Your Guide to the North Peace Traditional Territory of the Dane-zaa First Nation Peoples.
Learn more about NORTH PEACE COMMUNITIES Fort St. John, Taylor, Hudson's Hope
Discover our DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY
Check out the MEMBER & COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
Display until www.fsjchamber.com 1 | 2020 FORTFree! ST. JOHN & REGIONApril GUIDE 2021 We would like to thank all of our advertisers; without their support this publication would not be possible.
PLEASE TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THIS MAGAZINE. B Fort St. John & Area
to the Peace River Your Guide to Your Guide the North Peace Regional District! Traditional Territory of the Dane-zaa First Nation Peoples. to the North Peace C Cover Photo Credit: Peace River Valley
Learn more about NORTH PEACE Darcy Shawcheck Regional districts in COMMUNITIES Fort St. John, Taylor, Hudson's Hope
British Columbia were Discover our DIVERSIFIED established by the Provincial ECONOMY Check out the MEMBER & COMMUNITY Government for three primary SPOTLIGHTS
E www.fsjchamber.com Display until purposes: April 2021 1 | 2020 FORTFree! ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE • to act as local government for their (unincorporated) D electoral areas; VIEW THE GUIDE ONLINE! Contents • to provide the political and administrative frameworks www.fsjchamber.com necessary for member municipalities and electoral areas to City of Fort St John Overview �������������������������������� 4 collaborate in the provision of services; and, Communities of the North Peace �������������������������� 6 For additional copies contact: • to be the regional service body responsible for providing regional Chamber President Message ��������������������������������� 8 services to, and undertaking key activities on behalf of, their entire region. Contributors Meet the Chamber ������������������������������������������������ 9 The Fort St. John & Area Executive Director Message �������������������������������� 10 Community Guide is well Message from our MLA ���������������������������������������� 13 supported by our Business 4 Electoral Areas (B, C, D, E) Tel: 250 785 6037 Community, the City of Fort Mayor’s Message ������������������������������������������������� 14 [email protected] St. John, and a variety of Regional Overview ����������������������������������������������� 16 local community groups. Our Industries ������������������������������������������������������ 20 Our thanks goes out to Member Municipalities Oil & Gas �������������������������������������������������������������� 28 everyone who supplied District of Chetwynd Village of Pouce Coupe content suggestions, and/or LNG Industry �������������������������������������������������������� 32 rgstrategies updates, images, ideas ... Alternative Energy ����������������������������������������������� 36 British creatingawareness City of Dawson Creek District of Taylor Columbia If you would like to know Agriculture ����������������������������������������������������������� 38 more about RG Strategies Quality of Life ������������������������������������������������������ 40 City of Fort St. John District of Tumbler Ridge services or have any Leisure & Recreation �������������������������������������������� 42 Ad Sales, Design and Production requests or questions District of Hudson`s Hope T 250.785.3586 please contact us. Places to Discover ������������������������������������������������ 44 E: [email protected] . E: [email protected] Places of Worship ������������������������������������������������ 45 www.rgstrategies.com Fort St. John City Map ������������������������������������������ 46 Arts & Culture ������������������������������������������������������ 49 As an organization of business representatives, the Fort Education ������������������������������������������������������������� 56 St. John & District Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction Health & Wellness ����������������������������������������������� 58 Dawson Creek Head Office with RG Strategies, publish the Fort St. John & Region Guide yearly to introduce you to the people, industries and Encounter Nature ������������������������������������������������ 62 1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 4H8 opportunities of Fort St. John and area. The information is Local References �������������������������������������������������� 64 Office Phone: 250-784-3200 carefully compiled and is considered accurate at the time of printing. The Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce Fort St. John Businesses �������������������������������������� 66 Fort St. John Branch Office prrd.bc.ca assumes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Hudson’s Hope Businesses ���������������������������������� 77 9505 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 4N4 Taylor Businesses ������������������������������������������������� 78 Office Phone: 250-785-8084 © 2020 Fort St. John & District Chamber 2 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE of Commerce and RG Strategies 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 3 Fort St. John PROUD HOST OF THE 2020 BC WINTER GAMES Over 1,500 athletes, coaches and officials were welcomed to our community by over 2,000 volunteers to compete in 15 sports.
