Fort St John city council has voted against approving a regional district decision to exempt some rural properties in Electoral Area B from paying taxes for the operations of the North Peace Leisure Pool.
The Peace River Regional District sought the council’s approval to move forward with the tax exemptions for properties deemed too far from the facility to use it regularly. According to the board’s report, “a total of 848 properties are being exempt. The total assessment being exempt is $444,587,451.”
When the letter requesting support was discussed in the council’s chambers at Fort St John City Hall, Mayor Lilia Hansen took it as an opportunity to explain why she voted against it at the PRRD.
“We benefit as a region having the leisure pool … it gives us the ability to attract and retain people in our community – whether they are mechanics, doctors, or teachers, they all benefit from it. Fort St John is the service hub in this area,” said Hansen, explaining her hesitation to approve the exemptions then – as well as the need for a conversation among city officials.
City council unanimously voted against endorsing the district’s move and asked staff to draft a letter informing the board.
“The board chair is unable to provide an interview until formal notice is received (from) the city of Fort St John regarding the proposed bylaw amendment, and the board has determined their next steps,” the district said, when asked for a comment. The letter is not in the queue for their next meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6.
“Updating the list is done routinely to keep the bylaw up to date regarding properties that should be exempted from taxation from the service, as specified in the original service bylaw that was adopted in 1995.”
In November of 2023, Fort St John city council unanimously voted in favour of approving the board’s updated version after clarifying why the properties are excepted. The previous iteration of the amendment had 786 exemptions – regional district staff estimated the total discount to be $319 million, which is $125 million less than the updated number.
Outside of the tax exemptions, strides are being made towards completing the pool replacement. In mid-October, the city of Fort St John announced that they are exploring a proposed new location three kilometres from the current location. It will be across from Margaret “Ma” Murray Community School.
Once the new facility opens and the current location on 100 Street closes, city council said the new city-owned site will no longer allow the same exemptions.
