Ground broken on Harlequin at City Centre project

FORT ST. JOHN — Fort St. John council and VRS Communities representatives gathered at the site of the new Harlequin at City Centre project on Monday for a ground-breaking ceremony.

The project, located at 9636 100th Avenue, includes the construction of a four-storey complex that will offer 115 rental units for tenants aged 55 and older. 

The complex will have one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio units designed for accessibility, as well as living services and lifestyle programs to support independent living for seniors.

“Designed with a sense of craft and care, this four-story building is 100 per cent universal, which means there are combinations for wheelchairs everywhere,”  said Brad Tone, the director of development for VRS Communities.

Mayor Lilia Hansen spoke at the ceremony, saying she is “very pleased” with the progress of the project, crediting city staff for their hard work in making it happen.  

Hansen said that the project is important in addressing the need for affordable senior housing in the community. 

“Through building relationships, listening to our citizen’s needs and working to address this significant community need, my heart is truly brimming with pride and gratitude that we have reached this important milestone,” said Hansen.

Melissa DeGenova, director of development partnerships for VRS Communities, spoke at the ceremony about her gratitude to the city for transferring the land and beginning construction ahead of schedule. 

DeGenova says the land acquisition usually takes over a year to complete, but in this case, it was done in almost six months, which she calls the “fastest fast track in the history of B.C.”

“We are so grateful to the City of Fort St. John, they have set the bar very high for other municipalities and non-profits,” said DeGenova.

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

“We right now have 1,600 homes across BC and 200 more under construction,” said DeGenova.

Gerry Attachie, a Doig River First Nation Elder, North Peace MLA Dan Davies and Margeret Little, the president of Save Our Northern Seniors, also spoke during the ceremony.

Council adopted a senior housing agreement in February authorizing the city to enter the housing agreement under Local Government Act section 483.

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.

In 2022, a development plan for seniors housing was submitted to the city after a public hearing in 2019 and two years of consulting with local seniors.

Construction is expected to begin on May 1st, and the complex is set to open in the summer of 2026.