Fort St. James

Fort St. James sits at the crossroads of history and opportunity in north-central BC, where Stuart Lake’s pristine waters meet a community that’s been making its own way since 1806. This isn’t your typical tourist town—it’s where the North West Company established BC’s first permanent European settlement, and that pioneer spirit still runs deep.

The numbers tell an interesting story. With a median household income of $91,000 and single-detached homes making up nearly three-quarters of the housing stock, Fort St. James attracts families who value space and affordability over urban conveniences. The population of 1,386 might seem small, but it’s stable, with a healthy mix of working-age residents (65%) and young families (19.1% under 14).

What makes Fort St. James different? It’s the gateway to the Omineca region and sits on one of BC’s most beautiful lakes—Stuart Lake stretches 70 kilometers and offers year-round recreation that keeps residents rooted. The community’s location along Highway 27 provides access to Prince George while maintaining that small-town character where everyone knows their neighbors.

Healthcare and social assistance lead local employment at 17.6%, followed by retail trade and manufacturing. The unemployment rate of 9.6% reflects the resource-based economy’s natural cycles, but the strong median income suggests those who work here do well.

For mortgage professionals, Fort St. James represents solid equity lending opportunities in a market where property values remain reasonable and community ties run deep. Tekamar offers our full suite of alternative lending products here with a maximum LTV of 55%, recognizing both the community’s stability and its remote northern location.

The town’s claim to fame? It’s home to the Fort St. James National Historic Site, where you can still see Canada’s largest collection of original fur trade buildings. More practically, it’s where people choose substance over flash—and that makes for reliable borrowers.