DYNAMIC.DYNAMIC. YOUNG.YOUNG. ENERGETIC.ENERGETIC. In today’s business environment, it’s more important The people of the North live here because they like it. Average Temperatures than ever to make informed business decisions, which is why you need a business advisor who understands It’s a place to start a small business or secure employment. It’s also a great place January high -9˚c / low -17˚c no two businesses or industries are alike. Nati onal March high 0˚c / low -9˚c in scope and local in focus, MNP takes the ti me to to raise a family, buy a home, and enjoy a high quality of life. May high 15˚c / low 4˚c understand you and your business. We deliver the July high 22˚c / low -10˚c personalized services you need in assurance, tax, Fort St. John is the hub of the Northeast in a community that gives back so much. There is always something to do and September high 15˚c / low 5˚c corporate fi nance, consulti ng, successions, valuati on, forensics and liti gati on support - and more. with a growing diversity of industry and Fort St. John attracts European travellers see all year round. Whether it be November high -3˚c / low -10˚c citizens. The city is in close proximity to with wilderness and eco-adventures, skiing, sleigh rides, festivals, skating, M P is a proud member of the Fort St. John & District the mountains, prairies and waterways of as well as hunting and fishing. The city tobogganing, snowmobiling and more. Chamber of Commerce, and is committ ed to the the Northeast region of British Columbia. features excellent year-round sports In the winter or during the summer people and businesses in our community. It is located on the famous Alaska facilities and excellent indoor recreation enjoy camping, fishing, golfing, boating, Climate Highway that provides attractions to facilities. mountain biking, ATVing, hiking and Frost-free Days 90 - 115 To fi nd out what MNP can do for you, residents and visitors alike. much more! Perhaps you are interested Average Annual Sunshine 2095 hours / 304 days contact our Fort St. John offi ce at 250.785.8166 Fort St. John boasts that our people are in indoor activities – the city boasts Average Annual Rainfall 330 mm / 13 inches Early pioneers built Fort St. John into the friendly, and we strive to showcase our state-of-the-art recreation facilities and Average Annual Snowfall 198.20 mm / 11.7 in Our Local Fort St. John Team: largest city in British Columbia’s northeast spirit through the vibrant arts community theatres that host concerts, trade shows, region. Modern day pioneers continue with music, theatre, museums and and tournaments throughout the year! Weather Station Fort St. John Alycia Calkins, CPA, CA to bring a fresh spirit of exploration, art, as well as a multitude of sporting Weather Station Elevation 695.00 m / 2280 ft Gavin Sti ll, CPA, CGA innovation and community to the city and outdoor adventures. There is an Whether you are purchasing your first Julie Ziebart, CPA, CA that has successfully and responsibly enormous range of clubs for every home, starting a family, relocating or Laurence Wang, CPA CGA managed the bounty of opportunities interest — from curling to horticulture thinking about retiring, Fort St. John and Population Peta Best, CPA, CA around it. Fort St. John is the Energetic to stock car racing. The community is area has something for everyone. Scott Wisdahl, CPA, CGA City, which reflects not only its large blessed with not only a strong, stable Regional Population 35,000 Tara Waddy, CPA, CA resource base of oil, natural gas, forestry economy but also a sense of community Trading Area 75,000 and agriculture, but also the vitality of its and a quality of life second to none. Average Age 30 residents who are keen to live and work Average Income $109,000
4 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE Source: Statistics Canada 2016 Census THE COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTH PEACE District of Taylor COMMUNITY.COMMUNITY. OPPORTUNITY.OPPORTUNITY. Where Peace and Prosperity Meet!
Hudson’s Hope is a uniquely progressive and safe community. The area is also one of the richest sites of fossils and dinosaur footprints in the world. The Hudson’s Hope museum fossil display is one of the finest district of collection in the Peace River area. Lone Wolf Golf Course Gold Panning Championships Twenty minutes from downtown Hudson’s Hope, is one of the largest earth filled dams in the world, W.A.C. Bennett Dam, offers scheduled HUDSON’S HOPE tours of the underground powerhouse, a collection of hands on exhibits, and a video presentation. Behind the dam is Williston Lake, the largest Located on the banks of the Peace River in the Rocky Mountain man-made reservoir in North America. It offers excellent fishing and foothills of British Columbia, 90 kilometres west of Fort St. John and 66 kilometres north of Chetwynd on Highway 29. boating, as well as the opportunity to find fossils in the surrounding area.
Hudson’s Hope offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, canoeing, hunting, camping, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
Peace Island Park The District of Taylor has many amenities, businesses and resident attractions to o er. Please visit us on Facebook or check out our website. The District of Taylor is perfectly positioned amidst urban amenities and www.districtoftaylor.com Tel: 250.789.3392 rural charm; between the Peace Region’s two largest cities – and within district of the beautiful areas of the Peace River Regional District.
Despite its small (but growing) population of 1469, Taylor’s TAYLOR development has always kept the interests and needs of the Peace Nestled on the fertile banks of the Peace River and along the region in mind. Taylor history is widely celebrated throughout the Alaska Highway corridor, Taylor (historic Mile 36) is just 56 community, with the Rocky Mountain Forts and a self-guided walking kilometres north of Dawson Creek and 18 kilometres south tour that showcases its early years. of Fort St. John. Enjoy Peace Island Park, which hosts the World’s Invitational Gold Panning Championships and has full and un-serviced campsites. Taylor also boasts an 18-hole golf course declared “Best Manicured course in Northern BC”, a boat launch, ball diamonds and fishing amongst its many attributes.
