ABOUT FORT ST JOHN, BC
The Fort St John ‘fort’ was built in 1794 and closed in 1805 before moving a number of times along the Peace River. The fort eventually burned to the ground and today the area where the fort once stood is now a residential area.
Fort St. John is the largest city in the Northeast Region of British Columbia. The main attractions for visitors in the city is the incredible wilderness adventures offered in addition to fantastic fishing and hunting opportunities.
The city also boasts sports facilities that are open year-round and is home to the new state-of-the-art Pomeroy Sport Centre, which has two hockey rinks, a speed skating track and an indoor track for walking and/or running.
Fort St. John is also a big music city that has generated its own local musicians and attracted outsiders to perform within the community. The city was named the Music Capital of Northern British Columbia in 2009 because of the many musical performances and shows put on by musicians.
Between the many parks, trails, recreational facilities, shows, events and outdoor activities, there is never a dull moment in the historic city of Fort St. John.
WEATHER & CLIMATE OF FORT ST JOHN
Fort St John is unique in that it doesn’t change time with Daylight Savings – it stays the same all year long. The region follows the MST during winter and PST during the summer. As it is located on the northerly latitude, Fort St. John experiences very short daylight hours during winters and pretty long daylight hours during summers.
Temperature in Fort St. John generally hovers around the range of 16oC to 20oC (61oF to 68 oF) during summer while during winter, the mercury plummets to as low as -16 oC to -25 oC (4 oF to 13oF). The region experiences an average snowfall of 198 cm (78 inches).
FORT ST JOHN PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
RESIDENTIAL & INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIANS
Thanks to the 1.1% annual growth that has been predicted in this sector from year 2010 to 2020 this profession has a high demand for maintenance of plants and factories, mines and shipyards, oil and natural gas rigs and a wide range of other industrial projects. Some of the eminent projects that can employ these professionals include the LNG export facilities and the pipelines thereof, Site C Clean Energy Project construction on the River Peace, which is likely to commence from the summer of 2018, and the huge Pine River Gas Plant located in Chetwynd, the tiny district municipality that is located at the Rocky Mountains foothills in the northeastern fringe of BC. Training is provided to electricians at the Northern Lights College and the Thompsons River University of Kamloops or Williams Lake..
OIL & GAS DRILLING
The gas and oil rigs absorb a number of professionals in various disciplines and training for the respective departments are provided in the Northern Lights College, Dawson Creek or Fort Nelson, and in various private institutes.
POWER ENGINEERS
There is a fairly high demand for power engineers for able maintenance of various industrial equipments like turbines, engines, generators, boilers, condensers, pumps, controls, compressors, and the likes. As per a recent market research, there is an estimated 37,700 to 47, 900 openings, much due massive industrialization of the region, coupled with increase in attrition.
There are several opportunities for nurses and medical practitioners in and around the city as well.
SCHOOLS IN & AROUND FORT ST JOHN
SCHOOLS (ELEMENTARY)
- Peace River North School District 60
- Alwin Holland Elementary School
- Bert Ambrose Elementary School
- Baldonnel Elementary School
- Buick Creek Elementary / Junior Secondary (K-10) School
- CM Finch Elementary School
- Charlie Lake Elementary School
- Clearview Elementary / Junior Secondary (K-10) School
- Duncan Cran Elementary School
- Ecole Central Elementary School
- Prespatou Elementary-Secondary School
- Robert Ogilvie Elementary School
- Taylor Elementary School
- Upper Pine Elementary/Junior Secondary School
- Upper Halfway Elementary School
- Wonowon Elementary School
SCHOOLS (JUNIOR SECONDARY AND SECONDARY)
- Bert Bowes Middle School
- Dr Kearney Jr. Secondary School
- North Peace Secondary School
- Energetic Learning Campus – Pomeroy Sports Centre School
ALTERNATE LEARNING CENTERS
- Northern BC Distance Education Center
- Aboriginal Education Center
- Open Learning Centre
- Key Learning Centre
- Christian Life School
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
FORT ST JOHN ENTERTAINMENT & LEISURE
The real estate in Fort St. John is becoming more valuable due to the popularity of the area. With countless activities to take part in and beautiful scenery to explore, this area is great for everyone. As your local Fort St. John realtor, Here are the top 10 local points of interest in this area that can appeal to all different ages.
THE LIDO THEATER
This is an old style theatre that has been playing classic films since 1957. This theatre has since become so much more than just a cinema but is now an area of culture amongst the community and there is definitely something for everyone.
POMEROY SPORT CENTRE
This indoor sports arena is a great place for spectators and athletes to watch and enjoy hockey, speed skating, and ice skating. There is also an indoor walking track for a chance to get out of the snow and partake in some cardio.
FORT ST. JOHN NORTH PEACE MUSEUM
If you are interested in learning about the history of Fort St. John then this museum is perfect for you. It tells the story of the first nation’s settlement, has information on the fur trade, the Alaska highway, and more.
NORTH PEACE CULTURAL CENTRE
When looking for Fort St. John properties, it is important to be familiar with the local community centre in order to engage in arts and culture. The North Peace Cultural Centre is a great place to appreciate the arts. This community centre puts on plays, art classes, workshops, exhibits, and has a preschool for ages 3 to 5.
NORTH PEACE LEISURE POOL
This is an indoor pool that is a great place to work out or just relax. Swim lessons are also available, as well as pool volleyball and lap swimming.
CHARLIE LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK
For the outdoor enthusiasts, the Charlie Lake Provincial Park is a great place to enjoy walking paths, scenic routes, camping, and playgrounds for the kids. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis but they also take reservations.
FORT ST. JOHN LINKS GOLF COURSE
This golf course is a full-service Par36 9 hole golf course. Enjoy a nice day on the green with beautiful scenery and try to spot the local wildlife. This area also includes a restaurant and lounge for a delicious meal and a friendly atmosphere.
BEATTON PROVINCIAL PARK
Another area for outdoor enthusiasts, this park is complete with groomed trails for cross-country skiing where you can explore scenic trails and observe local wildlife. There is a playground for families to use if they’re camping or if there just for the day.
FISH CREEK COMMUNITY FOREST
This is an excellent place to go and learn about the local plant and wildlife. The Fish Creek Community Forest has three separate trails to explore and become more familiar with the forest. This area is popular for daily walks with a furry or non-furry friend.
AREA RESOURCES
HOSPITALS
MEDICAL CLINICS
- ABC Medical Clinic
- The Medical Clinic
- Fort St John Health Unit
- Travel Clinic
CHILD CARE RESOURCE & REFERRAL PROGRAM (CCRR)
British Columbia has a comprehensive program for child care, called Child Care Resource & Referral Program (CCRR). The program offers various quality referrals for welfare and care of children. The curriculum also proves resources as well as support to the providers of child care as well as the parents in more than 400 communities all over BC. It has its regional office in the North Peace region of Fort St. John that connects with families and providers of child care across various communities of in Fort St. John, Charlie Lake, Wonowon, Taylor, Blueberry and other adjoining areas.