City seeks funding for accessibility upgrades at pool

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John is seeking grant or sponsor funding of up to $20,000 to make accessibility upgrades at the North Peace Leisure Pool.

The city was authorized to do so by the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) directors during a board meeting last week. 

In addition to authorization, the regional board will provide a letter of support to the city for funding applications. 

Accessibility improvements at the pool include completing upgrades to the accessible change rooms and bathrooms and purchasing a new water wheelchair and a removable ramp system.

Additional contemplated upgrades will upgrade the overall wheelchair accessibility for the pool’s changerooms and bathrooms. This includes moving toilet paper dispensers, which are currently too high for wheelchair users. 

If the city is unable to locate grant or sponsor funding, the funds may be included in the 2024 budget, according to the PRRD.

The North Peace Leisure Pool is owned by the PRRD, and operated by the City of Fort St. John.