Comparative study of City completed for Nov.

A competitive analysis review is due to be completed for Fort St. John by November of 2010.

The review was highlighted by speaker Janine North of the Northern Development Initiative at the 2010 Energy Conference in Fort St. John on Thursday. The report is being completed by the Initiative along with the co-operation of Colliers International.

The analysis will highlight economic opportunites in the city and compare them to other communites. The communities to be used as a comparison in the study are Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Calgary.

North says that of the five cities, Fort St. John has the lowest personal taxes, automobile purchase costs and recreational costs. The city also maintains the second lowest food costs.

It also found that Fort St. John households spend an average of $70,000 per year, which North felt shows strong potential for small business growth. The city also shows steady population and housing growth which does not strain the social systems of the community and allows for strong economic growth.

North adds that private sector employees in the city will be interviewed to further highlight the positive aspects of the area.