PRRD receives letters in opposition to workers’ camp and fuel station project

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) sought public input on an application for a zoning bylaw amendment to allow for a workers’ camp of 276 people and a card-lock fuel station.

The project would be located on an 8.5-acre portion of a property near Range 24 West of the 6th Meridian Peace River District.

During the public meeting on Wednesday, November 13th, at the North Peace Leisure pool facility, the board received two letters in strong opposition to the application. 

The first letter was from Heather Hamilton, senior vice president of Pomeroy Lodging. 

According to Hamilton, approving the rezoning would negatively impact the hotel industry.

“I believe that approving these rezonings would have severe negative repercussions for our local hospitality industry and the broader community,” Hamilton wrote. 

She went on to write that work camp accommodations can undermine the hospitality sector by operating on minimal regulations and tax obligations and diluting the community’s distinctive appeal.

“This could result in residents moving away in search of better opportunities, weakening our community fabric,” Hamilton wrote.

The other letter was written by Leanne Johnson, general manager at Fort St. John’s Chances Casino. 

Johnson is also strongly opposed to the work camp because it poses a “significant risk” to businesses that rely on visitors and tourists in a welcoming community environment. 

“This work camp proposal undermines local hospitality and entertainment businesses. Our guests, whether residents or transient workers, come to Fort St. John for more than just a place to stay,” Johnson wrote. 

She wrote that workcamps offer services that discourage visitors from exploring local establishments. 

Johnson also cited a 2017 study by the Firelight group, which she says found a 26 per cent increase in sexual assaults in areas after the establishment of workcamps. 

The version of that study linked above claims research in the Fort St. James area showed “a 38 per cent increase in sexual assaults during the first year of the construction phase of an industrial project.”

“Studies have indicated that the influx of transient workers can lead to increased rates of sexual assault and other social issues in nearby communities,” Johnson wrote.

A decision regarding the zoning bylaw amendment for the work camp will be made at a later date.