Fort St. James carries the distinction of being British Columbia’s oldest continuously inhabited non-indigenous settlement, established as a fur trading post in 1806. This small northern community of 1,386 residents sits on the shores of Stuart Lake, where the Nechako River begins its journey toward the Fraser.
The town’s economy centers on forestry and manufacturing, employing over 10% of residents in these sectors, while healthcare and retail round out the employment landscape. With a median household income of $91,000, Fort St. James shows surprising economic resilience for a remote northern community, though the 9.6% unemployment rate reflects the challenges of resource-dependent economies.
Stuart Lake dominates the local geography and lifestyle. The lake stretches 90 kilometers and reaches depths of 150 meters, creating a natural playground for fishing, boating, and ice fishing during the long winters. The community’s Plant Hardiness Zone 4a means residents experience genuine four-season living, with winters that test both heating systems and human resolve.
Housing stock remains predominantly single-family homes at 73.5%, with a total of 671 private dwellings serving the population. The community’s remote location — roughly 160 kilometers northwest of Prince George — creates both challenges and opportunities in the real estate market.
Fort St. James attracts residents who value outdoor recreation, affordable living, and small-town community connections. The town maintains several parks and hosts community events that bring neighbors together, while Stuart Lake provides year-round recreational opportunities that urban centers can’t match.
For mortgage financing in Fort St. James, Tekamar offers equity-based lending solutions including second mortgages, debt consolidation, and bridge loans with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 45%. Our conservative approach reflects the community’s remote location and specialized market conditions, ensuring safe lending practices while serving borrowers who need flexible mortgage solutions outside traditional banking parameters.
the Nearest Tim Hortons
the Nearest Costco
Our Mortgage Products Available in Fort St. James
| Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Fort St. James |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Variable Income | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Equity Lending | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
| Purchases | 45.0% | Standard product terms |
Detailed Mortgage Product Information
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation in Fort St. James:
45.0 %
“Their credit report reads like a horror novel, but the house was just renovated and is worth a lot…”
Here’s what happens when life takes a wrong turn. A bad business venture. Workplace Injury. That divorce that dragged on for two years. Suddenly your credit score looks like a batting average and the banks won’t even return your calls.
But here’s the thing – none of that changes what your ho...
Variable Income
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Variable Income in Fort St. James:
45.0 %
“Their income is all over the map, but there’s definitely income…”
Here’s a funny thing about lending based on Line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment: It’s a neat little box to underwrite against. Works great if you’re a salaried employee. Not so great if you’re running a fishing charter in Campbell River where thres fishing season, and the rest of the year.
We get it. Income isn’t always ti...
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term in Fort St. James:
45.0 %
“Subjects came off their current home last week but their new place closes Friday…”
Here’s a funny thing about bridge financing: everyone thinks it’s complicated. It’s not. Someone needs to close on their new house before their old house sells. Or their sale fell through after they removed subjects on their dream home. Or they found the perfect downsizer condo but haven’t listed the family hom...
Equity Lending
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Equity Lending in Fort St. James:
45.0 %
“They have tons of equity but don’t qualify under B20…”
Here’s the thing about equity lending: it exists because banks literally can’t do it. B20 guidelines require income verification. Full stop. No wiggle room. No common sense exceptions.
We’re provincially regulated. The funds we lend on come from individual investors, not the Bank of Canada. So when your client has 50% equity but their in...
Purchases
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Purchases in Fort St. James:
45.0 %
Moving is supposed to be exciting. New town, new job, new chapter. So why do banks act like you’re asking for their firstborn when you need a mortgage?
“You haven’t been at your new job for thre months”
“Your self-employment income doesn’t count in a new market.”
“We need to see established a year if you are part time contract - even if you’re working 40 hours under your new role”
Meanwhile...