Prince George city council approved a new capital project to allow for the purchase of three additional platforms at the Canfor Leisure Pool to ensure local swim clubs can host swim meets during the Aquatic Centre Closure which is scheduled to take place from January 1, 2026 to early 2028.
The cost of the dive platforms is $36,200 and will be funded from the Northern Capital Planning Reserve Fund.
The two-year closure of the Prince George Aquatic Centre has prompted concerns from local swim clubs about hosting meets and maintaining training time at the Canfor Leisure Pool. The clubs require additional dive platforms, electronic timing equipment, and assurance that flip turns can be safely performed. Aquatics staff have confirmed that existing timing equipment can be relocated and that the pool depth meets safety requirements.
The report acknowledges the closure of the Aquatic Centre will be challenging for all pool users and the additional diving platforms represent meaningful solutions to maintain the long-term viability of competitive swimming in Prince George.
The Aquatic Centre upgrade project was also discussed as part of a request for a reconsideration of a defeated motion. The motion was asking for administration to return a report on options to avoid a two-year shutdown of the Aquatic Centre, but the motion was defeated.