Fort St. John approves zoning amendment for healthcare facility

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John council has approved a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for renovations and construction of an orthopedic clinic and rapid access primary care walk-in. 

According to the city, Northern Legendary Construction applied to add the permitted use of a “health services facility” to the property located at 10422 Alaska Road North.

A public hearing was held on Tuesday after the regular council meeting to hear from the community. No comments or letters of opposition were received, and the amendment was passed.

The property is zoned as C-4 Highway Commerical and was not permitted as a “health services facility,” so a zoning amendment was required.

City staff had received information in support of the zoning amendment by Northern Health about the expansion of orthopedic services to the city and a proposed clinic at the location.

According to a report to council, Northern Health is in the process of bringing more orthopedic services to the city.

The walk-in also intends to alleviate some of the pressure in the Fort St. John Hospital Emergency room, said the city.

The physicians involved in the process of the new clinic have said that despite an extensive search, they did not locate any suitable buildings available for purchase within the zones that allow health services facility use.

After city staff reviewed all the information provided, they found that the proposed “health services facility” use can be accommodated at the proposed location.

The city believes the facility will help develop additional healthcare services in Fort St. John and the Northeast B.C. region.

The information was presented at the October 23rd regular council meeting.