City of Fort St. John releases 2023 annual report

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — During a public meeting on June 24th, the city’s director of finance Shirley Collington, and communications manager Ryan Harvey presented Fort St. John’s 2023 annual report. 

The report is mandated through the Community Charter and provides an understanding of municipal and financial operations. 

“It’s a commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance,” said Harvey. 

The plan serves as a valuable resource for interested parties, residents, homeowners, and councillors. 

Harvey explained that the city’s Strategic Plan, which provides a vision for the city in the coming years, is divided into five pillars: vibrant community, relationship & advocacy, economic development, organizational excellence, and managing assets. 

The city supported thousands of evacuees from the region during the 2023 wildfire season and partnered with VRS communities to bring forward a 115-unit seniors housing complex currently being built along 100th Avenue.  

Building permits worth $32.3 million were issued that included 45 new residential units, and 14 commercial units. 

The city also completed $18 million in capital projects to improve the city’s infrastructure.

“We are in a fortunate position to renew the assets we have, these projects supported over 130 local jobs and almost nine million in labour income,” said Harvey. 

The city received over $5.2 million in funding from the B.C. Government Growing Communities Fund. 

“That fund will support future capital infrastructure projects to enable community growth,” said Harvey. 

The city also completed construction of the new RCMP Detachment. 

“Not only is it very contemporarily designed, it is built to admit net zero energy standards,” said Harvey.  

According to Harvey, the net zero energy standard will save the city over $60,000 per year.

Collington explained the city is in a healthy financial position with $104.2 million in revenue for 2023 while receiving $25 million a year through the PRA agreement which contributes to a robust capital program. 

“This is essentially what is transforming our city,” said Collington.

“We continue to be in the unique position of receiving approximately one-third of our revenue through government grants.”

The financial director also mentioned that the council has been disciplined in transfers from other levels of government, like the PRA, to construct amenities that attract new residents, such as upgrading Kin Park and the 100th Street corridor. 

“The city continues to take a prudent approach to its finances ensuring long-term financial stability,” said Collington.

The city incurred $76.97 million in operating expenses last year, with transportation and protective services having the highest expenses. 

Mayor Lilia Hansen commented on the city’s economic development saying there is a lot to be celebrated. 

“I think that speaks strongly to the confidence that developers and residents have in our community,” said Hansen. 

The full public meeting can be viewed below: