Fort St. John Seeks Funding Solutions to Close $4.1M Gap for Proposed $185M Aquatics Centre

The City of Fort St. John is working to address a $4.1-million operational funding gap tied to its proposed aquatics centre — a major project with an estimated total cost of $185 million.

City staff presented an update to council on March 23, outlining several potential strategies to bridge the gap, including seeking financial support from the Peace River Regional District (PRRD).

Funding options under consideration

Among the options being explored:

• Creating a regional funding agreement with the PRRD

• Updating or transitioning the existing bylaw tied to the North Peace Leisure Pool

• Introducing a two-tier user fee system

City officials say the two-tier model would offer discounted rates for local residents and property owners, while charging higher fees to non-residents.

The city is also continuing discussions with provincial and federal governments in hopes of reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Regional partnership uncertain

While the city is considering collaboration, the Peace River Regional District says no formal request has been made.

PRRD chair Brad Sperling noted that any changes involving regional funding would require a formal process — including a potential referendum.

“You just don't pick up that money and do what you want with it,” he said, emphasizing that existing funds are tied specifically to the current leisure pool service.

The regional service bylaw, in place since 1995, includes Fort St. John and surrounding electoral areas, with taxpayers contributing to the facility.

Shift from joint project to solo plan

The aquatics centre proposal was originally a joint effort between the city and the PRRD.

However, in August 2025, the city chose to move forward independently, prompting the regional district to dissolve its joint steering committee and transfer project research to the city.

Community concerns grow

Not everyone supports the current direction.

Former mayor Steve Thorlakson criticized the scale and financial planning of the project, suggesting the city should reconsider and work collaboratively with regional partners.

Others have raised concerns about transparency and planning rigor.

Resident Stephen Foster argued the city has not met its own standards, pointing to the lack of an independent needs assessment for a project of this size.

“I am not against progress,” he said, “but at this scale… the process must be 100 per cent unimpeachable.”

What happens next

City officials continue to evaluate funding strategies while gauging potential regional and government support.

With significant costs and differing opinions at play, the future of the aquatics centre will likely depend on whether the city can secure broader financial backing — and build consensus within the community.