Fort St. John council finalizes five-year budget bylaw

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The City of Fort St. John is almost at the end of the road with crafting, balancing and approving its five-year budget. 

During the March 9th regular council meeting, the City of Fort St. John reviewed its 2026-2030 budgets for the second-to-last time. 

The budget was first presented to the council on January 26th and the municipality announced and hosted a public meeting to review residents’ opinions. 

The financial plan bylaw outlines the revenue, operating expenses and capital expenses anticipated by the municipality for every year between 2026 and 2030. 

It included the North Peace Leisure Pool budget of approximately $5.21 million and loan payments of $15.725 million. 

Revenue includes taxation, grants in lieu of taxes, services provided to other governments, sale of services including water and sewer, operating and capital grants, returns on investments and more. 

Operating expenses, according to the city, include general government services, protective services, transit and transportation, water and sewer utilities, parks and recreation and more. 

Capital expenses include road infrastructure, recreation and civic infrastructure, water and sewer infrastructure, planning for projects and equipment. 

In 2026, the city anticipates total revenue at approximately $208.31 million, operating expenses of $150.43 million and capital expenses of $57.88 million. 

2027 is forecast to see approximately $197.15 million in revenue, $150.84 million in operating expenses and $46.31 million in capital expenses.

In 2028, revenue is currently estimated at $182.97 million, operating expenses of $151.33 million and capital expenditures of approximately $31.64 million. 

In 2029, revenue is expected to be around $171.53 million, operating expenses are estimated at $151.47 million and capital expenses are currently estimated at $20.06 million. 

And finally, in 2030, the city expects revenue to be approximately $172.24 million, operating expenses $153.56 million and capital expenses $18.68 million.

As the bylaw passed its first three readings, it will be placed on the council agenda for March 23rd for formal adoption.

To read the complete five-year financial plan bylaw, see below.