Have your say: New draft of Fort St. John’s long-term policy document now available

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A new draft of the highest-level guiding policy document for Fort St. John is now available to review. 

The latest version of the City of Fort St. John’s proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) is accessible to the public online, with in-person public engagement continuing throughout September as well.

Mayor Lilia Hansen said: “I encourage everyone to look at the draft and share their thoughts.

“Together, we’re building a vibrant, inclusive community that is ready for the future.”

The document, which was last adopted in 2017, outlines Fort St. John’s long-term vision, goals and policies. It can include plan statements, map designations, identifications related to housing needs, optional policy statements and development permit area designations.

In a press release issued on September 4th, the city said the draft has been informed by the Housing Needs Report, two surveys and ten community events, starting at the Moose FM Block Party in September last year.

The city will also be at this year’s Block Party on September 6th, gathering feedback from attendees from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Booths will also be at the Fort St. John Farmers Market inside Festival Plaza on Saturday, September 13th and Saturday, September 20th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

After responses have been received, a new draft will be presented to council in October.

After a final version of the OCP has two readings, it will be submitted to the Agricultural Land Commission, Peace River Regional District and various departments within the City of Fort St. John, including finance, capital projects and public works and utilities. 

If these referral responses are favourable, the OCP will be finalized in December 2025 or early 2026. 

This comes after the City of Fort St. John council discussed the OCP at the August 26th committee of the whole meeting.

View and comment on the document at letstalk.fortstjohn.ca/official-community-plan.