North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Project

Facility Features

Why is the plan to have two lap pools? 

Two of the options for amenities we have provided include the addition of a second lap pool, which provides flexibility in programming by allowing for different activities to happen at the same time. For example, in the 6-lane tank there could be diving happening in the deep end, while an aquafit class is happening in the shallow end. At the same time, swim lessons can happen in the 3-lane pool. Or, perhaps there is a club swim in the 6-lane, while public lap swimming can happen in the 3-lane pool. 

Separating them into two tanks also allows the ability to operate them at different temperatures.

Both lap pools have regulation width lanes, but the 3-lane lap pool has a ramp access for ease of entry for people in water wheelchairs or with mobility challenges, really addressing that value around a multi-use inclusive facility.
 

Why is there only one waterslide being proposed? 

It was clear from the first engagement results that a waterslide is highly valued as an amenity in the new facility. Learning from the challenges associated with the current exterior slide, we know that for the new facility any waterslide will need to be fully indoors. The proposal for a single large scale waterslide is related to the amount of volume and deck space that it will require. More than one large slide means twice the deck area and twice the building volume - which has capital and operational cost impacts.

The idea is to invest in one large slide, and to look at complimenting it with other amenities (including the possibility of additional smaller slides). 

How big will the gymnasiums be?

The gymnasiums will be high school gymnasium size (approximately 7500 sqft + 500 sqft storage). This would accommodate full court basketball, three pickle ball courts, three badminton courts and two volleyball courts if set up in the short direction.

Will the gym accommodate spectators?  

No. Current size will house a high school basketball court with minimal clearances/perimeter bench, but not space for retractable bleachers.

Why universal change rooms? 

We heard a consistent message in the engagement that people want a fully accessible and inclusive facility. Universal change facilities, which provide private enclosed change and shower spaces and are open to all genders, are great for a number of reasons:

1. They tend to provide a better access for folks with disabilities 
2. They allow for care-givers of a different gender to support individuals who need assistance in changing and using the washroom facilities
3. They are great for families for the same reason - a parent with a child of a different gender can be in the same change room 
4. Operationally they allow for any gendered staff to come in for cleaning or assistance as needed.

Universal design generally provides improved experiences and flexibility for all users and we are seeing this increasingly in facilities across Canada and the BC Building Code is moving towards this standard soon for all new public buildings.

How big will the fieldhouse be?

Approximately 81,500 sqft, including three 80x180 feet indoor soccer fields, change rooms, lobby area, washrooms and support.

Where will the new facility be located and what will it look like?

This round of work does not include a design, but rather establishes the scale of the facility and the general arrangement of spaces. What the building will look like would be developed in a future stage of work. Stay tuned to this website for more information.

Process, Timeline and Costs

What did you hear in previous rounds of community engagement?

The PRRD completed two rounds of community engagement to learn about the types of amenities residents in the four partner jurisdictions want to see at a new facility. The results were consistent in all of the communities.

Overall, the primary message we heard clearly is strong support for a multi-use facility that has both aquatic amenities and indoor recreation spaces. View the 2018 Community Engagement Report and the 2022 Community Engagement Report for more information. 

How will community input be used?

With the input from residents in this current round of community engagement, our goal is to understand the best mix of amenities balanced with cost. We have used what we heard in previous rounds of engagement to provide three potential options that feature different levels of amenities and costs. This round of engagement will help us better understand the priorities of facility users to help determine what will be included in the final design.

What happens after this community engagement is complete?

Following the April workshops, the results will be compiled and presented to the public at upcoming open houses in May. There will also be a survey shared with community members to receive more feedback from the public.

After hearing from the public, the project partners will consider a variety of options. This could include selecting a preferred option and proceeding to the approval stage. 

This project will require borrowing money, which means that a referendum related to the loan is required. The cost and tax impact options are based on all four jurisdictions participating in the project to share the costs and benefits. If even one jurisdiction votes against participating, the costs increase significantly for the other partner jurisdictions, so the project would be paused and reassessed. 

To move forward with success, we need our communities to help determine the acceptable balance between cost and amenities that will be supported by each community. 

Why do we need to prioritize the recreation spaces?

We need to prioritize the spaces in order to be fiscally responsible and deliver a facility that is the right size for the community. 

What is the timeline for a new facility?

There is no determined timeline for a new facility to be completed at this point. However, the process will take a number of years. If a decision is made to proceed, an approval process will follow, which could include a referendum. Once funding approval is received the design, tendering and construction of a project of this scale would likely take 3 to 4 years to complete. 

While the process is lengthy it is important that it include thorough public engagement and planning stages so that the new facility can serve our evolving community well over the coming decades. 

The PRRD, City of Fort St John and District of Taylor are committed to ensuring the North Peace Leisure Pool remains viable and operational in the interim.

What is the budget for the project/how much will a new aquatic and recreation facility cost?

The project cost estimates range from $136 million up to $284 million depending on the amenities offered.  These costs were significantly higher than originally anticipated at the start of the planning process due to the current inflation rate and significant increases in the construction market.

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and they include construction costs, contingency funds and soft costs. Actual costs will depend on the final configuration of amenities, timing of construction and other factors. 

The tax impacts for each service area are based on cost estimates and average assessed property value in each community. We are providing a range to give residents a general sense of the cost, but it’s important to note that final cost estimates will vary based on timing, final design, service area, taxation model and property value. 

The PRRD and its partners are concerned about the project cost and the impacts on taxpayers. While we are exploring other funding options such as grants, we need to make sure the amount is acceptable to residents if other funding is not available.