City and Northern Health agree to exchange lands

Initially proposed by the Northern Health Board in 2017, the City of Fort St. John and Northern Health have agreed to exchange lands in the city to provide future opportunities near the Fort St. John Hospital.

The exchange of lands includes the old Hospital site, at 9636 - 100 Avenue, being transferred to the City in exchange for a 6.63-acre portion of the vacant lands directly east of the existing Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa long-term care facility.

Blue parcel to Northern Health; Yellow parcel to the City

Although Northern Health has no specific plans for the land near the current hospital, it does provide opportunities to expand health services in the future. As for the new City-owned lands, they will become part of the City’s land bank to be used for the benefit of the community, and any future development will follow direction from the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. The Downtown Action Plan, which lists this as one of the ten big moves, envisions this site with a variety of mixed-use commercial and retail spaces, education institutions, and residential housing.

“On behalf of the Northern Health Board of Directors, I’m pleased that we and the City of Fort St. John have reached this mutually-beneficial land exchange agreement that will allow for future growth potential at both the old and new hospital sites,” said Northern Health board chair Colleen Nyce. “While the former hospital site has a significant place in the history of local health care, we hope it also has a bright future in Fort St. John’s downtown vision.”

“This is a significant opportunity to take this historical site and actualize the Downtown Action Plan for the long-term benefit of our community. We look forward to working towards realizing the full potential of the former hospital site,” stated Mayor Lori Ackerman.

For additional information regarding the City-owned land, visit www.fortstjohn.ca/EN/main/business/economic-development/city-owned-properties.html.

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Media Contacts:

Ryan Harvey Communications Coordinator 250-794-3313

Northern Health Media Line 877-961-7724