The City of Fort St. John, with community partners, is offering Micro Grants up to $1,200 to support independently organized Winter Fest Activities throughout February 2026.
From the Family Day long weekend to events across the city and surrounding area all month, Winter Fest is full of opportunities — your ideas and participation will make it unforgettable!
Why Participate?
Hosting a Winter Fest activity is a great way to:
Connect with the community and meet new people
Showcase what makes your organization or business special
Engage with customers
Show community pride
Bring fresh ideas to life with micro grant support
All funded activities will be featured in the official Winter Fest Schedule and promoted on the City’s website, social media, and print materials.
Additional Information
Please review the following information carefully before submitting your application.
Here are some of the amazing experiences and activities that have been part of Winter Fest in previous years:
Ice Fishing Derby
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Maple Syrup Tasting
Art Workshops
Jam Nights
Dog Sledding
Snowshoeing
Snow Art
LED Light Displays
Horse & Wagon Rides
Cross-Country Skiing
Seniors Dinner & Music
Inner Tube Sliding
Car Races on Charlie Lake
Bowling
Organized Walks, Runs, and Sporting Events
Comedy Shows
Curling Bonspiel
Skidoo Rides
Applicants must:
Operate a business or non-profit located in or serving the City of Fort St. John and surrounding area.
Eligible businesses and registered non-profit organizations must hold a valid business license. Don’t have a business license? Apply here (business licenses are FREE for non-profits).
Non-profits must hold a valid Society Act/Charity Registration Number.
Maintain a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance by the activity date.
Be able to independently plan and operate their activity without City staff support.
Ensure adequate staff and/or volunteers are available throughout the event.
Adhere to City branding and marketing guidelines.
Provide a copy of a detailed budget outlining how grant funds will be used.
Be willing to display additional corporate sponsor logos.
Offer an experience or activity taking place between February 1 and 28, 2026.
Submit a completed online application by December 6, 2025, at midnight.
Applications will be reviewed based on the following:
Contribution to community enrichment and connectedness.
How well the activity embraces and celebrates the winter season.
Ability to operate independently of City staff and resources.
Accessibility and inclusivity for all community members, including those with physical, cognitive, or financial barriers.
Commitment to non-discriminatory and welcoming practices.
Proposed activity date and flexibility in case of inclement weather where applicable.
Size, scope, and community impact of the activity.
Public access: Will low income citizens be able to access the activity?
Demonstrated experience hosting community events or activities.
Before submitting, ensure you include:
A completed and signed application form.
A copy of your current Liability Insurance Certificate (if you do not have this document, note it will be mandatory to acquire before event date).
A copy of your proposed activity budget, outlining how funds will be used.
Application Deadline: December 7, 2025, by midnight
Notification of Results: On or before December 19, 2025
Funding Release: If the activity is awarded funding, funds will be released within six weeks after submission of the required Post-Event Report.
Following your event, you’ll be asked to provide:
Total attendance numbers (including new participants or members)
3–5 photos of your activity in action
A summary of your activity
Post-event financial report
Total hours of activity operation and (optional) preparation time
Number of volunteers and staff who supported your event
Application Form
Please complete the form below to submit your application. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us at economicdevelopment@fortstjohn.ca
