Local municipalities welcome public comment on annual reports
Through their 2024 Annual Reports, the City of Fort St. John and the District of Taylor aim to provide the public with a clear picture of the state of the city, its operations, financials and goals for the future.
In her message contained in the city’s annual report, Mayor Lilia Hansen spoke of the progress, collaboration and continued dedication to making Fort St. John an exceptional place to live, work and play.
“One of the most significant milestones was completeing the 100 Street Corridor Project. This multi-year initiative has transformed our downtown, replacing aging underground infrastructure and creating a safer, more inviting streetscape,” Hansen wrote. She noted that in addition to other developments, such as investment in recreational upgrades, including Kin Park, the city has also faced challenges in 2024 such as health care access for all residents.
The year also saw Fort St. John awarded with the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting and the BC Municipal Safety Association Organizational Safety Excellence Award.
Taylor Mayor Brent Taillefer in the District of Taylor’s Annual Report wrote about the progress various departments within the District have made over the past year, including emergency training exercises with the Taylor Industrial Mutual Aid Group (TIMAG) to stengthen the community’s emergency readiness. The Community Services department focussed on enhancing recreational opportuntities and promoting healthy lifestyles.
“The dedication of our council, staff and residents has ensured that Taylor remains a vibrant, resilient and forward-thinking district,” Taillefer wrote.
“As we look to the year ahead, I remain inspired by the hard work and determinantion of our community. Together, we will continue to build a thriving sustainable and welcoming Taylor for generations to come.”
Hansen too, feels positive about the future.
“As we look ahead, the City of Fort St. John remains committed to serving you, our residents and working tirelessly to make our community even stronger.”
But an annual report isn’t simply a list of achievements from the past year. These documents contain not only the successes from the past year, but the municipalities’ financial statements, strategic vision, and highlight the work that has been done and that which is planned for the future.
For example, Taylor has spent much of 2024 updating its bylaws and internal policies, some of which had not been updated in forty years. These updated and modernized bylaws will better serve the community as it exists today.
Both communities have begun work on their Offical Community Plans (OCP), which involve getting feedback from the public on what residents would like to see in their communities in the future.
The Chief Administrative Officers of both Taylor and Fort St. John stated in the annual reports that council and municipal staff are dedicated to delivering results, making their communities desireable places to live, and improving the quality of life for all residents.
The FSJ's Annual Report is being presented to Council and the public during a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 23 at City Hall. Similarly, the District of Taylor’s Annual Report is being presented to Taylor council and the public during a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 23 at the District Office.
If anyone has any concerns, comments or questions about the annual report, the municipalities encourage the public to attend the public meeting and put their questions directly to council.
The public meetings will be livestreamed on the District of Taylor’s Council Meeting and the City of Fort St. John’s YouTube channels.