FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A proposed new aquatic and recreation facility in Fort St. John moved a step closer Thursday, but not before Peace River Regional District directors raised questions about regional involvement, long-term funding and what happens if local voters reject the project.
During a Committee of the Whole meeting, Fort St. John city councillor Trevor Bolin presented updated plans for the proposed $185-million aquatic facility.
The new aquatic facility would include a 10-lane competition pool, leisure and wave pools, a hot pool, a cold plunge pool and an indoor FIFA-sized soccer pitch.
Councillor Bolin said Fort St. John residents will be asked during the October municipal election whether the city should borrow up to $90 million toward construction of the facility.
The remainder would come from city reserves, fundraising efforts, grants and other funding sources.
While Bolin emphasized the facility is intended to serve the entire North Peace region, several regional directors questioned how the partnership would function when only Fort St. John residents will vote on the borrowing bylaw.
Director Dan Rose asked why there was no regional referendum given the project’s regional focus and future operational discussions.
“I see you’ve got a referendum process in place for citizens of Fort St. John for the fall election yet there’s nothing in the regional district that we’ve seen and that should be well on its way if that’s going to happen this fall,” said Rose. “I’m kind of curious about this partnership then if only half the funders, I guess they’re gonna be funders if it’s a partnership, are voting on it.”
In response, Bolin said the borrowing question is solely a Fort St. John matter because the city will own and operate the facility.
Bolin noted the capital project and operational funding discussions are being treated as separate issues.
Directors question costs and future obligations
Questions also emerged over how project costs were reduced from earlier estimates.
The city said previous conceptual estimates ranged significantly higher, with some earlier projections approaching $280 million and others as high as $400 million.
Bolin told directors the updated $185-million estimate was achieved through a more detailed design process and closer collaboration with architects and builders.
Director Lilia Hansen asked how the city managed to reduce projected costs by roughly $90 million.
Bolin said some earlier estimates were based on preliminary assessments and did not reflect current construction realities.
Bolin added that public engagement spanning several years helped refine the design and identify features residents considered priorities.
Regional support requested
Although Fort St. John is moving ahead with the referendum independently, the city is seeking letters of support from the regional government to strengthen future provincial and federal grant applications.
Bolin argued the facility would benefit residents throughout the North Peace by providing expanded recreation opportunities and capacity for sporting events and competitions.
Bolin described the project as a regional asset rather than a city-only project.
The proposed facility would contain more than double the water capacity of the existing North Peace Leisure Pool and significantly increase programming space, according to the presentation.
What if voters say no?
Another point of concern emerged when Director Darryl Krakowka asked about contingency plans should residents reject the borrowing referendum.
Bolin was questioned on what the city’s next step would be if voters were unwilling to support the project. He said he would be surprised if residents voted ‘no’ during the referendum.
Councillor Bolin acknowledged alternatives would need to be considered but stressed the aging North Peace Leisure Pool is approaching the stage where significant capital investment will be required.
Bolin said previous studies estimated the existing facility had a limited remaining lifespan and maintained they are optimistic the referendum will succeed after years of public consultation.
Next steps
The PRRD Committee of the Whole voted to refer the aquatic facility presentation to the Electoral Area Directors Committee for further discussion.
Fort St. John residents are expected to vote on the borrowing question during the October municipal election, a decision that will ultimately determine whether the city proceeds with its proposed recreation and aquatic centre.