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.