The City of Fort St. John is now taking the lead on replacing the North Peace Leisure Pool.
The Peace River Regional District has dissolved the Steering Committee responsible for building a new aquatic centre, after Fort St. John gave notice of its departure in July.
The North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Steering Committee, which operating since 2018, was a collaboration of the City of Fort St. John, the District of Taylor, and the PRRD.
By leaving the committee, the city said it wants “to take a more direct leadership role” in the project.
Mayor Lilia Hansen said city staff stay fully committed to providing a modern, inclusive, and accessible aquatic facility for the community.
“This change enables us to focus our efforts and resources on moving the project forward, while continuing to provide excellent recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” the mayor added.
The PRRD will hand over all project information to Fort St. John, saying it is “in the best interest of the community.” They added the city can build on the solid foundation laid by earlier work.
The Steering Committee conducted extensive public engagement and carried out significant early planning work.
City officials said they are reviewing past materials and plan to finalize the project by summer 2026. Funding approvals are still pending, and construction is expected to begin in 2027.
Residents can visit the Let’s Talk platform on the city’s website for more information or to ask questions about the project.