COVID-19 Municipal Updates

With the World Health Organization declaring novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic illness, and guidance from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Fort St. John is taking necessary and reasonable precautions to prepare for possible impacts during this rapidly evolving situation. The health and safety of our employees, residents, and visitors are paramount.

At the request of the Provincial Government, the City of Fort St. John has activated our Emergency Plan on March 26, 2020, including the opening of our Emergency Operations Centre.

COVID-19 Safety Plan

The City of Fort St. John is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, contract workers, and the public with the goal of preventing injuries, illnesses, property damage or damage to the environment. With respect to COVID-19, the City is committed to following the orders of the Provincial Health Officer and guidance provided by the BC Centre for Disease Control.

The City has developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan [PDF - 319 KB] which assesses the risk of exposure at our worksites and implements measures to keep our employees, contract workers, and the public safe as we align with BC’s Restart Plan. 

Access City Services

As of Tuesday, May 18, 2020, City Hall and Development Services at the Beatton Building have re-opened for front counter services. All other City of Fort St. John buildings and offices will be closed to the public until further notice. In addition to in-person service at those two buildings, City staff continue to provide services, in alternative forms, such as by email and phone. 

General Information

For general City information or to access reception:

Building Permits

For Building Permit information, visit the Building Permit page.

For additional questions:

Business Licenses and Development Permits

Visit the Business Licenses page for additional information on Business Licenses. For information on Development Permits, visit the Development Applications page. 

For additional questions:

Bylaw

To Report a Problem, use the Report a Problem Form, or the Fort St. John City App, available for download in both the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, to report a problem.

For additional questions:

Council Meetings

As of June 22, 2020, the public is able to attend all open Council meetings; however, residents can watch Council meetings live or recorded. Additionally, residents can submit correspondence to Council, to be included as part of the meeting agenda:

Fire Department

Fire Department in-person services and on-site fire inspections are suspended until further notice.

For additional information or requests:

Garbage and Recycling

At the March 30, 2020 Special Open Council Meeting, Council approved a service increase and beginning the week of April 6, 2020 garbage collection will now occur weekly. Recycling cart collection will continue bi-weekly and as both collections will occur on the same day; please ensure your carts are spaced 2 metres apart.  

Visit the Garbage and Recycling Page or use the Fort St. John City App, available for download in both the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, to view updated collection schedules or use the What Goes Where widget.

For additional questions:

RCMP

RCMP in-person services, including Police Information Check processing and civil fingerprinting, are available as of Monday, July 6, 2020, during regular business hours of 8 am until 4 pm, Monday to Friday.

Civilian fingerprinting will be available, by appointment, on Tuesdays from 8 to 11:30 am and Thursdays from 1 pm to 3:30 pm, with appointments every half hour. To book an appointment time, call 250-787-8100 during regular office hours. 

For additional information or requests:

    • Call - Non-emergency: 250-787-8100
    • Call - Emergency: 9-1-1

Recreation and Visitor Centre

The Recreation and Leisure Department has developed a Recreation and Leisure Services Recovery Plan [PDF - 222 KB] that outlines the safe re-introduction of recreation services, facilities, parks and playgrounds, special events, and user rentals in Fort St. John.

City parks, trails and equipment are available for use. Remember to enjoy our parks safely and responsibly by ensuring proper physical distancings, staying home if you are sick, avoiding overcrowding, and frequent handwashing. Additionally, all outdoor equipment is not being cleaned or disinfected.

For additional questions:

Roads and Utilities

Crews continue to conduct winter road maintenance activities, and ensure clean water delivery and maintain the sanitary and storm sewer systems.

To Report a Problem, use the Report a Problem Form, or the Fort St. John City App, available for download in both the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, to report a problem.

For additional questions:

Utilities Billing and Water Credits

At the April 6, 2020 Special Council Meeting, Council directed staff to cancel the 2020 increase to Water Rates and remove late penalties on utilities bills.
 
This is an important step to ensure our residents, businesses and non-profit organizations are able to manage their finances during these uncertain times.
 
Council has requested staff bring back a report regarding Sewer Rates following the tendering of the Lift Station Upgrades. 
 

In addition to in-person service at City Hall, here are the options to pay your Utilities Bill:

  1. Set up the City as a payee in your online banking
  2. Pay at your bank, either through the teller or machine (if they are still open)
  3. Complete and submit the pre-authorized payments form [PDF - 232 KB]
  4. Send a cheque in the mail
  5. NEW: Pay over the phone with Visa or Mastercard call 250-794-3321
  6. NEW: Drop your payment in the City Hall drop box

To reload your Rural Water Dispensing Station Water Credits:

  1. NEW: Pay over the phone with Visa or Mastercard call 250-794-3321

For additional questions:

Personal Precautions

Whether at home, or in a City facility, all staff, residents, and visitors are asked to take the following personal precautions, as recommended by public health authorities:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Stay home when you are feeling unwell
  • Practice social distancing, ensuring people stay 2 metres apart and avoiding close personal contact

Additional Staff Precautions

The City of Fort St. John, following the recommendations of federal and provincial health officials, will be requiring any staff who return from international travel to self-isolate for 14 days. Additionally, staff travel for business purposes has been suspended.

Our Occupational Health and Safety program provides ongoing reminders to employees about safe hygiene practices throughout the year, including emphasizing proper handwashing and staying home if they are unwell.

More Information

Further updates on City of Fort St. John operations will be provided here and shared through the City’s social media channels.