Fort St. John adopts bylaw for senior housing complex

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — During a special meeting on Wednesday, council adopted a senior housing agreement bylaw to support the construction of a new complex at the old hospital site.

The bylaw was read by council for the third time and adopted by title only on February 28th and authorizes the city to enter the housing agreement under Local Government Act section 483. 

The complex will be a four-storey tall building with up to 130 rental units for tenants aged 55 and older, and 36 units will be rented below the affordability threshold.

“This is another mechanism to ensure that the resulting housing will be operated as intended and will benefit local seniors by providing pricing stability on accommodations,” said Chief Administrative Officer Milo Macdonald in a report to council. 

After a finalized purchasing agreement is made, ownership of the site will be transferred from the City of Fort St. John to VRS Communities. 

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

The project, previously titled Harlequin at Prairie Rose Park, was initially supposed to be built behind the current Fort St. John Hospital before the deal fell through and a new location was needed. 

The new project, announced in November 2023, will be called The Harlequin at City Centre and will feature 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and studio homes designed for accessibility. It will also include meals, living services and lifestyle programs to support independent living for seniors.

Construction of the project is expected to start in spring, according to Ryan Harvey, the communications manager for the City of Fort St. John.

The full report and seniors housing bylaw can be viewed below: