FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – With the 2026 municipal election campaign season effectively underway, the City of Fort St. John is encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with the voting process and a major borrowing referendum that will appear on ballots this fall.
In addition to electing a mayor, councillors and School District 60 trustees, voters will be asked whether they support the city borrowing up to $90 million to build a new aquatic facility that includes an indoor fieldhouse.
The proposed project is intended to replace the aging North Peace Leisure Pool, address growing recreational demands and create what the city describes as a long-term destination for health, wellness, sport and community activities.
Election timeline begins
The nomination period for candidates opened Sept. 1 and runs until Sept. 11 at 4 p.m., when the list of candidates will be officially announced.
Candidates have until Sept. 18 to withdraw from the race, while the formal campaign period begins Sept. 19.
Advance voting opportunities are scheduled for Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, with general voting day set for Oct. 17.
Eligible voters will cast ballots for:
- One mayor
- Six city councillors
- Three School District 60 trustees
- The aquatic facility borrowing referendum
Aquatic facility question on the ballot
Residents will be asked whether they support the City of Fort St. John adopting a loan authorization bylaw allowing it to borrow up to $90 million over a term of up to 30 years to construct the aquatic facility and indoor fieldhouse.
According to the city, a “Yes” vote would authorize the borrowing while allowing the municipality to continue pursuing grants, sponsorships, partnerships and other funding sources to reduce the amount ultimately borrowed.
The referendum will pass if more than 50 per cent of valid ballots cast support the proposal.
If approved, the newly elected council would consider adopting the borrowing bylaw, with construction potentially beginning in the spring of 2027.
If the referendum fails, the borrowing would not proceed and city staff would review alternative options for council’s consideration
City launches voter information campaign
The city has launched a public information campaign ahead of the election and referendum, directing residents to review project details and voting information before heading to the polls.
Officials say the goal is to ensure voters understand both the municipal election process and the implications of the borrowing question.
More information on voting, candidate nominations and the aquatic facility proposal is available through the City of Fort St. John.