North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project
The North Peace Leisure Pool is aging and its infrastructure is failing, resulting in service interruptions and other impacts on pool users. We need a plan for how we're going to replace or renovate the pool based on a solution that suits our community. But we also see this as an opportunity to offer broader recreational activities for our residents.
The PRRD (Area B and Area C), City of Fort St. John and District of Taylor are working together to explore options for a new or renovated facility to serve the North Peace region. To do this, the partners initiated a feasibility study in 2018 to determine the future of the pool and how to best address regional aquatic and recreational service needs going forward. This included asking residents about what they would like to see at a future facility. Residents shared lots of great ideas on how they use the facility and what recreational spaces and amenities they would like to see for aquatics, social spaces and other indoor activities. Now the partners are moving ahead with the next step in the feasibility study.
The Feasibility Study survey was open from June 7- July 7, 2022 and is now closed. Read the engagement report for an outline of what we heard!
PROJECT PARTNERS
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The North Peace Leisure Pool is aging and its infrastructure is failing, resulting in service interruptions and other impacts on pool users. We need a plan for how we're going to replace or renovate the pool based on a solution that suits our community. But we also see this as an opportunity to offer broader recreational activities for our residents.
The PRRD (Area B and Area C), City of Fort St. John and District of Taylor are working together to explore options for a new or renovated facility to serve the North Peace region. To do this, the partners initiated a feasibility study in 2018 to determine the future of the pool and how to best address regional aquatic and recreational service needs going forward. This included asking residents about what they would like to see at a future facility. Residents shared lots of great ideas on how they use the facility and what recreational spaces and amenities they would like to see for aquatics, social spaces and other indoor activities. Now the partners are moving ahead with the next step in the feasibility study.
The Feasibility Study survey was open from June 7- July 7, 2022 and is now closed. Read the engagement report for an outline of what we heard!
PROJECT PARTNERS
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Planning process for North Peace Leisure Facility moving forward
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkLocal area governments exploring options for new aquatics/recreation complex
Fort St. John – The planning process for a new aquatics and recreation facility to serve the North Peace is nearing a critical milestone. The Peace River Regional District (PRRD Areas B and C), the City of Fort St. John, and the District of Taylor are working together to explore options for the proposed North Peace Leisure Facility. A feasibility study that identifies the best opportunities to replace the aging North Peace Leisure Pool is nearing completion and is expected to be put before elected officials for consideration soon.
The completed feasibility study will include recommendations on a wide variety of issues including what features could be included in the building, estimated construction cost, proposed location, and the business case for a new facility including some of the operating costs and revenue projections.
No final decisions on project scope or other major considerations have been made at this point. If a decision is made to move forward with a project, voters would have to approve any borrowing required to build the new facility through a referendum.
The planning process for a new facility began in 2018 but was paused due to COVID-19 pandemic challenges. The process got back on track in 2022 with a new round of public consultation and re-launch of the feasibility study development. The feasibility study will balance community input with cost, affordability, and other considerations in recommending what could be included in the facility. To learn more about the planning process for the project and the community input to date visit: haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/.
The North Peace Leisure Facility (NPLF) Replacement Steering Committee, which includes elected representatives from the PRRD Board and Fort St. John and Taylor Councils, is meeting regularly to support the completion of the feasibility study and ensure resident needs are addressed in proposed recommendations.
When the feasibility report and related recommendations are complete, they will first be reviewed by the Steering Committee, and if supported, will be presented to the PRRD Board and the Fort St. John and Taylor Councils for consideration and provisional approval. Elected officials would then determine the process and timeline to seek approval from voters in the affected communities to borrow the funds needed to pay for the project.Thank you for your contribution!
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November 2022 Project Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe North Peace Leisure Pool Replacement Committee is continuing to examine site options for the new recreation complex as well as estimating some of the costs to build and operate the facility.
The final report for the project, which will provide recommendations on the path forward is expected to be presented in 2023.
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Steering Committee looking to identify sites for the new North Peace Leisure Facility
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Peace River Regional District, City of Fort St. John and District of Taylor are working together on a feasibility study to explore options for a new recreation facility to serve the North Peace region. As part of the study, identification of possible sites for a new facility will be evaluated and considered by the North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Steering Committee, and ultimately the Board of the Peace River Regional District.
A Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) is being issued in order to identify possible lands for acquisition, by sale or by donation, for the future home of the facility. It is expected that this facility will be a major hub of the community, bringing together people of all ages and abilities. The Steering Committee is seeking proposals for sites from member local governments, private individuals, corporate entities or not-for-profit groups.
Sites will be considered within the City of Fort St. John, District of Taylor and Area B and C in the Peace River Regional District.
The submission deadline for this opportunity is September 22, 2022 at 2pm (MST).