Photo: Darcy Shawchek
Nine kilometres northwest of Fort St. John on the Alaska Highway, the community of Charlie Lake is home to approximately 2,250. There are community of almost 22,000 people within 20 km of Charlie Lake. CHARLIE LAKE Housing options include residential subdivisions, trailer parks, lake front properties and rural residential farms. Many beautiful country Charlie Lake - 13 km long. Charlie Lake Provincial Park - on the residences surround the lake and the area has an affluent population. southwestern shore. Beatton Provincial Park - on the eastern shores of Charlie Lake Most of the business sector of Charlie Lake is situated on the south side of the lake along Highway 97 with a school, church, gas station, campgrounds and some residences. All other services are accessible nearby in the City of Fort St. John.
6 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE Photo: Darcy Shawchek 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 7 A MESSAGE FROM YOUR 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT The Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce supports area businesses by Dear Member, providing networking opportunities, a collective I am very honoured and excited to serve as President and Chair of the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce voice and services for business development. Board of Directors for 2020. For many years, the Chamber has been a leading voice for the BC North Peace region’s business community. We believe in a positive business environment, a strong sense of community, and fostering leaders and innovators who will ensure that Fort St. John and our neighboring communities are on the forefront of economic development. As we embark on a new year in a new decade, we at the Chamber head into 2020 in an even stronger position thanks to the successes of the past year. Early last year, we were fortunate to recruit Cheryl Montgomery, our new Chamber Executive Director. Cheryl immediately got started in reinvigorating our efforts to make the Chamber the primary convener, collaborator and community builder within our regional business eco-system. Cheryl has reached out to the many businesses, organizations and associations doing remarkable things in our community, initiating new ways to partner to ensure that our diverse base of industry has ample opportunity to succeed in our region. I look forward to supporting Cheryl this Julie Ziebart EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT 1ST VICE CHAIR 2ND VICE CHAIR TREASURER PAST PRESIDENT President year as we continue to collaborate, educate, communicate and advocate on behalf of the interests of business. Julie Ziebart Chuck Fowler Justin McKinnon Paula Felix Christopher Flury The Chamber made some great strides in the economic and political landscape in 2019. We celebrated the anticipated MNP Peace Country Filtration Petron Communications BDC Odyssey Engineering regional economic benefits that will stem from LNG Canada’s decision to build the export facility to export Canadian [email protected] www.pcfiltration.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] natural gas to foreign markets, by hosting the inaugural “Creating Energy” and “BC LNG Hole-in-One Golf Tournament”, events that brought together industry stakeholders, municipal partners, indigenous partners and the private sector business community. Through our renewed advocacy efforts at the 2019 BC Chamber of Commerce AGM, and through our meetings with Fort St. John & District the various Ministries with the BC government, we added our endorsement to the ongoing trials of replacing the Chamber of Taylor Bridge, by introducing policy for consideration, and were influential in moving the needle towards the eventual replacement of the Taylor Bridge and the geotechnical studies on the South Taylor Hill. Commerce The Chamber celebrated the 2019 Small Business Week by providing members with a series of business development workshops, a B2B Mega Mixer Tradeshow, and the inaugural Small Business Excellence Award Luncheon. We look #104 9907 - 99 Avenue forward to annually celebrating Canadian entrepreneurs and their contribution to our country’s economy. Fort St. John, BC V1J 1V1 The Chamber also continued with our highly attended monthly Speaker Luncheons and Business After 5, which remain T: 250-785-6037 very valuable for our members. Judy Desjarlais Russ Beerling Julie Roach-Burns Nelson Stowe Brenna Burns E: [email protected] Top Notch Oilfield ESR Business Solutions St. John Advertising Ideal Office Solutions Brenna Burns Realty We are diligently working within the Chamber to encourage the enthusiastic participation of our members, so our work [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] brennaburns.com in developing and advocating for a healthy business climate is a success. We fully recognize that our effectiveness is not based on us telling our members what they need, but rather on our members telling us, so please engage with us. We want to hear what is important to your business and how the Chamber can help you achieve success. You all are needed, invited, and welcome to join and be part of the solution in keeping Fort St. John and the rest of the North DIRECTORS A partnership Peace Region moving forward! that brings Kind Regards, together positive and innovative Julie Ziebart, President Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce Amy Forsythe Jesse Braun Justin Jones [email protected] BC OGC Sun Life Financial Westburne [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] thinkers to create an active and responsible
STAFF Chamber.
Miranda V. Flury Cheryl Montgomery Gail Woodford Appointed Director - Synergy Executive Director Executive Assistant Hawkeye Strategies Inc. E: [email protected] E: [email protected] [email protected] 8 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 9 COMMUNITY FEATURE A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Members, I want to thank you all for making my first year Membership Pays! with the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce such an exciting adventure filled The Fort St. John and District Chamber with new friends, and lots of opportunity. I am of Commerce is the largest business A BRIGHT LIGHT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY During the COVID-19 Health Crisis Sean and grateful to the 2019 and 2020 Board of Directors organization in North East British Columbia. for their continued support. I feel right at home family worked to keep the lights on as a in this Energetic City! If the business environment in Fort St. SEAN GALLAGHER SHINES bright spot during troubling times. The past year we focused on building John or the North Peace region affects relationships that foster incredible results. your business, your membership in the Launching ‘Creating Energy’, ‘BC LNG Hole in One Chamber is vital. Membership creates a Looking more like a drilling well-site than a construction company, Golf Tournament’, and ‘Small Business Week’ as partnership that brings together positive Fero Construction illuminates the hill south of town at Christmas time, Cheryl premiere events that celebrated our Indigenous much to the delight of Fort St. John residents. Fero Construction is a partner’s culture and our commitment to small and innovative thinkers who build an active Montgomery business! We are proud of the friendships and responsible Chamber. building construction and custom kitchen cabinetry company but from Executive Director cultivated through shared visions. November 15 to January 15, it looks more like Santa’s North Pole. Sean The new year began with a bang as we hit the Gallagher owner of the company admits to being consumed with the road running to grow the organization and Benefits of Chamber Membership bright lights of Christmas. He said, “I’ve always collected Christmas provide increased value for our Members. • Advocacy decorations and loved the Christmas lights. Now it has become a life- The onset of COVID-19 created a challenge so long hobby.” unexpected or planned for, as we embarked on • Member Referrals In retirement, after selling his company Fusion Oil Field in 2014, Sean continued social distancing. We adjusted our operations, • Business Referrals Fort St. John & District but our goals and priorities remain the same – adding more and more Christmas scenes and lights to his home on 114 Avenue. Chamber of Commerce provide great value, support and opportunity • Networking Opportunities When the opportunity arose to purchase Fero Construction with its acreages for our members and remain good Community • Great Business Exposure on the West Bypass, Sean admits that one of the deciding factors was the large Citizens. We pivoted our events to a virtual • Cost Effective Advertising tract of land for more lights. In the past four years, he has created a Christmas #104 9907 - 99 Avenue platform and led the way with virtual support Wonderland with thousands of Christmas lights in every Christmas scene Fort St. John, BC V1J 1V1 programs for the business community. We • Chamber Group Insurance Plan imaginable. Sean enjoys having the endless stream of cars and seniors’ buses T: 250-785-6037 launched a virtual ‘Small Business Roundtable’ • Chamber Learning Network E: [email protected] that provides information to navigating through come to see the lights. “People get out and walk; the choir of 40 people came • Exclusive Visa/MC discounts to sing; and we even had a marriage proposal among the lights”, Sean said with the Federal and Provincial relief programs available. We are addressing the challenges we • Gas Discounts a broad grin. all are facing. We depend on our relationship and • Online Payroll It takes a dedicated person to put up the lights and Sean says he works all year collaboration with the BC Chamber’s to have a in making new scenes and repairing lights. With the help of electrician Bob voice at the Provincial table. The Mindreader.com • Synergy survey platform, owned by the BC Chamber has Amon, he has put underground power throughout the entire area. For the two been one of the most impactful influencers and months the Christmas lights welcome people every night until midnight, the timely responses of the impact of Covid-19 in our For information on Partners and Benefit extra electrical bill is about $5000. He stated, “We use LED lights to conserve as region. Partnerships like the BC Chamber, City of Providers please refer to our much electricity as possible.” In the true spirit of Christmas there is no charge to Fort St. John and the business community remain website: www.fsjchamber.com enjoy the lights, plus Fero Construction has collected over $11,000 just this past our cornerstone to effective results. year in donations to the Salvation Army Kettle at the front gate. COVID-19 has changed the trajectory for The entire Gallagher Family helps with the display handing out candy canes and businesses of all sizes forever, and we continue The Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce sometimes dressing up as Christmas characters. However, “the passion to do to work hard to pivot our services to be able to supports area businesses by providing networking this year after year belongs to Dad”, they said. Sean has named the display in continue to provide services, support and value opportunities, a collective voice and services for to our members. We are in this together. business development. the past two years for his children Mandy and Mary Jane. He has seven children so Fort St. John can look forward to at least 5 more years of themed Christmas lights. But Sean claims, “The Christmas light display will last as long as I do”. Stay Safe and Healthy, Fero Construction was purchased in 2015 from Frank Gejdos and his sister Cheryl Montgomery, Executive Director Dorri by Sean and his brother Kevin. Frank had built the company over twenty- Chamber Luncheon Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce five years and established the custom cabinet shop with Dorri as the designer. [email protected] Frank still works for Fero Construction and Dorri has moved south in BC. Fero Construction has twenty-nine full time employees and is currently engaged in an extensive housing project. CNC Technology helps to keep the company at the leading edge of the cabinet building industry in Fort St. John, BC.
10 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 11 Photo: Darcy Shawchek
Fort St. John is located on the traditional territory of the United First Nations Dane-zaa First Nation peoples. According to Dane-zaa oral history, the Peace River is named for the settling of a conflict between the Dane-zaa and the STRONG, PROUD, Cree. The Cree traditionally lived south and east of the Upper Peace River region. Due to their trade with settlers, they had guns and they pushed the Dane-zaa northwest in the late 18th century. A peace treaty, negotiated in the late 1700s or early AND FREE 1800s, stated that the Cree would live south of the Peace River, and the Dane-zaa north. The Peace River, before and after its new name, marked a boundary zone, where groups met for trade, celebration, and settling of disputes. Archaeological evidence at Charlie Lake Cave establishes a warm welcome to the north peace from that the area of Charlie Lake north of Fort St. John has been continuously occupied for 10,500 years by varying cultures of indigenous peoples. YOUR MLA The Dane-zaa of Fort St. John took an adhesion to Treaty 8 in 1900. Today they continue to have a strong cultural and economic presence in the North Peace area. It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you to the North Peace region of British Columbia! As a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, I am honoured to represent my constituents, the friendly and hardworking people of Peace River North Dan Davies and the Northern Rockies. MLA, Peace River North With COVID-19 still impacting the many things we do, I want to ensure you that we will all get through this together. While things may be different now on how we explore the region, or shop at our favourite shop, I ask that you follow the public health officer’s Constituency Offices recommendations on doing The North Peace region The ethno-linguistic grouping within a partnership that would create certainty these things. is home to several First these eight First Nations includes Sicannie for both parties, “For as long as the sun 10104 - 100th Street Fort St. John, BC , V1J 3Y7 With that in mind, whether Nation communities: (Sikanni), Slavey, Beaver (Dane-Zaa), Cree, shines, the grass grows and the rivers flow” Saulteau and Dene. you are planning on moving The Treaty 8 Tribal Association was here or just visiting, get Blueberry River First Nation On June 21, 1899, the eighth treaty incorporated in 1982 under the BC Unit 103, 5420 - 50th Ave N ready for adventure and Doig River First Nation between the Indigenous people of North Societies Act and currently represents six Fort Nelson, BC , V0C 1R0 excitement as you explore our America and the Queen of England was of the First Nations in Northeastern BC. beautiful region. Make sure Fort Nelson First Nation to take note of the diversity signed and would become known as the The Treaty 8 Tribal Association acts as Toll Free: 1-877-332-0101 of our geography, climate, Prophet River First Nation most comprehensive treaty in Canada. a coordinator, facilitator, and technical E: [email protected] environment and industry. The signatories of Treaty No. 8 agreed support on various issues as mandated Tel: 250-263-0101 Halfway River First Nation From the Mighty Peace River to the oral promises made during these from time to time by the Council of Treaty Fax: 250-263-0104 to the Yukon border, from the Saulteau First Nation negotiations and understood them as a 8 Chiefs. www.dandavies.ca Alberta Border to the Rocky Mountains, during your travels West Moberly First Nations partnership based on peace and friendship, I am sure that once you meet and get to know some of the people who made this region the welcoming region that it is, TREATY 8 TRIBAL ASSOCIATION you will want to stay! www.treaty8.bc.ca Photo: Don Hoffmann Photo: Spirit of the Peace 12 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE Pow Wow 2019 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 13 Fort St. John is the proud host of the 2020 BC Winter Games!
Over 1,500 athletes, coaches and officials were welcomed to our community by over 2,000 volunteers to compete in 15 sports.
Fort St. John is THETHE ENERGETICENERGETIC CITYCITY Fort St. John is focused on being a Strong, Vibrant and Sustainable Community.
