Get Involved
Building tomorrow together
Public Survey – Discover Phase
The City of Fort St. John is updating its Official Community Plan (OCP), and we want to hear from YOU! The OCP is a roadmap for our city’s growth and development, setting the direction for land use, housing, transportation, recreation, and more. Provide your feedback through a short survey as we look to define YOUR priorities over the next 20 years: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8084795/Lets-Talk-OCP-2045
Past Engagement Opportunities
- Booth at the Remax presents the 11th Annual Moose FM Block Party on Saturday, September 7, 2024
Latest News
City Launches Let’s Talk Official Community Plan Engagement
The City of Fort St. John is excited to announce the launch of the Let’s Talk Official Community Plan engagement process, offering residents and businesses the opportunity to help shape the future of our city.
As we begin updating the Official Community Plan (OCP), we invite everyone to participate in shaping how Fort St. John grows and develops over the coming two decades. The OCP is a vital guiding document that outlines the long-term vision for the city, and it is informed by community input. This update comes in response to the Province of British Columbia’s recent “Homes for People Action Plan,” which recently introduced legislation to expand housing options across the province. Fort St. John has already taken proactive steps to align with these goals by updating the Zoning Bylaw to allow for small-scale, multi-unit housing in traditionally single-family neighbourhoods.
Mayor Lilia Hansen emphasized the importance of community involvement in this process: “Our Official Community Plan reflects the community’s vision for Fort St. John, and we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help shape how we grow, where we live, and how we create a sustainable and vibrant city for everyone. Whether it’s housing, transportation, economic development, or community health, this is your opportunity to make a difference.”
As required by the province, local governments must update their OCP every five years and plan for anticipated housing needs over the next 20 years. Fort St. John’s current plan, last updated in 2017, will be reviewed to ensure it aligns with our community’s evolving priorities and provincial requirements.
Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on what they love about living in Fort St. John and what improvements would make life better for all. Over the next year, City staff will engage with the public at various events and through online platforms, gathering input to shape the goals, objectives, and priorities for the updated OCP. We will kick things off with a booth at Remax presents the 11th Annual Moose FM Block Party on Saturday, September 7, at Centennial Park.
For more information and to stay updated on upcoming engagement opportunities, visit letstalk.fortstjohn.ca/official-community-plan.
Background
We’re gearing up for the City of Fort St. John’s Official Community Plan (OCP) Update!
The Provincial Government introduced a Homes for People Action Plan, adopting legislation in late 2023 that aims to provide greater housing availability and options across the province. Already the City has updated our Zoning Bylaw to allow for small-scale, multi-unit housing in existing single-family and duplex neighbourhoods. We are beginning the engagement process for the Official Community Plan, a guiding document informed by your input.
What is an Official Community Plan?
The OCP is a strategic plan for Fort St. John’s long-term growth and development, informed by the community’s vision and values. Your input helps shape key parts of our City, such as economic development, transportation, municipal services and amenities, community health, and housing.
Why is the City updating the Official Community Plan?
The province now requires local governments to update their Official Community Plans every five years and plan for anticipated housing demand over a 20-year period. Fort St. John’s community plan was last updated in 2017. Now is an excellent opportunity to review the OCP to ensure that it addresses the priorities and needs of our growing community.
How can you get involved?
We want to know:
What do you like about living in Fort St. John?
What improvements would make you, your friends, and your family enjoy life in “the Energetic City” more?
Over the next year, staff will seek your feedback at various community events to help shape the goals, objectives, and priorities for Fort St. John now and in the future. We aim to complete the Official Community Plan review and update by Winter 2025.
Visit the “Get Involved” tab to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Timeline
