Few buildings in Fort St. John see quite the mix of people that the Pomeroy does. From hockey players and speed skaters to trade shows and community gatherings, it's been a familiar stop for folks around the North Peace for years.

The City of Fort St. John and Fort St. John Co-op announced Wednesday that the Pomeroy Sport Centre will become the Co-op Community Centre, part of a new naming rights agreement worth $1.5 million over 15 years.

The change won’t happen overnight. Over the next several weeks, the new name will begin showing up on signage, digital platforms, recreation information and other public-facing material connected to the facility according to the City.

For Fort St. John Co-op, it puts the local organization’s name on a building that sees a lot of traffic through the year, whether it is hockey, speed skating, walking laps, tournaments, trade shows or one of the many community events held there.

“Having our name connected with a place that brings people together is both an honour and a great opportunity,” said Brad Lussier, general manager of Fort St. John Co-op. “This partnership is about more than a name on a building. It reflects our continued commitment to investing in the communities where our members, customers, employees, friends and families live, work and build lasting connections.”

There is a fair bit packed under that roof. The facility includes two NHL-sized ice rinks, an Olympic-sized indoor long-track speed skating oval, a walking track, fitness spaces, meeting rooms and more than 140,000 square feet of event space. Throughout the year, it is used for local recreation programs, tournaments, major sporting events, trade shows and community gatherings.

Mayor Lilia Hansen said the new partnership will help support a facility used by thousands of people every year.

“The Co-op Community Centre is much more than a recreation facility. It's a place where residents come together to play, compete, celebrate, and connect,” said Hansen. “We're pleased to welcome Fort St. John Co-op as our new naming partner and grateful for their investment in a facility that serves thousands of residents and visitors each year. Their commitment to community aligns strongly with the values of this space and the people who use it.”

The City says naming rights agreements are one way it can bring in additional revenue for recreation services and public facilities while easing some of the pressure on taxpayers.

The announcement also brings an end to the long-running Pomeroy name on the building.

Both the City and Fort St. John Co-op acknowledged Pomeroy Lodging’s role in the facility’s history, with the Co-op saying it is honoured to carry that legacy forward.

Fort St. John Co-op has been operating in the region since 1944 and remains a member-owned organization serving the North Peace and Northern Rockies.

For people around town, the new name will probably take a little getting used to. After years of saying “the Pomeroy,” that one may stick around in conversation for a while yet.

Officially though, the Pomeroy Sport Centre is on its way to becoming the Co-op Community Centre.