Fort St. John is focused on being a strong, vibrant and We are a city that supports our business community and sustainable community. have worked hard to be a friendly small town with big city amenities - making this a great place to call home. Welcome to the City of Fort St. John – the Energetic The city boasts many unique shops as well as national City! We are the Energetic City for so many reasons; chains. Many of our local independent business are part with a median age of 31, we are young (at least young of the Love Fort St. John shop local program. Check out at heart) and full of fun. We work hard in the resource, these local gems at lovefortstjohn.com. agriculture, and business sectors; and we play hard. There is so much to do here for families that love to Fort St. John is home to the amazing North Peace play. Cultural Centre featuring live entertainment, dance Lori Ackerman lessons, art studios, and a gallery of art from local artists Mayor, Fort St. John, located in the heart of the majestic Peace and artisans. If organized sports are your game, we have City of Fort St. John River country, is known for its remarkable outdoor some first-class recreation facilities. The Pomeroy Sport adventure and natural beauty. There are boating and Centre is home to two ice rinks, an indoor speed skating fishing possibilities on rivers and lakes only minutes oval (one of only 4 in North America), and an indoor from town. The local golf course is only a few blocks rubber running track. Also, located in the recreation from downtown, with two more just a short drive away. campus is a lap and leisure pool; an indoor fieldhouse We have over 20 community parks and over 50 km of for soccer, rugby, and lacrosse; an additional ice rink; walking trails that are maintained year-round. In winter, and a curling rink. there are cross-country ski trails in town or at Beatton Provincial Park (a 10 minute drive), an outdoor skating Winter? In spite of what you have heard, Fort St. John Fort St. John loop, and an outdoor hockey rink. Hiking, mountain has winter at the same time as everyone else. The City Hall biking, and snowshoeing trails can be found in town and average high temperature in January is -11 and the in the vast provincial parks just outside of town. average low is -19. Not bad at all. You can still play 10631 - 100th Street outside in that. Summer temperatures average around Fort St. John, BC Excitement is in the air for 2020, the City hosted the 22 degrees with highs recorded up to 36 degrees. Fort V1J 3Z5 2020 BC Winter Games in February. Which saw over St. John is one of the sunniest places in the province, 1,500 athletes, coaches and officials welcomed to our especially in the winter. The city holds a few of British community by over 2,000 volunteers to compete in 15 Columbia's records for most sunshine in March, May, sports. Construction on the 100 Street project and new and November. We need to wear sunglasses to protect E: [email protected] Festival Plaza will begin this year, the redevelopment our eyes from the sunlight but also because, well, we Tel: 250-787-8150 of Centennial Park will be complete this summer, and a are THAT cool. Really. Fax: 250-787-8181 business case will be presented to Council in late spring regarding the creation of a community foundation. www.fortstjohn.ca 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 15 welcome to the PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT Long sunny days in the summer and bright nights in the winter make both seasons special for those living in the North. Visitors from the South thrill to playing baseball until midnight in June and marvel at the Northern Lights in the Spring and Fall. All four seasons in the North are clearly defined and each season holds new adventures and opportunities for fun and fitness.
Just a few steps from the wilderness, Fort St. John residents can walk the paths, hike the trails, bike the back roads, climb the mountains and canoe the waterways. Embracing winter means learning to love at least one winter sport. Ice skaters, snowmobilers, skiers cannot wait for winter to arrive. Indoor and outdoor sports, summer and winter festivals, arts and cultural creative pursuits for all ages provide families with plenty of reasons to live in Fort St. John and enjoy what the North Peace has to offer. Fort St. John attracts young families looking for a healthy community with a focus on the well–being of children and a consistent reliable work environment. Employment opportunities are open for those in the natural resource sector, hospitality and tourism, retail and service industries, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and more. Self-employed or on a payroll, those with initiative can join the energetic workforce, feel confident in raising their children in the North Peace and be comfortable in having all the necessary amenities available in Fort St. John--- the hub of the North Peace. Roadworks, Earthworks, HDPE Water Supply Lines, Located at historic Mile 47, Fort St. John is one of the largest cities along the Alaska Municipal Infrastructure, Landfi lls, Drainage Culverts/Creek Highway. Originally established in 1794, as a trading post, Fort St. John is the oldest Crossings, Water Reservoirs, Waste Water Treatment Plant European-established settlement in present-day British Columbia. Lagoons, Wetlands, Contaminated Site Cleanup, Horizontal Directional Drilling/Boring, BC Hydro/Telus Raceways, Fort St. John is one of the sunniest places in the province, especially in the winter Environmental Restorations, Equipment Rentals and spring. The city holds British Columbia's record for most sunshine ever recorded in March (247.4 hours in 1965), May (373.5 hours in 1972), and November (141.3 hours in 1976). Although winters can be frigid, the area has milder winters than much of the rest of Canada (especially considering its relatively northerly latitude) due to the influence of Proudly Serving the Peace Region the nearby Rocky Mountains. Fort St. John is east of the Rocky Mountains, and thus has Unit C - 10519–100th Avenue, Fort St. John, BC a climate much more similar to the prairies than the British Columbia interior west of the mountains. The frost-free period is much longer east of the mountains than west, T: 250-785-0123 E: [email protected] and thus the Peace River area including Fort St. John can grow crops that cannot be 16 | 2020grown FORT in ST. most JOHN of &the REGION province GUIDE such as wheat and canola. Photo: Destination BC www.knappettindustries.com2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 17 YUKON NUNAVUT NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
