Dear Residents of Fort St. James,
On behalf of Council, I am please to provide the draft 2026 to 2030 budget for the District of Fort St. James. This plan balances the needs of residents (services, transportation, water, recreation) with our duty to safeguard infrastructure and assets.
In brief, the 2026-year budget holds tax rates at 2025 rates, while still undertaking major projects the community requested, such as water and marina improvements, and continues infrastructure work including phased water line upgrades (followed by road re-paving), and lagoon enhancement. While property tax rates remain the same as last year, the District is gradually reducing the proportion of tax collected from heavy industrial and utility tax classes, down by 1.8% compared to last year.
Quick facts:
- Government grants significantly offset expenses for Fort St. James residents
Funds are put into reserves to save for major capital purchases, to avoid large tax increases and unnecessary borrowing - 2026 residential property taxes make up 4.65% of the District’s total 2026
revenues - Over 35 capital projects, worth $13,239,576, are slated to begin in 2026
Capital projects scheduled for 2026 include:
- Waterline installation and paving for the remainder of Douglas Avenue, Ash Street, Connolly St, Manson St, and Simon Fraser Avenue. Dease Avenue will also be paved
- The District has committed $2.5 million to build a water treatment plant. Funding for $7 million (the balance of the project cost) has been applied for via the Union of BC Municipalities’ Strategic Priorities Fund
- Welcome to Fort St. James sign is being refurbished
- An automatic door will be installed at the Stuart Lake Seniors Centre, allowing safer and easier access
- Installation of new hot water tanks and tube heaters in the Fort Forum
- Improvements to the washrooms at Cottonwood Park and required engineering for Phase 1 of Cottonwood Park revitalization
- Fleet renewal: In 2025, we saw reductions in the cost of fleet maintenance, as older vehicles are being retired before they incur expensive repairs. The 2026 budget includes the replacement of one pickup truck (over 12 years old), a toolcat, and a vactor truck. A zoom boom lift will be added, enabling staff to do installation and maintenance work at height
- Additional Christmas lights will be purchased to replace broken stock
- Aeration will be added to the sewage lagoon, contributing to less odour and better effluent quality
Budget decisions are made with council’s Strategic Focus areas (Managing our Assets, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Adapting to a Changing Climate, and Organizational Effectiveness) and citizen needs and feedback in mind.
Please send additional feedback to corporate@fortstjames.ca by noon on March 24, 2026.
Sincerely,
Martin Elphee, Mayor
View Signed Letter & 2026 - 2030 Budget [HERE]