Jet Boat World Championship organization presents to PRRD about co-hosting

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Jet Boat Racing Canada (JBRC) presented to the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) on Thursday, November 7th about co-hosting the upcoming 2025 Jet Boat World Championship.

The application was put forth for approval at the PRRD’s next meeting, scheduled for November 21st.

Described as a “communication hub,” JBRC facilitates questions from fans, sponsorship opportunities and member clubs, according to the organization’s marketing coordinator Alana Bergeron.

Bergeron cited the international flavour of the event, which will include teams from New Zealand, Mexico and the United States and the economic impact throughout her presentation to council.

Although she described the sport as “niche”, Bergeron estimates roughly 35 teams could participate, in addition to about 7000 fans attending. She added overnight stays in local hotels could generate $263,000 for the region.

In previous years, Bergeron says communities have brought in farmer’s markets, had bouncy castles, and showcased other aspects of their communities.

“International teams that come to compete generally come about two to three weeks in advance,” said Bergeron. “They’re pre running our rivers, checking on hosting communities and working on their boats before the race.”

“A lot of these teams extend their stay once they’re here which is a great opportunity for Taylor and the Fort St John area. Maybe do a couple days of hiking out in Tumbler Ridge or go check out the [W.A.C] Bennett dam. We’re catering to more than just the fans of jet boat racing.”

JBRC holds the event every four years, sharing hosting duties with Mexico, New Zealand and the U.S. 

JBRC is a non-profit organization founded from four groups, scattered between two provinces and the Northwest Territories.

It includes the Peace River Boating Association and Wapiti River Race Club in Grande Prairie and Peace River, Alberta, the B.C. Peace Region River Rats, and the Northwest Territories’ Hay River Racing Club.

Each club hosts regional events throughout the summer months.

The 2025 Jet Boat World Championship will begin in Hay River on Friday June 20th and conclude ten days later, on Monday June 30th, 2025 with races on the Taylor Flats at Peace Island Park in the district of Taylor.

Two days will be by each city, in addition to Grande Prairie and Peace River, Alberta, with two days dedicated to travel.

A closing ceremony for the event will occur in either the district or in Fort St. John. 
For more details, visit JRBC’s website.