Fort St. John

Fort St. John sits in the heart of British Columbia’s energy corridor, where oil rigs dot the horizon and paycheques reflect the boom-and-bust reality of resource extraction. With a median household income of $102,000, this community of 21,000 attracts workers who can handle long winters and appreciate short, intense summers.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Nearly half the homes are single-detached houses, but you’ll also find a surprising number of movable dwellings—5.1% of the housing stock. That’s the transient nature of resource work showing up in real estate. Workers follow the jobs, and smart property investors understand this rhythm.

Fort St. John’s median age of 32.4 years makes it one of the younger communities in BC. Young families arrive for construction jobs (12.5% of employment) and oil and gas work (10.7%), creating steady demand for family housing. The North Peace Leisure Pool and 304 sunny days annually help offset the harsh Zone 3a climate that keeps the growing season short and the heating bills high.

The economic reality here swings with commodity prices. That 8.9% unemployment rate reflects the volatility, but it also creates opportunities for investors who understand energy cycles. When projects ramp up, housing demand spikes. When they slow down, motivated sellers emerge.

Retail trade employs nearly 12% of residents, suggesting a stable service economy supporting the resource sector. Healthcare and accommodation round out the employment picture, creating the economic diversity that prevents complete boom-bust cycles.

For mortgage brokers, Fort St. John represents clients who often have equity but irregular income patterns typical of resource work. Construction workers, rig operators, and service industry employees frequently need alternative lending solutions that traditional banks struggle to accommodate.

Tekamar offers a maximum 55% LTV in Fort St. John, reflecting both the economic volatility and the time required to market properties in this specialized market. Our equity-based lending approach works well for resource sector workers whose income documentation doesn’t fit conventional lending boxes.

The community’s growth—5.9% since 2016—shows resilience despite energy sector challenges. Fort St. John isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the need for flexible mortgage solutions in Canada’s energy heartland.