City launches projects for Seniors, Search & Rescue
Construction on new seniors’ housing to start May 1st
With the ground-breaking ceremony on April 14th at the site of the Harlequin City Centre Seniors Housing complex on 100 Avenue, the dream of SONS founder, the late Jean Leahy, to see more facilities built is one step closer to reality, according to current SONS president, Margaret Little.
Save Our Northern Seniors was founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated, passionate and determined people who advocated for facilities for local seniors. By 2005, SONS was a registered non-profit Society and continued its advocacy work in the North Peace, while the need for housing increased.
“This complex has been a very long time coming, and we are so pleased to be part of this celebration,” said Little. “This is a very important project for the seniors in our community and area.”
The Harlequin at City Centre project was brought forward for the site of the old hospital in downtown Fort St. John when the previously proposed project near the new hospital and Peace Villa fell through.
While smaller in scale, this Vancouver Resource Society project will feature 115-units of independent living for seniors in one or two-bedroom units, with underground parking for staff and residents, starting at approximately $2,500/month.
In addition to accessible living for seniors, there will be additional support such as meals, programs for seniors and housekeeping as needed to help seniors maintain independent lifestyles. The Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) can help make rents more affordable for eligible middle-to-lower income people over 60 and is available from BC Housing.
Mayor Lilia Hansen said she is “excited that a non-profit organization, VRS Communities, is building in Fort St. John, giving seniors more choices for housing and helping to keep families closer together.”
Peace River North MLA Dan Davies who was also present at the ground-breaking is excited to see the project move forward and congratulates the city on its efforts to bring the project to fruition.
The primary contractor, Western Canadian Properties, plans to begin construction on May 1, with completion expected in the summer of 2026.
City purchases building for North Peace Search & Rescue
The Wolverine Motors building on 100 Avenue is getting a new lease on life, as the City of Fort St. John purchased the property to provide a home base for North Peace Search and Rescue.
The purchase, announced on April 18, for $1.87 million is a considerable savings over the $3 million budgeted plans the city had to design and build a facility near Fort St. John’s south sewage lagoons. In addition to saving the city money, the purchase of an existing building means that North Peace Search and Rescue will have a permanent home sooner than expected.
According to a statement from the city, “North Peace Search and Rescue is indispensable in our region, serving as a critical lifeline for outdoor enthusiasts and workers. In an area renowned for its picturesque landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities, their dedication and proficiency in search, rescue and emergency response operations mitigate inherent risks and provide essential support to our residents, workers and visitors.”
North Peace Search and Rescue will use a portion of the 10,000 square-foot property, and the remaining space will be used by the Fort St. John Fire Department. The purchase adds to the permanent spaces available for the city to carry out Emergency Support Services, as it also plans to utilize the old RCMP detachment on 100 St as a permanent Emergency Operations Centre, which can also host small-scale ESS needs.
“This acquisition not only provides an immediate solution to our pressing need for additional emergency services infrastructure, but also demonstrates our dedication to optimizing resources for the benefit of our community,” Mayor Lilia Hansen said.