Regional district approves $833k+ in construction for North Peace Leisure Pool

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district has approved major construction work on the North Peace Leisure Pool despite it being over budget. 

During the July 17th Peace River Regional District (PRRD) regional board meeting, the directors awarded a tender for work on the roof of the North Peace Leisure Pool in Fort St. John. 

The report from staff detailed the results of an inspection conducted in 2024, which noted a need to replace the roof membrane on three sections of the facility.

The public tender for the project was submitted by the City of Fort St. John, and closed on June 25th. 

The one submission received for the project came from DM Henderson Roofing in Dawson Creek, which provided a quote of $833,250, excluding tax and including contingency. 

A contingency is a pre-approved portion of the project’s budget which is only used in the event of unforeseen costs, risks or changes that may be experienced during the construction process. 

The PRRD initially approved a budget of $750,000 excluding taxes, of which $148,000 would be considered contingency. 

The staff report recommended the project be awarded to DM Henderson Roofing despite the quote being over budget due to “rising construction costs” in recent months. The directors ultimately voted to follow that recommendation. 

The North Peace Leisure Pool has an approved 2025 capital budget of $950,000. 

According to the PRRD, the remaining funds left over from the roofing project will be used for miscellaneous projects throughout the year, including replacing a fire alarm panel, remodeling the front counter, replacing the heating system in the steam room and renovating the change rooms and washrooms. 

No information was provided regarding when construction would begin on the roofing project or what the timeline would be.