Fort St. John council to move forward with referendum on new pool borrowing

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John council has begun the process of getting public approval for a long-term borrowing vote for the new pool. 

On March 9th, the City of Fort St. John council officially expressed its intent to proceed to a referendum about borrowing for the new aquatic facility. 

The city’s aquatic facility working group has been providing updates about public engagement and residents’ preferences for features at the new facility to replace the North Peace Leisure Pool. 

The expression does not mean the city is proceeding with the borrowing, and is simply a part of the legislative process required by the municipality prior to voting on any long-term borrowing. 

“Final borrowing authority is only granted after statutory approvals, elector assent and adoption of a loan authorization bylaw,” the report stated. 

“While project scope, cost estimates and financial options are still under development, [the] council has expressed an interest in ensuring that sufficient time is available for public awareness, engagement and legislative readiness for a potential assent vote.”

The project’s guiding document was also approved on March 9th and details the city’s plans to keep costs low on the facility and break ground in spring 2027.

As of March 9th, there are no financial implications for this ‘assent vote’ or process, with the vote taking place during the 2026 municipal election in October. Any future financial impacts related to the facility will be provided to the council, according to staff. 

The city has stated there are currently no cost estimates for the project, and a financial estimate will be provided to the public ahead of the referendum.