PRINCE GEORGE – The alternative approval process (AAP) for the Aquatic Centre upgrade funding has been successfully completed. With fewer than 10 per cent of eligible electors opposing the borrowing, the City of Prince George has obtained the necessary approval to proceed with the planned upgrades including possibly borrowing up to $22,150,000.
When borrowing funds the City has the authorization to borrow up to that amount, however the borrowing is similar to a line of credit in that The City will only borrow the funds as they are needed for the project. If other funding sources like grants come available the City is able to utilize those and borrow less than the full amount. Unlike a line of credit, once the funds have been drawn on the City is locked into the payments for ten years at which point the City can pay out the balance or renew for another five years at a time until the twenty year debt is complete.
The AAP, which ran from July 5 to August 9, 2024, allowed residents to voice their opposition to the borrowing by submitting elector response forms. In a report to council at Monday night’s meeting it was explained that a total of 398 forms were received, significantly below the threshold of 5,512 required to halt the borrowing process. As a result, the City will move forward with the $22.15 million in additional enhancements and repairs approved by the Council on April 22, 2024.
These enhancements, which are critical to extending the life and improving the efficiency of the Aquatic Centre, are divided into several phases. Phase 1 is now underway and is fully funded through a grant and previous borrowing at $14.8 million. The following five subsequent phases of the project will be funded through this current borrowing:
- Phase 1(a) and 1(b): Focus on energy efficiency improvements and extending service life with a budget of $3.15 million.
- Phase 2: Structural repairs and upgrades, including steel/columns and dive tank sparger system, with a budget of $7.9 million.
- Phase 3: Replacement of health and safety items, such as tiles and plumbing fixtures, budgeted at $4.5 million.
- Phase 4: Major replacements and interior improvements, including light fixtures and accessibility enhancements, with a budget of $6.6 million.
The upgrades will be carefully coordinated to minimize disruption to the public, ensuring the facility remains a vital community asset for years to come.
With elector approval secured, council then proceeded with the final reading and adoption of the Loan Authorization Bylaw. Design work on phase one will now continue, with construction anticipated to begin in mid-2025.
The Prince George Aquatic Centre, built in 1998, serves over 240,000 visitors annually. Despite regular maintenance, the facility has now reached the stage where significant infrastructure replacement is required to maintain its long-term viability. These upcoming upgrades are expected to extend the building’s lifecycle by at least another 25 years.
Source: City of Prince George
