City not renewing membership with Resource Municipalities Coalition

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John announced Wednesday that it would not renew its membership with the Resource Municipalities Coalition.

According to the city, the decision is due to its challenging budgetary pressures and a review of all discretionary expenses.

The city’s operating budget, presented in January, included the steps needed to balance a $5.6 million deficit by raising taxes and increasing the withdrawal from the Peace River Agreement. 

The coalition is a partnership of communities, business associations and service sector organizations that work to represent the interests of its members, according to the city.

The Energetic City was one of the founding members of the Northeast BC Resource Municipalities Coalition in 2014 during the negotiations of what is now known as the Peace River Agreement.

“The City of Fort St. John has been a proud member of the Resource Municipalities Coalition for many years,” said Mayor Lilia Hansen.

“We appreciate the valuable work the Resource Municipalities Coalition has done in the past and the support they have provided to our community.”

The agreement expires at the end of 2023.

Other coalition members include Taylor, Tumbler Ridge Fort Nelson, ICBA and the Northern BC Trucker’s Association.
In partnership with the Northern Development Initiative Trust, the coalition launched the Northern BC Rail analysis in 2020.

The city reportedly remains committed to supporting the development of the resource sector and says it will continue to work with organizations to advance the community’s interests.