from $231 to $480 in Fort St. John, $145 to $302 in PRRD Area B, $258 to $536 in PRRD Area C, and $231 to $412 in Taylor.

The PRRD says that they are concerned about the impact on taxpayers, and will work to explore other funding options to find a balance on cost and amenities.

“The tax impacts are based on all four jurisdictions participating in the project. If even one jurisdiction votes against the project, it would be paused and reassessed,” said the PRRD.

Workshops inviting residents to share their input on the facility continue to take place.

Tonight, a workshop will take place at the Charlie Lake Elementary School and a virtual workshop is being held on April 20^th via Zoom for those who couldn’t attend in-person sessions.

The project would require borrowing money in the form of a loan, setting the stage for an obligatory referendum with partner jurisdictions.

“Our goal is to finalize an option and cost for the facility that works for residents so we can secure funding and move to design and construction,” read the report.

A full overview of the project, projected costs, tax implications, and how to register for information workshops can be found on the City of Fort St. John website.