Together, we decide.
The City of Fort St. John is planning a new Aquatics Facility with an Indoor Fieldhouse designed to serve residents for decades to come. The project is intended to replace the aging North Peace Leisure Pool, meet growing community needs, and create a modern recreation destination that supports health, wellness, sport, and community connection.
Referendum (Assent Vote) Question
The following "Yes" or "No" question will be included on the ballot during the 2026 General Local Election on October 17:
Are you in favour of the City of Fort St. John adopting Aquatic Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2635, 2026, to authorize borrowing up to $90,000,000 for a term of up to 30 years to construct the Aquatic Facility, including aquatics and indoor field house?
Why is borrowing being considered?
The proposed Aquatic Facility, including an indoor fieldhouse, is estimated at $185 million. The City is exploring grants and other funding sources to reduce the amount required to borrow, with current borrowing scenarios ranging from $60 million to $90 million.
Property Tax Calculator
Use the property tax calculator below to estimate potential impacts to your property.
Note, this only includes the municipal portion of your property tax bill, and actual impacts may change.
Why Your Vote Matters
A Yes vote means you support the City borrowing up to $90 million for the proposed Aquatic Facility, while the City continues to seek grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and other funding sources to reduce the final amount borrowed. A question passes if more than 50% of valid votes cast are Yes.
If the referendum passes, the new Council will consider adopting the borrowing bylaw. If adopted, the project would then move into construction beginning in Spring 2027.
If the referendum does not pass, the borrowing will not take place, and the next steps will be reviewed by staff for Council’s consideration.
Scrutineer Applications
Eligible voters can apply to be a scrutineer during the assent voting process. Scrutineers observe voting activities and may represent either the “Yes” or “No” side of the question.
Applications from eligible voters who would like to volunteer as a scrutineer are being accepted between Monday, September 14, 2026, at 9 am and Friday, September 25, 2026, at 4:30 pm. Up to two scrutineers will be appointed: one representing the “Yes” side and one representing the “No” side.
Application forms are available:
- By emailing Legislative Services
- In-person at City Hall: Located at 10631 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC
- Download the application form [PDF/210KB]