FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - The Pomeroy Sport Centre is getting a new name after the City of Fort St. John announced a long-term naming rights agreement with Fort St. John Co-op.
Under the partnership, the facility will be renamed the Co-op Community Centre, marking the end of Pomeroy Lodging’s naming rights arrangement and the beginning of a new 15-year agreement valued at $1.5 million.
The city says the partnership will help support recreation services and public facilities while diversifying revenue sources.
Naming rights agreements are intended to reduce pressure on taxpayers by creating opportunities for local organizations to invest directly in community amenities.
“As a local and member-owned organization, Fort St. John Co-op views the partnership as an opportunity to strengthen its longstanding commitment to the community,” said Brad Lussier, general manager of Fort St. John Co-op.
Lussier says the agreement reflects the co-op’s commitment to investing in the communities where its members, customers and employees live and work.
Mayor Lilia Hansen said the facility serves as an important gathering place for residents and visitors, hosting recreation programs, sporting events, tournaments and community celebrations throughout the year.
Hansen added the co-op’s investment aligns with the values of the facility and the people who use it.
The city and Fort St. John Co-op also thanked Pomeroy Lodging for its longstanding support of the facility and its contribution to the centre’s history.
The facility features two NHL-sized ice rinks, an Olympic-sized indoor long-track speed skating oval, a walking track, fitness spaces, meeting rooms and event areas.
City officials say signage, digital platforms and public-facing materials will begin transitioning to the Co-op Community Centre name in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made Wednesday morning and the new name takes effect immediately.