All interested parties are encouraged to learn more at: https://prrd-bc.bonfirehub.ca/opportunities/56826 -
2022 Public Engagement Report
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThank you to everyone who told us about your interests and preferences for a new recreation facility in June/July 2022. It was great to hear from so many people from all parts of the North Peace. Click here to access the report that outlines what we heard in 2018 and 2022.
Do you have something to add? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Survey Prize Pack Winners!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkWe have our winners of the North Peace Leisure Facility Survey Draw!Congratulations to Marie Parkin, winner of the City of Fort St. John Canada Day Celebration entry and Deborah Ross, for the website (open form) entry. You will be contacted shortly by a member of our Community Services department.
THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to submit valuable feedback on the proposed new aquatics and recreation facility. We had so many responses that it took us an extra day to enter them all! -
How we operate the current pool together and looking into the future
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkPartners in the Existing North Peace Leisure Pool
Did you know that the current pool is owned by the Peace River Regional District and operated by the City of Fort St John? As a result of the City/Regional District partnership, the North Peace Leisure Pool is currently funded by PRRD and City property taxes, along with facility user fees.
As partners, they created the North Peace Leisure Commission with representatives from both the PRRD and the City who share the responsibility to establish policies, procedures and management goals and objectives for the operation of the facilities. The Commission is comprised of the PRRD Directors representing Electoral Areas B and C and members of Fort St. John Council.
The pool has served our region for generations. It provides fun, recreational activities for all ages. Kids learn to swim, families enjoy leisure time together, seniors, lap swimmers and others are able to stay active and fit, patients rehab from injury, individuals and teams train and compete and some just enjoy a hot soak or steam. The number of kids who have hosted birthday parties at the pool is enormous!
On average, the pool hosts more than 100,000 user visits annually. Here‘s a breakdown of typical annual use
- 57% Admission Public Swim
- 25% Red Cross + Lessons
- 6% Swim Club
- 5% Aquafit
- 4% Lap Swims
- 2.5% Showers, Cardio, Hot Spots
The pool is well used by residents from across the region. About 60% of users in a recent year came from Fort St. John, while about 40% came from Taylor and Electoral Areas B and C.
Partners looking into the future
The District of Taylor along with the City of Fort St John, and Electoral Areas B and C are also partners in the feasibility study to ensure future plans meet the needs and concerns of its community.
Recreation facilities like the pool are a big part of what makes our community a great place to live, but they also come with a
big price tag.
Working in partnership means we can leverage the expertise and funding from the participating organizations. Ultimately, it’s our residents who benefit from more programs and amenities.
With multiple partners, we spread the cost to build and operate the facility over a larger number of taxpayers – and that includes residential and industrial/commercial tax bases.
Working together comes with a lot of benefits. We can do more in terms of the building design and program delivery and offering a wider variety of sport and recreational activities.
- 57% Admission Public Swim
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What we heard during the open house sessions
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAn in-person open house was held at the North Peace Leisure Pool on June 7, 2022, and a virtual open house on June 9. At the in-person event, each person was given 5 stickers to vote on the most important features in a new facility; read on to view the results.
Did you miss the open houses?
View display boardsWatch a recording of theVirtual Open HouseWatch FAQ videoDo you agree with how your community voted? Please let us know by filling out the survey here.
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Ways to engage on the project
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkOpen House sessions
An in-person open house was conducted at the North Peace Leisure Facility on June 7 and a virtual open house on June 9. If you missed the open houses, check out the display boards or check back soon to watch a recording of the virtual open house.
Complete the online survey
Complete the survey between June 7 and July 7, 2022. Click here to start the survey!(External link)
Can't complete it online? Contact the PRRD at prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca(External link) or call 250 784-3200 and ask for Community Services. We can send you a paper survey or help you complete it by phone.
Complete the telephone surveyResearch & Co. will be assisting the PRRD with conducting a random sample survey of 500 households in the North Peace. If you are contacted, please take 5 minutes to answer the questions and help shape our next facility.
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Media release: June 3, 2022
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkNorth Peace residents to help plan new aquatics and recreation facility
North Peace residents are encouraged to provide their opinions on a proposed new regional aquatics and recreation facility, which would replace the existing North Peace Leisure Pool.
Residents can voice their opinions by:
- attending an in-person open house on Tuesday, June 7 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Peace Leisure Pool;
- participating in a virtual open house on Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m.; and
- completing an online survey from June 7 to July 7.
Some local residents will be contacted to participate in a phone survey on the project during the month of June. Additional input is being gathered through meetings with a variety of aquatics and recreation user groups and other key stakeholders.
“The North Peace Leisure Pool is extremely popular, averaging more than 100,000 visits annually,” stated Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman. “It has served us well for many generations. But it is aging and no longer meets community and regional needs. We need to hear from the public on their priorities for a new aquatics and recreation facility.”
