Be a Part of the Economic Engine of BC — Build in Fort St. John
The Economic Engine
Fort St. John represents a remarkable evolution in northeastern British Columbia, where geological abundance, strategic infrastructure development, and emerging demographic opportunities are coming together to create long-term growth. What was once a frontier outpost has become the economic engine of a province, and what was once speculation has become contractual certainty.
Known as “The Energetic City,” Fort St. John is anchored by strong resource sectors including oil, gas, forestry, and agriculture, and driven by a young, entrepreneurial population that brings a spirit of innovation and growth.
With a clear vision to become the economic heart of Northern BC, Fort St. John is cultivating a vibrant, diverse economy—making it a prime destination for investment and development.
Why Fort St. John
The Quality of Life That Closes
Deals — About Fort St. John
When the Numbers Stop Making Sense
With 304 days of sunshine, a strong public school system, and access to post-secondary training at Northern Lights College, Fort St. John combines lifestyle with opportunity. The city supports over 1,700 active businesses and continues to attract new residents thanks to a young, skilled labour force and one of the highest household incomes in B.C.
Thriving Economy
Energy drives the region, but it doesn't stop there. Fort St. John produces 80% of B.C.'s grain,
powers 38% of its hydroelectric generation, and sees over 300,000 visitors annually. Add in a $106,000 median household income and affordable real estate, and you have a city where the numbers work—for business, for families, and for long-term investment.
A Real Economy with Real Output
Fort St. John drives results across the board—from energy and agriculture to tourism and trade. The city is home to more than 1,700 active businesses, contributes 80% of B.C.’s grain production, and plays a major role in powering the province, generating nearly 40% of its hydroelectric output. Backed by $8.9 billion in energy exports and one of the highest household incomes in B.C., the local economy is both productive and resilient. With housing prices well below the provincial average, Fort St. John delivers the rare combination of strong earnings and long-term affordability.
Demographics
Young, capable, and growing. The median age is 34, ten years younger than the provincial average, and the city has a 70% employment rate, well above the B.C. average. Fort St. John is welcoming new residents from around the world, creating a dynamic and diverse population with the drive to build what's next.
Infrastructure
With direct access to the Alaska Highway, daily flights to Calgary and Vancouver, and major rail links to Prince Rupert and Vancouver ports, Fort St. John is as connected as it is productive. Proximity to key shipping routes strengthens its role as a northern hub for both movement and growth.
7-11 Gas Station &
Convenience Store
9311 100 Street
Naache Commons
105 Avenue & 116 Street
Recent Development
Investment is already happening. From CT REIT and 7-Eleven to new seniors' housing and retail developments, major players are breaking ground across the city. With key sites moving through permitting, momentum is building, especially downtown.
Naache Commons
105 Avenue & 116 Street
7-11 Gas Station & Convenience Store
9311 100 Street
The Shops @ Fort St. John Crossing
93 Avenue & 86 Street
CT REIT
9716 Old Fort Road
Harlequin City Centre Senior Living
100 Avenue & 98 Street
Fort St. John Crossing Development
11203 Alaska Road South
Fort St. John
Crossing Development
11203 Alaska Road South
The Shops @
Fort St. John Crossing
93 Avenue & 86 Street
CT REIT
9716 Old Fort Road
Harlequin City Centre
Senior Living
100 Avenue & 98 Street
Over 38 kms of paved trails
29 parks and greenspaces
2 soccer pitches
Lifestyle and Community
Fort St. John offers more than opportunity. It's a place to stay active, connected, and inspired. With over 260 hectares of parks and green space, an indoor sport centre, a growing arts scene, and access to the backcountry in every direction, life here runs wide open — indoors and out.
Fort St. John features over 260 hectares of outdoor spaces.
Community Forest
15 ball diamonds
8 acre off-leash dog park
Partnerships Built on Respect and Mutual Prosperity
Fort St. John's collaborative relationship with First Nations communities, including innovative projects like Doig River First Nation's Naache Commons, demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development that creates lasting value for all stakeholders. These partnerships aren't just about compliance; they're about building sustainable prosperity together.
Incentives
Five Years Tax-Free. Zero Red Tape.
A Municipality That Says 'Yes' to Development
Fort St. John is development-ready. From flexible parking bylaws to expedited permitting timelines and tax exemption programs, the City has created a framework that supports builders and cuts down red tape. Fast-track approvals and reliable guidance mean more time spent building – and less waiting to get started.
30-day average for building permit approval
Development permit 1-3 month average
New construction, OCP and Zoning amendments 3-6 month approval
Fort St. John had the ninth-lowest municipal tax revenues compared to other northern BC Communities (2020)
Bylaws Supporting Downtown Development
Additional Tax Exemption Bylaw
As a pilot program, the City has implemented a tax exemption bylaw for the 100 & 100 site. The bylaw applies to mixed-use and commercial new-build projects with a minimum of 2 storeys and a minimum construction cost of $5,000,000. The exemption will apply to 100% of the municipal taxes on the land and improvements for 5 years.
Section 5.5 of the Zoning Bylaw: Exemptions from Parking and Loading Requirements
The regulations contained in this section shall not apply to buildings, structures and uses existing on the effective date of this Bylaw, except that:
Off-street parking and loading must be provided and maintained in accordance with this section for any addition to any existing building and structure or any change or addition to such existing use.
At the discretion of the Director, the off-street parking and loading requirements for any addition to any existing building and structure or any change or addition to such existing use may be relaxed by up to 25% provided all other bylaw regulations are met.
Off-street parking and loading prior to the adoption of this Bylaw must not be reduced below the applicable off-street parking requirements of this section.
Uses in the C-2 zone are exempt from providing off street parking except for assembly halls, health services facilities, hotels and motels, multiple dwelling housing, offices and places of worship.
Where multiple dwelling housing is proposed, a reduction from 1.5 stalls for a 2 bedroom to 1 stall per unit may be permitted if the development will remain a senior’s apartment for a minimum 20 years through the registration of a covenant on title.
The Crown Jewel:
100 & 100 Site
The Intersection of Everything
At the heart of Fort St. John sits an extraordinary opportunity: the 100 & 100 site, where 0.78 acres of prime downtown real estate awaits visionary development. This downtown gem is at the center of the city, with 200 feet of exposure along two major thoroughfares, each carrying 13,000 to 14,000 vehicles daily. The intersection of 100th Street and 100th Avenue represents the pulse of Fort St. John, and this site offers the rare chance to create something truly transformative at the city's most important crossroads.
Opportunities
A Downtown Transformation Story
This prominent downtown site, formerly home to the Fort Motor Hotel and Mingles Pub, underwent a complete transformation after the City of Fort St. John stepped in to address safety concerns and abandoned property issues in 2010. Following demolition and cleanup, the City converted the space into an interim green area that has served as public space for over a decade. While previous development attempts through Colliers in 2013 didn't materialize, this prime downtown location now represents a clean slate opportunity for future community development. The site stands as an example of the City's commitment to maintaining safe, attractive public spaces while preserving valuable downtown real estate for future growth.
Additional Premium Opportunities
Beyond the flagship 100 & 100 site, Fort St. John offers a carefully curated selection of development-ready properties, each positioned to capitalize on our city's explosive growth trajectory. These are more than just land parcels; think of these as canvases for creating the next chapter of Fort St. John's success story.
Useful Links
Here’s some additional background information to support development and investment opportunities in Fort St. John. This context highlights the region’s key strengths, emerging potential, and strategic advantages for investors and developers alike.
