News Release
For Immediate release
The District of Fort St. James receives $7 million in funding through the Building Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community Stream
Fort St. James, British Columbia, July 30, 2026 - The District of Fort St. James is receiving $7 million through the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) to construct a Water Treatment Plant. This funding was administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)’s Strategic Priorities Fund.
The District of Fort St. James is using its funding to construct a Water Treatment Plant which will improve the quality of drinking water for residents of both Fort St. James and Nak’azdli Whut’en.
On July 30, 2026, the federal and provincial governments along with the Union of BC Municipalities announced a federal investment of more than $152 million to support 54 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects. The District of Fort St. James’s Water Treatment Plant is one of the 54 recently announced projects.
The BCSF Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives over $326 million annually from this stream, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.
Quotes
"For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities. This project will make a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together.”
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“People in Fort St. James will benefit from a new water treatment plant, improving drinking water quality and supporting a more reliable water system,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This project reflects the strong partnership between the Government of Canada, UBCM and the District of Fort St. James to deliver essential infrastructure that strengthens local services and helps communities meet future needs.”
The Honourable Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, British Columbia
“We would like to thank the Build Communities Strong Fund for this generous funding opportunity. Both our communities will welcome this Water Treatment Plant as it will reduce the hydrogen sulphide, iron and other mineral levels that we have been accustomed to for the last 55 years (of aquifer water).”
Martin Elphee, Mayor of Fort St. James
Quick facts
- British Columbia’s 2026-27 allocation under the Build Communities Strong Community stream is over $326 million.
- The total federal contribution towards the 54 projects is $152,313,226.
- The 29 capital projects are receiving a total of $145,945,502.
- The 26 capacity building projects are receiving a total of $6,367,764.
- The funding provided for these projects comes through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ application-based Strategic Priorities Fund.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.
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For media inquiries please contact:
Rachelle Willick
Chief Administrative Officer
District of Fort St. James
250-996-8233
cao@fortstjames.ca