Canfor Mill to no longer receive fire protection from Fort St. John

UPDATE: As of 12 p.m. April 2, Canfor has reversed the decision move to the Charlie Lake Fire protection area. Read more here: Canfor reverses decision and stays with City of Fort St. John fire protection

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Canfor Forest Products will no longer seek fire protection from the City of Fort St. John and instead use services from Charlie Lake.

The City of Fort St. John released a statement late Friday, indicating negotiations for fire protection services with Canfor Forest Products on the Swanson Lumber Road have concluded. Canfor has given notice that they will now seek a fire protection agreement with the Peace River Regional District through the Charlie Lake Fire Protection Agreement.

Mayor Ackerman stated, “City Council’s negotiations were based on three key principles: financial sustainability, competitive equity and fairness to the taxpayers of Fort St. John. We remain firm on our principles and our commitment to protecting our residents and those with whom we have formal and binding agreements.”

The previous agreement expired March 31, 2016, at that time, the Mayor extended the agreement for 24 hours in order for Canfor to make a final decision and to understand the implications of their decision.

Fire protection services from the City of Fort St. John will cease at 23:59 on April 1, 2016 since the plant is outside current City Boundaries.

In 1988 Canfor chose to not participate in the newly formed Fort St. John Rural Fire Protection Area. Since 1989 the City of Fort St. John, through a separate agreement, has provided fire service to the Canfor. Canfor has mills in nine communities including Chetwynd, Grande Prairie, Mackenzie and Prince George.