Prince George to close main aquatic centre for 2 years of $37M upgrades

The City of Prince George says its Aquatic Centre will close on Jan. 1, 2026, for an extensive two-year upgrade project aimed at extending the facility’s lifespan by another 25 years. The work is expected to continue through early 2028, marking one of the city’s largest civic infrastructure closures in recent memory.

Originally opened in 1998, the centre is a key community facility, drawing around 240,000 visitors each year and serving as home base for competitive swim programs, diving clubs, and public aquatics classes.

“We know the closure isn’t ideal for regular Aquatic Centre users, but about 95 per cent of programming will continue at the Canfor Leisure Pool,” said Andy Beesley, the city’s director of civic facilities and events.

All programs moving to Canfor Leisure Pool

During construction, all aquatics programming will shift to the Canfor Leisure Pool, a newer downtown facility that opened in 2022 — but one that has already faced mechanical failures. The city is currently suing the pool’s designer for alleged system defects that have caused repeated closures and operational strain.

Unlike the Aquatic Centre, the Canfor pool does not have diving towers or competition-grade lanes, limiting options for local swim teams and athletic training. To make room for additional classes and clubs, the city says public swim hours will be reduced, ending weekday open swim between 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday morning sessions from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Upgrades and costs

The city says the $37-million refurbishment will address aging infrastructure such as tiles, plumbing, and lighting systems, while also improving the building’s exterior and accessibility. Officials describe it as an investment to ensure “safe, modern, and energy-efficient operations” well into the 2050s.

Prince George last operated with only one public pool between 2021 and 2022, after the closure and demolition of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool and before the new Canfor facility opened. The upcoming two-year shutdown will stretch nearly twice that long — a period the city acknowledges will require “patience and creativity” from residents.

Despite frustrations, Beesley said the work is necessary:

“This investment means Prince George will continue to have world-class aquatics facilities for the next generation.”