FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRINCE GEORGE - The Canfor Leisure Pool is one step closer to its opening day as local officials and partners gathered in downtown Prince George for the pool’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Lyn Hall, City Council, and Canfor Corporation were on hand to celebrate the completion of the City’s single most significant infrastructure investment in a decade.
Although the project’s Federal and Provincial representatives could not attend in person, they sent statements of support which were read aloud at the ceremony.
“Modern, accessible recreation facilities are the backbone of healthy and inclusive communities,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians. We are proud to celebrate the completion of the Canfor Leisure Pool, a place where all of Prince George can get active, play, and enjoy.”
“From kids dipping their toes in for the first time to seniors perfecting their backstroke, the Canfor Leisure Pool will be an inclusive place for people of all abilities,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Investment in recreation facilities is an investment in people and I know this pool will be cherished for years to come."
“I’m very pleased to see this pool open for our downtown residents and the rest of the community,” said Mayor Lyn Hall. “Many of us have fond memories of the Four Seasons Leisure Pool and I’m confident there will be many more memories made at the new Canfor Leisure Pool.”
“The new downtown pool will be a great destination and attraction for local residents and tourists visiting Prince George,” says Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. “We are excited to welcome families and members of the community to the beautifully designed Canfor Leisure Pool, which will provide a safe, fun and accessible environment for all ages to enjoy aquatic activities.”
The Canfor Leisure Pool received federal and provincial funding support in 2020 through a $10 million investment boost from the Community and Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The pool, located on Quebec Street, was designed by HDR Architecture and Chandos Construction led the building efforts.
Construction began in June 2020 after residents voted in 2017 to replace the Four Seasons Leisure Pool. At over 50 years old, the Four Seasons was at the end of its service life. The 2016 Aquatics Needs Assessment report identified safety and accessibility shortcomings including, but not limited to:
- Extremely poor or non-existent accessibility throughout the facility, inside and outside.
- Highly slippery tiles on all decks.
- Lack of accessible and family changeroom space.
The new pool is also the latest civic facility to connect to the City’s Downtown Renewable Energy System, which means it emits 84 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than if heated by natural gas. The Downtown Renewable Energy System (DRES) funnels heat generated from wood waste at Lakeland Mills to several civic buildings like City Hall and the law courts.
A soft launch with “preview swims” is scheduled to run from November 9 to November 12. Visitors may book a swim session between 9 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. through princegeorge.ca/register starting November 1 at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time. Registered swim spots are limited to 200 per session on each soft launch day to let staff get accustomed to new operations at the pool.
A grand opening celebration will take place on November 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and feature games and prizes including a draw for a one-year swim pass. Celebratory cake will be served in the new pool’s lobby. Up to 200 people may register through princegeorge.ca/register starting November 1 at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time to attend and swim at the grand opening event.
Regular pool hours commence on November 14. Visit the Canfor Leisure Pool’s page at princegeorge.ca/canforpool for info on hours, admissions, and more.
The new pool features accessibility improvements and recreational features that cater to visitors of all ages and abilities. The building itself is accessible inside and out (i.e. streetside to building interior). Some of its main attractions include:
- A six-lane, 25-metre lap pool.
- A leisure pool with a lazy river, beach entry, and play features.
- Dedicated male and female change rooms as well as a large universal change room.
- Three barrier-free shower rooms with ceiling lifts.
- A state-of-the-art “NinjaCross” pool obstacle course.
- A large waterslide with a run-off lane.
The Four Seasons facility provided 80 per cent of the City’s aquatics programs and lessons. Swimming lessons will return to the Canfor Leisure Pool, which will also support aquatic therapy programs. The Prince George Aquatic Centre will continue hosting competitive swimming events.
Media contact
Mike Lee, senior communications advisor
City of Prince George
778-349-1386
media@princegeorge.ca