North Peace Leisure Facility Newsletter

Balancing amenity priorities and cost.

Working with residents for best options.

Thanks to the input from residents in the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Areas B and C, Fort St. John and Taylor, we have a list of priority amenities for a new North Peace Leisure Facility.

We used these priorities to develop four options for a new facility and then looked into the cost. Unfortunately, the costs were a lot higher than anticipated due to inflation and the construction market. We ruled out one option immediately, and we are taking the other three options forward to our communities for input. Before deciding how to move forward, we feel it is important to share with you what we’ve learned and invite input on

A few things to note:

• The tax impacts are based on estimated cost and average assessed property value in each service area. We are providing a range to give residents an idea of the cost.

• This project will require borrowing money, which means that a referendum related to the loan is required.

• The tax impacts are based on all four jurisdictions participating in the project. If even one jurisdiction votes against the project, it would be paused and reassessed.

what cost would be acceptable to our communities along with the preferred amenities that we can afford.

Depending on the amenities offered, the project cost estimates range from $136 million up to $284 million, for construction and other project costs. It’s important to note that these are rough estimates. The actual costs will depend on the mix of amenities, the timing of construction and other factors.

We are concerned about how much the project would 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 we don’t get other funding. Our goal is to finalize an option and cost for the facility that works for residents so we can secure funding and move to design and construction.

To make this work, we need your help to find the right balance between cost and amenities.

What we have learned to date.

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.

The following is an overview of some of the combined input from residents.

THE TOP THREE PRIORITIES FOR AQUATICS ARE:

43% RECREATIONAL & LEISURE SWIMMING

28% SWIMMING DEVELOPMENT/ LESSONS

17% SWIMMING FOR PERSONAL FITNESS

THE TOP THREE PRIORITIES FOR RECREATION ARE:

44% SPACES FOR KIDS TO PLAY

17% SPACES TO PLAY SPORTS & FOR FUN

13% SPACES TO HANG OUT & SOCIALIZE

A 50-metre lap pool.

After the last round of community engagement was complete, there was a request for a 50-metre lap pool to support training and competitions.

More details on what we learned can be found in the community engagement summary reports at haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/nplf.

Let’s discuss options.

1 OPTION

We are presenting three options with general cost and tax estimates as a starting point for the discussion with residents about what they want and what they can afford.

Enhanced Aquatic Facility

2 OPTION

Enhanced Aquatic Facility PLUS 50-METRE LAP POOL

†ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $136 million

3 OPTION

Multi-Use Facility

†ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $284 million ESTIMATED OPERATING COST: $5.9 million/year

†ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $280 million

OPERATING COST: $8.8 million/year

OPERATING COST: $6.6 million/year

†PLEASE NOTE: The cost estimates were completed last fall and are based on construction taking place in 2026. Actual cost and tax amounts will depend on final design, timing of construction, property value and service area.

Estimated tax increases

The amounts are based on average assessed property values in each jurisdiction and include operating cost starting in 2028, annual debt repayment costs for the construction project and a 3% capital replacement cost.

*This only applies to property owners in Fort St. John and Electoral Areas B and C who are already paying taxes towards operational cost of the existing North Peace Leisure Pool.

**Estimated total tax minus current tax being paid.

Share your ideas.

We’re inviting residents in the four partner jurisdictions to participate in a two-hour workshop to discuss the options and costs for the new facility. Our goal is to understand the best mix of amenities balanced with cost. Your input will contribute towards the development of a final option for a new facility.

We’re hosting in-person workshops in each community and two virtual workshops. You’re welcome to sign up for the one that works best for you. Can’t make it to a workshop? No problem. We’ll post a workshop summary along with next steps at haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/nplf.

WORKSHOP VIRTUAL 1

TIME: 1–3 pm

VENUE: Via Zoom

WORKSHOP FORT ST. JOHN WORKSHOP TAYLOR

TIME: 7–9 pm

VENUE: Festival Plaza

9523 100 St., Fort St. John

TIME: 7–9 pm

VENUE: Taylor Curling Club

9888 Cherry Ave. W, Taylor

TIME: 7–9 pm

VENUE: Rose Prairie

Community Curling Centre 7077 260 Rd., Rose Prairie

WORKSHOP VIRTUAL 2

WORKSHOP AREA B WORKSHOP AREA C

TIME: 7–9 pm

VENUE: Charlie Lake

Elementary School 12655 Charlie Lake Frontage Rd., Charlie Lake

To register for workshops, visit prrd.eventbrite.com Stay

Sign up for PRRD email updates at prrd.bc.ca

TIME: 10 am–12 pm

VENUE: Via Zoom