Fort St. John Pool Expansion Heads to Referendum
Fort St. John residents will soon decide at the ballot box whether the city should proceed with a major expansion of its aquatic facility, after council voted to hold a public referendum on the issue.
The question of whether to fund upgrades and enlargement of the existing pool has stirred debate in the community, with proponents highlighting health and recreation benefits, and opponents raising concerns about cost and long-term financial impact.
Council Calls Vote on Community Priorities
City council confirmed this week that the pool plan will go before voters in a spring referendum. The decision comes after months of discussion about how best to support recreation and wellness services while balancing municipal budget pressures.
Officials say the referendum will give residents the final say on whether the design, financing, and scope of the pool project should move forward.
What’s at Stake in the Vote
The proposed expansion includes larger pool space, modernized features, and improved accessibility to meet growing community demand. Supporters argue the upgrades would boost wellness programming, attract more users, and serve families, seniors, and athletes alike.
However, critics caution that the cost of construction and ongoing maintenance could strain city finances, particularly at a time when municipalities face rising expenses and infrastructure backlogs.
Arguments From Both Sides
Advocates for the expansion have pointed to health benefits, economic activity tied to construction jobs, and increased community use as key reasons to support the project. They say a modern aquatic centre would enhance quality of life and make Fort St. John more competitive as a destination for regional events.
Opponents say more analysis is needed on long-term operating costs and potential alternatives, stressing that large capital projects require careful fiscal planning, especially for essential city services already on tight budgets.
Details on the Referendum Process
City officials say the referendum will take place alongside municipal elections or as a stand-alone vote in spring, depending on final scheduling and provincial guidelines. Voters will be presented with clear information on project costs, funding options, and expected benefits to help them make an informed decision.
The municipality says it will launch an information campaign ahead of the vote to explain both sides of the issue and answer residents’ questions.
Community Reaction Mixed but Engaged
Local residents have expressed a range of views online and at public meetings, reflecting both enthusiasm for improved facilities and concern about fiscal responsibility. Some see the pool expansion as an investment in health and youth services, while others worry about tax impacts or debt levels tied to large infrastructure projects.
Council members say they respect the importance of public input on major investments and hope the referendum fosters constructive community dialogue.
Next Steps Toward a Vote
With the referendum date now set, stakeholders on both sides of the question are preparing campaigns and outreach strategies. City staff are finalizing estimated costs and timelines to share with the public in the coming weeks.
As Fort St. John moves closer to the vote, the issue of how best to balance recreation needs with financial prudence will remain at the forefront of community discussion.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X
