FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George will start planned Aquatic Centre upgrades on January 1, 2026. The pool will remain closed until early 2028. During the Aquatic Centre closure, the Canfor Leisure Pool will be open with extended hours and increased programming. Service levels will be similar, and aquatics staff will monitor operations and adjust wherever possible to best serve residents.
IDL Projects has been awarded the contract for the work. The pre-construction phase has started, which includes exterior and interior building exploration. In January 2026, IDL will begin construction, and the pool will close. The phases include:
- Phase 1(a) and 1(b): Energy efficiency improvements and extending the service life of the building with new insulation and exterior updates 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, including 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.
Swim clubs, swimming lessons, and aquatics programs will continue at the Canfor Leisure Pool during the closure, however, public swimming will not be available from Monday to Friday between 4 and 7 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. January to June hours of operation and aquatics programming information is available on the City website.
“We know the closure isn’t ideal for regular Aquatic Centre users, but about 95% of programming will continue at the Canfor Leisure Pool,” said civic facilities and events director Andy Beesley. “There may be some growing pains, but we’ve successfully operated with one pool during construction of the Canfor Leisure Pool and are confident we can do it again. This work is essential to keep the Aquatic Centre in great shape for years to come.”
Project background
The Prince George Aquatic Centre, built in 1998, serves more than 240,000 visitors annually. The Aquatic Centre is nearing its 30th anniversary, which means it needs significant infrastructure upgrades to ensure it's in great shape for years to come. The pool has entered the infrastructure replacement phase which is the normal life cycle for all civic facilities. This work isn't due to a lack of maintenance – the pool undergoes regular, annual maintenance and recently underwent upgrades in 2018. Upgrades will extend the facility’s life cycle by at least another 25 years.
In April 2024, Council approved funding for several improvements and upgrades to the Aquatic Centre. At that time, phase one had already secured $14.88 million in funding, including a $6.3 million grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program -CleanBC Communities Fund.
The City was authorized to borrow the remaining $22.15 million needed from the Municipal Finance Authority for the remaining phases of work through an alternate approval process. The total project cost is $37 million.
Project updates and frequently asked questions will be provided throughout construction on the Aquatic Centre upgrades page.
-30-
Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca