City launches property tax calculator for residents to check new pool tax impacts

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John has launched a new property tax calculator for residents to understand the potential tax impact due to the new pool facility. 

According to a Facebook post uploaded to the City of Fort St. John page on June 26, the new calculator reflects the current estimated costs and the maximum proposed borrowing amount. However, the actual impact may be lower as additional funding is secured. 

The post highlighted that the city has selected the core project team using an integrated project delivery approach to refine the design, confirm costs and guide the project. 

The city has also approved an additional $1.2 million to be transferred from the capital reserve to verify the aquatics facility’s construction estimate. 

In addition, the city introduced the Aquatic Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2635, 2026 during the June 22 council meeting. 

This bylaw is the first step in the process, which will allow the city to borrow up to $90 million towards the total estimated project cost. 

During the referendum, which the city has scheduled for this fall, community members will have the opportunity to vote on the amount to borrow to build the new pool. 

On the city’s Let’s Talk page for the new pool, the city has estimated 2030 operating costs for the current North Peace Leisure Pool at $5.5 million and for the new facility at $7.3 million, which represents a 33 per cent increase in expenses. 

The city said that between the projected revenue and estimated expenses, there is a $4.1 million operating funding gap. 

The city is exploring multiple ways to address this gap through sponsorships, advertising, modest user fee increases and partnerships with the Peace River Regional District to continue regional aquatic support.