Taylor

Taylor sits on the Peace River where oil and gas money meets small-town charm, creating one of those rare northern BC communities where median household incomes hit $105,000 despite the population barely cracking 1,300. The energy sector drives everything here — over 15% of residents work directly in oil and gas extraction, with construction crews building the infrastructure to support it all.

What makes Taylor different isn’t just the resource wealth flowing through Fort St. John’s backyard. It’s the mix of temporary workers in mobile homes (45% of housing stock) alongside families who’ve planted roots in single-family houses along the Peace River. The demographics tell the story: a young median age of 35.6 years with nearly a quarter of residents under 15, suggesting people aren’t just passing through for work rotations.

Peace Island Park offers river access and outdoor recreation that keeps families anchored, even when commodity prices swing. The community’s location provides Fort St. John amenities without the hustle, appealing to energy workers who want space and quiet after long shifts. Climate zone 3b means harsh winters, but it’s actually warming — improving by 16.7% over recent decades.

The housing market reflects the boom-bust nature of resource towns. Nearly half the dwellings are mobile homes, creating flexibility for a transient workforce, while the permanent housing stock serves established families riding out industry cycles. Property values can shift with energy markets, but the proximity to major infrastructure projects provides underlying stability.

For mortgage brokers working with clients in Taylor, we understand the unique financing needs of resource communities. Our 50% maximum LTV reflects the specialized nature of this market, where equity-based lending makes sense for borrowers whose income streams might not fit traditional qualification boxes but whose property investments are solid.

Taylor proves that small northern towns can thrive when they’re positioned right — close enough to major employment centers, far enough away to offer the lifestyle that keeps good people around.