The North Peace Leisure Pool has served our community for nearly three decades, but it’s aging and reaching the end of its life.

The City of Fort St. John is building on years of public input and foundational studies to move forward with renewed focus and a shared goal of creating a modern, functional, and inclusive aquatics facility that serves our community now and well into the future.

Over the next several months, the Aquatic Facility Working Group will refine the design, attribute overall project cost, and explore a governance framework. Stay tuned to Let’s Talk for ongoing and updated information.

Engagement Results and Next Steps

Thank you to everyone who participated in the latest round of engagement in early 2026 regarding the proposed new aquatics facility. Through survey responses, a voting tool, and a range of in-person opportunities, the City received over 1,500 engagement touchpoints about the proposed facility concept. This feedback has been summarized into a “What We Heard Report," which you are invited to read and review in full.

A few highlights of what we learned:

• In-person feedback included concern about the cost and property tax impacts, a desire for a 50-metre lap pool, and questions about the construction timelines.
• Additional aquatic features that received the most public support were the NINJACROSS obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, and a second water slide.
• There was strong interest in the indoor court facilities proposed in Phase 2 of the project. There was a desire for a flexible, multi-purpose space that can accommodate many different activities.
• Other fun facts:
  • 76% of responses believe it’s important to build a new gymnasium.
  • 81% of responses believe it's important that the facility can host tournaments or large events.
  • According to survey participants, the most important priorities for a new gym should be youth development, multiple courts, flexible use space, and adult recreation.
  • The highest-rated sports or activities from survey participants included volleyball (52%), basketball (52%), yoga (52%), and pickleball (49%).

The What We Learned Report was presented at the February 23 Regular Council Meeting and will help guide decision-making and the creation of a more detailed design for the facility.

Over the coming months, the City will continue advancing the project by:

• Finalizing amenities based on public input
• Developing detailed site plans and facility designs
• Exploring funding sources, including grants, partnerships, cost-sharing, borrowing, and sponsorships.
• Preparing cost estimates and assessing potential tax impacts
• Conducting a public assent process to confirm community support.

Aquatic Facility Working Group

Since 2018, the City of Fort St. John, the Peace River Regional District, and the District of Taylor have worked together to explore options for a new facility that better meets the needs of residents today and into the future. The North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement Steering Committee, which was led by the Peace River Regional District, was dissolved in July 2025 when the City of Fort St. John took over responsibility for the project. The City of Fort St. John Aquatic Facility Working Group was established in August 2025 to lead the development of a plan to replace the North Peace Leisure Pool. The Working Group includes City of Fort St. John staff, Council members, representatives from XJ Evergreen Estates Corp., and technical and project consultants.

Proposed Facility Concept

The new Aquatic Facility Working Group has developed an initial concept for the new facility based on past community engagement and ongoing technical work. Over the past several years, community members have told us the facility should have space for all ages and users, including families, seniors, and sports organizations. The most important features mentioned by community members included a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and water slide.

To ensure financial sustainability, the project phasing is being explored. Phase 1 will include constructing an aquatics facility, fieldhouse, and lobby. Future options for Phase 2 include expanding the facility to feature an outdoor turf field and two gymnasiums.