GETTING HERE North Peace Regional Airport FORT ST. JOHN Prince Rupert Dawson ALBERTA PACIFIC Creek OCEAN 14 hours 7 hours 1:45 hours Photo: Darcy Shawchek Photo: Darcy Shawchek Photo: Darcy Shawchek Prince Grande George Prairie Edmonton TheRURAL,RURAL, Peace River Regional COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY District (PRRD) supports && REGIONALREGIONAL INTERESTSINTERESTS BRITISH COLUMBIA 10 hours Bisected by the mighty Peace River, the BC Peace is divided into the North and South Peace 1:30 hours MANITOBA regions, together comprising almost one-quarter of British Columbia’s land area. Kamloops Calgary So Much more than a North Peace Communities Vancouver SASKATCHEWANGreat deal! Located in the North region of the Peace River Regional District The Peace River Regional District is bigger than Cuba, Iceland, and Portugal! Electoral Area ‘B’ Electoral Area ‘C’ Visit prrd.bc.ca to learn more about the Peace YXJ Altona Montney Sikanni Chief Baldonnel River Regional District! Buick North Pine Trutch Charlie Lake REGIONAL AIRPORT Cecil Lake Osborn Upper Cache Clairmont www.prrd.bc.ca Clayhurst Pink Upper Old Fort Clearview Mountain Halfway Two Rivers Flatrock Prespatou Wonowon Get there from here! Goodlow Rose Prairie 02% > 20% > 09% In 2018, YXJ welcomed a record 268,000 passengers of British Columbia’s of British Columbia’s of British Columbia’s travelling on three different commercial airlines: Air population landmass GDP Municipalities Canada, Central Mountain Air and WestJet. The District of Hudson’s Hope; The City of Fort St. John; The District of Taylor Scheduled passenger service connects business Land Area and leisure travellers to Vancouver, Calgary and Peace River Regional District: approx. 120,000 sqKM Prince George – and to more than 100 onward Regional services provided by the PRRD: The North Peace: approx. 90,000 sq KM destinations via airline hubs in these cities. YXJ noxious weed control community recreation fire protection also welcomes thousands of passengers on charter solid waste control rural water service sewage collection aircraft every year. parks building inspection and disposal Elevation FORT CITY CHRYSLER 695 m/2,275 ft above sea level 8424 Alaska Road | Fort St. John | BC V1J 5L6 250.787.5220 For more information about the Peace River Regional District visit prrd.bc.ca FORTCITYCHRYSLER.CAwww.prrd.bc.ca
18 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 19 Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
Photo Courtesy of Cenovus where the gears of commerce turn NORTHERN INDUSTRY Learn more about the industries that power our region.
OUR REGION HAS A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY OPPORTUNITY.OPPORTUNITY. INNOVATION.INNOVATION. GROWTH.GROWTH.
The North Peace area produces 90 per cent of B.C.’s grain, 38 per cent of its hydroelectric power, employs nearly 2,500 forestry workers and plays host to over 300,000 tourists each year. And the region has some of the largest gas fields in North America with over 20,000 wells drilled. With that sort of economic activity, Fort St. John, the economic hub of the region, is rich with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Low tax rates for business and attractive economic incentives for development help make Fort St. John ‘Open for Business.’ SOURCE: City of Fort St. John “Move Up Here” 02% 09% OUR INDUSTRIES of British Columbia’s of British Columbia’s population > exports Photo: Peace River Ranch Photo: Hannah Willms Did you know that a minimum of 7-10 days is required for the Peace River Regional District to process a building permit application? For more information on the building permit process visit www.prrd.bc.ca/services/planning/building-inspection
20 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE www.prrd.bc.ca 2020 FORT ST.Photo: JOHN Knappett & REGION Industries GUIDE | 21 MEMBER FEATURE
PETROLEUM The Montney and Horn River unconventional gas plays are massive prospects that are reshaping Canada’s petroleum sector.
Oil & Gas continues to be an economic driver in the region dispite the challenges. The Montney Play is rich in natural gas liquids, like ethane, propane, and butane, which makes investment in the exploration, extraction and processing of the region’s natural gas more economically viable. Significant direct employment opportunities are a considerable benefit from natural gas development. TOP NOTCH OILFIELD CONTRACTING LTD. More on page 28
Photo: Darcy Shawchek WINS BC INDIGENOUS BUSINESS AWARD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AGRICULTURE 11+ PERSONS ENTERPRISE • OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT The agriculture sector includes prairie crops of wheat, barley, canola and forage seed production. North Peace farms enjoy the advantages of low land prices and low cost of production. As the only prairie in British Columbia, it also is home to the province’s grain and oil seed industries, and is the most Sometimes your whole life northerly agricultural area of Canada. “
More on page 38 - 39 boils down to one insane
Photo: Darcy Shawchek move, never give up!
- Judy Desjarlais, Top Notch Oilfield Contracting Ltd.