Through a partnership agreement, the North Peace Leisure Pool is owned by the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) and operated by the City of Fort. St John. The City, PRRD (Electoral Areas B and C) and District of Taylor are completing a feasibility study to identify options for a potential new multi-purpose facility that could serve community needs across the North Peace.
“The existing partnership has ensured all North Peace residents have equal access to the current pool and has allowed us to offer a wider variety of sport and recreational activities by sharing the costs,” said PRRD Chair Brad Sperling. “Now, we are working together with our partners to identify options for a built in North Peace solution that best meets our region’s growing needs.”
A new facility also presents a potential opportunity for the District of Taylor to address its community recreation needs. “Recreation facilities and program opportunities are important to our residents,” noted Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser. “The study will help us define the project. It will also help determine Taylor’s ability to participate.”
Initial public consultation took place in 2018 and gathered information on how the community uses the current pool and their interests and preferences for a new facility. Public input gathered over the next month will help further refine community priorities for aquatics and recreation features that could be included in a new centre.
The completed feasibility study and recommendations are anticipated to be presented to the Fort St. John and Taylor councils and PPRD Board in 2023. It will include potential recreational and aquatics amenities for a new facility, a space program, conceptual design and site options, anticipated operating and capital costs, and governance and partnership considerations. A further public process will be required to secure approval to fund any proposed new facility.
Join us at an open house event to find out more!
The PRRD, in cooperation with the City of Fort St. John and the District of Taylor are sharing what residents told us they'd like to see in a new community and aquatics facility in 2018. We now need your help to prioritize all of those great ideas!
Please attend an open house (either in person, or virtual).
In-person event:
June 7 from 4:30-7:30pm at the North Peace Leisure Pool (9505 100 Street, Fort St. John)Virtual event:
June 9 at 7pm at https://bit.ly/3wqSqUl
Meeting ID: 848 0163 0240 I Passcode: 578308 I Phone: 1-778-907-2071Thank you for your contribution!
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2018 Study
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkDid you tell us what you would like to see in a new recreational facility?
During the Summer of 2018, we talked to people at all sorts of community events and did both an online and paper survey to find out what the priorities might be for a new facility! Did you drop in to a pop-up? Did you tell us your ideas at the Ideas fair? Did you fill out a survey?
Check Out What We've Learned:
If you'd like to know more about what the North Peace Community said about the project over the summer of 2018, have a look at the Public Engagement Report which compiles all of the input received into one place! If you have comments, please let us know.
Videos
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Click here to play video FAQs: NPLF Replacement Project To answer your frequently asked questions about the design proposed to the public in June 2022, the working group has created this video featuring Steering Committee Chair, Trevor Bolin.
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Click here to play video Virtual Open House recording, July 9 2022
Timeline
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June - September 2018: Defining Need + Developing Vision
North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project has finished this stagePop-up events and an online survey were conducted as part of the feasibility study.
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October 2018 - May 2022: Project paused
North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project has finished this stage -
June - Oct 2022: Did we hear you right?
North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project has finished this stageFeasibility study, community engagement and research.
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Nov 2022 - March 2023: Final Recommendations
North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project is currently at this stageThe Feasibility Report and final recommendations that incorporate public engagement will be presented to Councils, the Regional Board and the Community.
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*Decision Point (3 to 6 months after the final report)
this is an upcoming stage for North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement ProjectThe PRRD Board, Fort St. John Council and District of Taylor Council will make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the final recommendations outlined in the Feasibility Report.
*The key milestones for the project include decisions by the PRRD Board and Fort St. John and Taylor Councils and the approval process for residents, such as a referendum. The time required for these decision points may vary by community. -
Communication Update (TBD)
this is an upcoming stage for North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement ProjectOnce the Regional Board and the City of Fort St John and District of Taylor determine how to proceed with the options presented in the final report, the public will be updated on the next steps in the process.
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Referendum Vote (TBD)
this is an upcoming stage for North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement ProjectResidents in participating communities.
*The key milestones for the project include decisions by the PRRD Board and Fort St. John and Taylor Councils and the approval process for residents, such as a referendum. The time required for these decision points may vary by community. -
+3-4 Years from Referendum: Design & Construction
this is an upcoming stage for North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project
Key Dates
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June 07 2022
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June 07 2022
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June 09 2022
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July 07 2022
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September 22 2022
Open House Display Boards
Documents
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2022 Engagement Report (19.6 MB) (pdf)
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June 2022: Open House Sessions Display Boards (2.38 MB) (pdf)
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June 3 2022: Media Release - North Peace Leisure Facility Engagement Opportunities (693 KB) (pdf)
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2018 Public Engagement Report (2.91 MB) (pdf)
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2018 Elected Officials Meeting Presentation (7.51 MB) (pdf)
Who's Listening
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TM
Phone 2850-784-3200 Email trish.morgan@prrd.bc.ca