City of Fort St. John sells plot of land to non-profit for $1

FORT ST. JOHN – The City of Fort St. John has put out a notice on Thursday of their intention to sell a plot of land to VRS Communities for only $1. 

The land is being sold under appraised value to the non-profit society for the construction of a 115-unit seniors housing complex. 

The plot of land is located at 9636 100th Avenue on a portion of the old Fort St. John Hospital site.

According to VRS Communities’ website, the non-profit organization is committed to providing quality housing and services for senior citizens.  

Since it was announced that the project is moving forward in its new location, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Ryan Harvey, communications manager for the City of Fort St. John.

“The need for seniors housing has been brought up several times over the last while, and just the capacity for seniors is needed,” Harvey said. 

It is unclear at this time when construction will begin.

VRS Communities will be responsible for development charges and associated taxes as well as   property taxes. 

The land initially earmarked for the project was located behind the Fort St. John Hospital at 10763 86th Street and 10720 Northern Lights Drive back in November 2023.

Negotiations were being made with a private developer before the deal fell through and the project was moved to 100th Avenue.

More information can be found by contacting Jennifer Decker, director of planning and engineering with the city at 250-787-8150 and jdecker@fortstjohn.ca, or corporate officer Bonnie McCue at 250-787-8150 and bmccue@fortstjohn.ca.