The Indigenous Business Award (IBA) honours excellence in
FORESTRY Indigenous business and entrepreneurship in the province of British Columbia. The IBA program is presented by BC Achievement The forestry sector includes a wide array of tree species that in partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and vary from spruce to balsam poplar and paper birch. The majority Reconciliation, and generously supported by dedicated sponsors. of the timber harvested from the 4.673 million hectares of the TNOC was selected by an independent jury panel representing Fort St. John timber supply area (TSA) is processed by the pulp Indigenous business expertise throughout British Columbia who mill and sawmill. evaluates nominations based on the documentation provided. The jury selects a first place Recipient and up to two second place Opportunities for business investment lie in the following Outstanding Business Achievers in each category. areas: • Timber harvesting & processing, silviculture • Value-added manufacturing #203 10139 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC. V1J 3Y6 • Biomass 250-793-2276 | [email protected] www.tnoc.ca 22 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 23 HYDROELECTRIC MINING & WIND POWER Just to the west of Fort St. John stand the The region has rich metallurgic coal reserves mighty Peace Canyon and W.A.C. Bennett with many proposed mines in the Hudson’s hydroelectric dams, which provide over 40% Hope area. While the current price of of the province’s hydroelectric power. At 183m metallurgic coal reduces the viability of (660 ft) high, it is one of the world’s highest mining, the commodity prices will continue earth filled dams. to move and the mining company hopes to The Site C Dam is being constructed by BC be ready to move forward with construction Hydro on the Peace River near Fort St. John. It and operations once the price increases to will be the third dam in the area and will add economically feasible rates. approximately 1,110 megawatts of capacity, When this happens, the demand for workers and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours of through the construction and operations electricity each year - enough energy to power phases will bring an additional 2,500 workers the equivalent of about 450,000 homes per into the region and their families on a year. Construction began in July 2015 and is permanent basis (approx. 13,000 people). expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The latest employment statistics show that there The approval of pipelines to support the oil were 4,356 total workers on the Site C project and gas sector will increase the demand for in January 2020. Of the total workers, 3,198 are metallurgic coal for steel production and from British Columbia, or 73%. therefore adjust the commodity price in favour of the local mining sector. More information can be found by visiting the BC Hydro Community Consultation Offices in Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope, and online at Site C construction site www.sitecproject.com Photo: Darcy Shawchek
WE ARE Proud TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY TOURISM Sustainable tourism counts not just for travelers, but for tourism destinations and local residents. While primary visitor research has not been conducted since 2003, anecdotal observations from visitor centre staff suggest that our visitation is primarily the touring market. Over 320,000 travel the Alaska Highway between May and September. These travellers spend $56 per person per day and spend about 20 days in the Alaska Highway region (5.3 days in Northern BC, 5.4 days in the Yukon and 9.2 days in Alaska). These travellers represent about $350 million in spending for the Alaska Highway region. For information about attactions in northern BC and along the world 9312-109th St, Fort St. John, BC www.surerus.com famous Alaska Highway visit: AlaskaHighwayJourney.com 24 | 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE Photo: Darcy Shawchek 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 25 MEMBER FEATURE
It’s all about connecting remote areas with safe & secure communications. TAKING COMMUNICATIONS Petron Communications Ltd. has spent years of planning with the Province of British TO NEW HEIGHTS Columbia, our local Regional Districts and various Energy Service Businesses to create the infrastructure needed for these sectors to flourish. Petron Communications is the leader in design, installation and Working with these sources, Petron Communications has built a large and diverse servicing of your communication needs in the heart of the BC oil and communications network using a high-speed wireless microwave system. gas fields. We specialize in mobile, cellular, microwave, S.C.A.D.A., UHF, VHF, stand-alone voice and data communication systems. The backbone of this system is the series of broadcast towers installed throughout the Northeastern BC region. These towers work to Our head office has been located in Fort St. John since 1978 and fill a communications gap that had affected we have expanded and maintained our technological edge ever many different businesses, sectors, and since. We provide our customers with the finest in communication regional districts. technology along with excellent in-store and onsite service. With the help of this modern CONTACT US FOR: communications network, our energy sector has the • FIELD WORK • COMMUNICATIONS ability to instantly measure • RADIO REPAIR EQUIPMENT billions of cubic feet of • INSTALLATION SERVICES • PHONE CARDS Natural Gas production • COMMUNICATIONS • CELL PHONE flow and sales data SYSTEMS DESIGN ACCESSORIES - helping to bolster • REPEATER SITE DESIGN & • GPS SYSTEMS and grow our thriving • INSTALLATIONS • SATELLITE PHONES energy sector. • RENTALS • AND MORE! Without the investment in this communication infrastructure, many of these communications gaps would still exist and affect the productivity of our energy sector, stifle innovation and growth, and reduce our ability 11315 Alaska Rd, 250.785.3333 Open Mon - Fri to stay connected. Fort St John, BC V1J 6N2 7:30am - 6:00pm Petron Communications Broadcast Towers Map 26 | 2020WWW.PETRON.CA FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE 2020 FORT ST. JOHN & REGION GUIDE | 27 Photo: Raven Oilfield Rentals