Recognizing over 25 years of funding from the Province of BC
The Peace River Agreement (PRA) has proven vital for local governments in northeastern BC to fund necessary improvements in infrastructure and sustain service offerings to the oil and gas, forestry and mining industries, their employees and residents of our home communities.
Since 1994, the City has invested over $375 million from the PRA to create a viable and vibrant community for residents, businesses and industry workers.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
As a responsible and thoughtful steward of the PRA grant money, the City has invested the PRA into projects and initiatives to enhance the services and livability of the City of Fort St. John. These projects are funded primarily through this government partnership and are not funded by property taxes.
1994
$4 million annually to region
Fair Share agreement signed - New provincial funding for Northeastern BC
Fort St. John and seven local governments in Northeastern BC signed the first agreement with the Province of BC.
The agreement recognized that communities provide extensive services and infrastructure to support industrial operations, which are located outside of areas that can be taxed municipally.
Services include transportation, utilities, land development, recreation, cultural facilities and more.
A grader gets stuck while maintaining City roads during the spring thaw.
1998
$12 million annually to region
Revised agreement - Increased funding for region
The region negotiated with the Province to receive additional funding and a revised Fair Share agreement.
Investments have helped to establish infrastructure and provide services to support industrial operations, workers, businesses and residents.
In the early days, Fort St. John invested Fair Share agreement funds primarily to pave and build roads. As of 2022, over 65 kilometres of roads have been upgraded.
2005
$20 million annually to the region
Updated Fair Share agreement
As the region’s oil and gas activity increased, the local governments renegotiated for increased funding from the Province.
Funding has helped create healthy, livable communities.
2011
Kids Arena Fieldhouse opens
Originally built as an ice rink, Kids Arena Fieldhouse was renovated into an indoor pitch to use for soccer, rugby, lacrosse, baseball, and track and field. The facility is also used for Learn to Play and Active Sport programs and private events.
2013
Fort St. John experiences flash flooding
PRA funding has been used to develop several master plans to optimize the City’s project and infrastructure investments.
Stormwater Master Plan — developed after rainfall and flooding events in 2010
Related project: 93 Avenue stormwater project
Following major storms in 2010 and 2011, Fort St. John experienced flash flooding.
In 2013, the City invested funds from the Peace River Agreement to develop a stormwater master plan to protect the City and mitigate future flooding.
Fort St. John’s stormwater management plan was funded by the Peace River Agreement.
2014
Liquid Waste Management Master Plan — a plan to ensure effective management of sanitary and storm sewer systems
Related projects: Sewer lift station upgrades and reclaimed water facility
Downtown Action Master Plan — a plan to enhance downtown Fort St. John as the social, economic and cultural heart of the city
Related project: Centennial Park Festival Plaza
The new, energy-efficient 20,000 square foot Fire Station facility includes a classroom that is also sed as the City’s Emergency Operations Centre.
2015
$50 million annually to region
Peace River Agreement (PRA) signed
Transportation Master Plan — a long-term plan for developing infrastructure for all modes of transportation to support the City’s goals, including economic growth
Related projects: 100 Street North construction and 100 Street redevelopment
The Fair Share agreement was set to expire in 2020. The local governments and Province of BC negotiated a new Peace River Agreement in 2015.
This includes 20 annual payments allocated among the eight local governments.The agreement provides stability and funds to invest into the livability of communities in Northeastern BC.
Envisioned as part of the Downtown Action Plan, the Festival Plaza was funded through a 2015 PRA signing bonus.
Ongoing investments
Ongoing investments of PRA funding
Since 1995, the City has invested significant funds into paving and upgrading roads.
In addition, PRA funds have been invested to replace necessary equipment, such as fire engines, a ladder truck, a hazmat/mobile command truck, graders, loaders, snow-blowing units, lawnmowers, and information technology infrastructure.
2016
Cemeteries Master Plan — a plan to guide cemetery expansion, improvements and operations
Related project: Phase 1 expansion of the Woodland Cemetery
Parks and Recreation Master Plan — a framework for decisions about parks and recreation land, facilities, resources, programs, infrastructure and investment
Related projects: Centennial Park and Kin Park redevelopment
The Phase 1 expansion of the Woodlawn Cemetery included over 400 new burial plots, green burial plots, columbaria, and a scattering garden.
2021
the PRA (including reserves) accounted for almost 85 percent of the City’s capital project budget of almost $65 million.
85% of Capital Project Budget
Capital projects are funded by the Peace River Agreement, other grants, and water and sewer reserves, not by local property taxes.
Centennial Festival Plaza construction was completed in 2021. This year-round, accessible space hosts special events from Canada Day to the High on Ice Winter Festival.
The new Fire Training Centre features a three-storey burn building for hands-on, live emergency training.
2022
Celebrating over 25 years of funding
In 2022, Fort St. John is recognizing more than 25 years of provincial funding to support the community as an economic hub, base for industry, and home for permanent and temporary residents.
The City recognizes PRA funding for important community projects, upgrades and amenities.
Lighting and mechanical upgrades are in progress for the North Peace Arena.
The 100 Street Corridor Redevelopment reflects the Let’s Talk 100 Street community engagement. This project will replace 80-year-old water, sanitary, and storm sewer pipes and improve pedestrian areas and traffic flow.
Upgrades to the Pomeroy Sport Centre are in progress. This facility includes two ice arenas, an Olympic-size long-track speed skating oval, and a walking track.
The City is investing in redevelopment of Kin and Surerus parks over four years. These parks are identified as key destination parks in the City’s PRA-funded Parks and Recreation plan.
The new energy-efficient RCMP detachment building will replace an over 35-year-old building that houses over 90 municipally and provincially-funded employees.
Peace River Agreement review
The Peace River Agreement is subject to review in 2023 and every eight years thereafter.
This funding is a crucial part of Fort St. John’s budget to provide high-quality services and infrastructure to support industrial operations in the region and a place for many to call home.
Total funding: over $375 million
FUTURE
The City values our partnership with the Province of BC. As thoughtful stewards, the City will continue to invest provincial funds to support economic development and the vibrancy and livability of our community. We look forward to the continuation of this funding for decades.
