Workshops being held in April to help shape future North Peace Leisure Facility

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —  The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is hosting several workshops in April to gather information from residents on what they want from a new North Peace Leisure Facility (NPLF).

The PRRD, the City of Fort St. John, and the District of Taylor have been developing plans for a new facility to replace the aging North Peace Leisure Pool, which has been open since 1997.

There will be six workshops, with two being conducted virtually. The district will be looking for input on topics such as potential amenities and the overall cost of the facility. 

The in-person workshops will be held from April 13th to the 20th in Fort St. John, Charlie Lake, Rose Prairie, and Taylor. To see the full workshop schedule, please click the link here.

Four proposals were initially submitted to the partner jurisdictions, focusing on amenities that residents highlighted as priorities during engagement sessions and an open house in 2022.

One submission has already been dropped due to cost concerns. The remaining proposals feature a mix of aquatic and recreational features and will be presented to the public during the workshops to compare the costs of each.

PRRD Board Chair and NPLF Steering Committee vice-chair Brad Sperling says the public is being asked to have their say because of increased costs due to inflation.

“The estimated costs to provide these amenities are higher than anticipated due to inflation and unprecedented increases in the construction market,” said Sperling. “We’re now seeking input on the balance between services and affordability.”

Through these workshops, the project partners hope to determine a balance between the cost and the amenities desired by residents of the region.

Following the workshops, results will be compiled and presented at future public open houses.