Business owners in Fort St. John were invited to a Business Breakfast with Council Tuesday morning to discuss the proposed new aquatics facility.
Business, commercial, and industrial owners were invited to the meeting, as part of the city’s Let’s Talk engagement for the project. The event gave them an opportunity to be heard and to address potential concerns.
City officials say owners recognize the need for a new aquatics facility but are asking for transparency.
The estimated cost for the first phase of the project, which includes the pool area and the field house, is $185 million. The city says it is exploring a range of funding sources to reduce the impact on taxpayers.
Officials say business property taxes are expected to increase by an average of $137 to $206 depending on three funding scenarios. Those taxes, along with business licence fees, go into city revenue and ultimately help fund the project.
Officials add the facility will boost nearby businesses by bringing more visitors and raising the value of the surrounding area.
A Business Coffee with Council will also be held at Canadian Grind on Wednesday, April 15, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
“The community is really starting to believe this project is coming to life,” officials said, noting it has been almost nine years since the city began engagement for a new aquatics facility.
A public referendum seeking voter approval to borrow between $60 to $90 million is planned for October, and construction could begin in 2027. More information on the project can be found here.
