City reports positive public feedback for replacement pool project

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John has received positive public feedback for the replacement pool in its most recent public engagement session. 

During the 51st annual 2026 Fort St. John Trade Show from April 10th to 12th, “hundreds” of residents and people from around the region visited the city’s booth, according to Ryan Harvery, communications manager for the City of Fort St. John. 

This comes after it released the first concept designs for the new pool facility, which estimated it would $185 million. 

“We had [them] stop by the booth and take a look at some information and the concept fly- through,” he said. “[Feedback] for the most part [was] really positive.” 

He noted visitors were excited to see the project continuing to move forward. 

Harvey said: “[People had] lots of questions on the cost and what that means for them as property owners, but also lots of questions on the project timeline and when it’s going to open.” 

The project fly-through the city had presented during the trade show, Harvey said, was about “60 per cent designed.” 

“Taking the feedback as the design continues to advance, but then also taking a look at some of the information we’re sharing and making sure we’re providing the information the public needs to make an informed decision as we continue to work forward to the referendum this fall,” he added. 

He believes it is “always” good to continue these conversations with the city. 

He said: “Anytime we start to talk about costs, it’s good to provide people with as much information as we can, and that’s been a commitment of ours – be transparent on this project and make sure that people are informed.” 

Harvey alleges people are “pleasantly surprised” the city has met timelines for the replacement pool. 

“Since the city took over the leadership role of the planning of [the replacement pool] last summer, there was some skepticism in trying to meet the timelines that we laid out,” he explained, adding that people are excited for a new facility to open.

Harvey encouraged residents to continue following the Aquatics facility page for updated information and upcoming engagement opportunities. 

The city is hosting a “Coffee with Council” session on April 15th at the Canadian Grind, located on 100th Avenue, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with no registration required.