Emergency Services are provided directly by the City, in the case of the Fire Department, and by various external agencies, such as the RCMP and BC Ambulance. The City, through the Protective Services Department, also liaises with the RCMP Detachment, local First Nations Governments and the Oil and Gas Industry.  The Director of Protective Services is also the Coordinator of Municipal Emergency Operations.

Fort St. John Fire Department
Fort St. John RCMP
 

911

In an emergency situation where you require the assistance of the police, fire department or an ambulance, 9-1-1 provides immediate access to all emergency services.

You can call 9-1-1 from any telephone. If you are at a pay phone, you do not need to deposit any money; just dial 9-1-1. You can also call 9-1-1 FREE if you are on a cellular phone.

Please do not call 9-1-1 to see if it works. Your test calls could delay others responding to actual emergency calls. If you dial 9-1-1 by mistake, please stay on the line and let the operator know you have made a mistake. Otherwise, the operator may assume you are in need of emergency service unnecessarily.

Talk to your children and explain to them the importance of 9-1-1 and the dangers about playing with the telephone and dialing 9-1-1 unnecessarily. Keep the telephone out of the reach of young children, as they may accidentally call 9-1-1.

Ambulance

The British Columbia Ambulance Service has three ambulances stationed in Fort St. John to service the city and surrounding communities. In addition, helicopters and fixed winged aircraft are available for medical evacuations.

There is one full-time Paramedic Unit Chief and twenty-two part-time paramedics.

To contact the Fort St. John BC Ambulance:call (250) 785-2079 or visit our website at www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/bcas/

CALL 911 FOR ALL EMERGENCIES

Bylaws & Enforcement

A by-law is a piece of legislation that the City enacts through Council. Bylaws are put into place for various reasons, some of which are:
- public safety
- enhancement of the community
- to regulate property use (zoning)
- animal control
- pollution

For bylaw complaints contact a Bylaw Technician at 250-787-8150.

Below is a summary of the most frequently used bylaws. It is important to note that these online copies are courtesy copies only and not legal versions of bylaws. They may not include recent amendments.

Dog, Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw (PDF)

Animal Control

The Bylaw Technician's mission is to encourage pets, their owners, and neighbours to live in safety and harmony. The bylaws that govern this department are:

Dog, Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1437, 1998 (PDF)
Noise Bylaw No 905, 1981 (PDF)
Municipal Ticket Information System Bylaw No. 1321, 1998 (PDF)

City of Fort St. John Animal Control is not part of the North Peace SPCA but works very closely with them to ensure the animals are healthy, happy and safe until they can be returned home to their families or placed in a new home. If a wild animal such as a bear, moose, deer or coyote comes into city limits please call the Conservation office at (250) 787-3225 or after hours call 1-800-663-9453. DO NOT CALL ANIMAL CONTROL. We cannot handle wild animals.

For more information you can contact Animal Control at City Hall at:

10631 - 100 Street
Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5
Phone: (250) 787-8150
Fax: (250) 787-8181 or
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Frequently asked Questions and Answers (link)

Animal Control Q & A

Why should I license my dog?

Under City of Fort St. John bylaws, your dog is required to be licensed by the age of three months. The license tag must be visible and attached to a suitable collar. Having your dog licensed helps alert the Bylaw Enforcement Technician and your neighbours that your dog is not a stray and might need help getting home. If your dog is picked up, the tag helps us find you so that your dog doesn't suffer unnecessary stress of being away from your family.

How do I license my dog?

You are able to purchase valid City of Fort St. John dog licenses at City hall or at the SPCA. They cost $30 for any dog which is NOT spade or neutered, and $15 for those dogs who are spade or neutered. The licenses are valid for the year they are issued; new licenses should be purchased at the beginning of every year.

If my dog is picked up where does it go?

The Bylaw Enforcement Technician turns the dog into the SPCA where it can be fed and housed until you can be found.

If my dog is picked up, is there a fine?

Yes. If your dog is picked up you will receive a fine of $50.00 for letting your dog run at large. If there is no license on your dog, you will receive another $50.00 fine for being unlicensed (however un licensing fees will be waved if a dog license is purchased.).

How do I retrieve my dog back from the SPCA?

The SPCA is open to the public from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 pm every weekday with exception of Tuesday, during this time you are able to show up, buy a City of Fort St John dog license if your dog doesn't already have one, and pay a boarding fee to the shelter for the time your dog was there or leave a donation.

If your dog was brought into the shelter by the Bylaw Enforcement Technician, then Bylaw will be called to meet with you at the shelter and deliver any fines which apply to the violation given.

How many dogs can I have?

Unless a Kennel License is obtained, no more than three dogs shall be kept or harboured at one time on land or premises occupied by their Owners, so that the aggregate number of dogs on any one property shall not exceed 3 dogs.

Can I have a Pot Belly Pig?

No. Under Dog, Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1437, 1998, no animals or fowl shall be kept or harboured within the boundaries of the City. The bylaw's definition of "Animal" is horses, cattle, goats, swine, or any other animal of the bovine specie, fur bearing or wild animal. The definition of Fowl is chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons and guinea fowl or poultry and domestic birds of any kind.

If I cannot keep my dog any longer. Can I turn it in to City Hall?

NO. If you cannot keep your dog any longer, you can turn the dog into the SPCA and they will be pleased to help find a new family for your dog.

Is there a bylaw that governs cats?

NO. The City of Fort St. John does not have a bylaw that covers cats, however, if you have strays at your home, and you are able to cage them you can bring the cats into the SPCA.

Do I have to scoop up after my dog?

YES. The bylaw states that if you are caught not scooping up after you dog you can receive a fine of $50.00.