Fort St. John to offer free recreation programs and services to residents affected by emergencies 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John has adopted a policy to offer free recreation programs and services to communities affected by emergencies resulting in evacuation. 

According to Chief Administrative Officer Milo MacDonald, the city offered free access to recreation facilities to evacuees who were displaced due to the devastating wildfires that swept the province last year.

“It has been helpful to be able to provide free recreation access during these disruptions,” said MacDonald. 

A report presented to council on March 11th stated recreation programs and services can provide a sense of stability, a safe space for gathering, and a mental health reprieve for those accessing Emergency Support Services (ESS).

“This has led to significant benefits in mental health and wellbeing for those affected people during this disruption to their lives by natural disaster,” said MacDonald. 

According to the report, free services provided over the last two years have minimal costs and are very capable of being handled by staff. Any lost revenue will fluctuate based on the number of evacuees registered at the local ESS Reception Centre. 

The report says communities, schools, and organizations have expressed gratitude when offered these services during stressful and unpredictable times. 

MacDonald says the policy will allow the needs of evacuees to be met in real-time. 

Free services were first provided by Fort St. John in 2022 for Hudson’s Hope residents who were evacuated during the Battleship Mountain Fire.

The full report can be viewed below: