Access is open. At noon on May 21, 2026, the Ministry of Transit and Transportation (MoTT) re-opened Old Fort Road, ending the community isolation incident and allowing the PRRD Emergency Operations Centre to rescind Evacuation Order #1.
Old Fort Landslide
Geotechnical Assessment Completed
BGC Engineering has concluded that the current risk of the slopes above the Old Fort community does not meet the definition of imminent.
The Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) issued a Ministerial Order directing the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) to conduct a geotechnical assessment of the slopes above the Old Fort community. The PRRD contracted BGC Engineering on May 26, 2026, to do the assessment and has received that work.
View BGC Engineering's Old Fort Landslides – Opinion on Imminent Risk
BGC Engineering's assessment found that landslide risk at Old Fort has returned to a level comparable to conditions following previous events in 2018 and 2020. This baseline does not mean the risk is eliminated or low. It means the situation has stabilized to a familiar baseline that has also been previously characterized within a geotechnical analysis by Tetra Tech in 2021.
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
There are no further renewals of Emergency Support Services.
The emergency response has concluded and a professional geotechnical opinion on imminent risk has been received. If you have any questions about ESS, please contact the PRRD EOC via emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca.
Old Fort Road Status
A temporary two-lane road surface across the landslide is in place.
On May 21, 2026, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) completed this construction. The Ministry continues to monitor road conditions and the landslide for changes. When conditions allow, MoTT will construct a permanent two-lane road surface across the landslide potentially later in the summer (2026).
For the latest updates from the Ministry, check the DriveBC Old Fort advisory page. If you have non-emergency questions or concerns about the temporary access road surface and future plans, contact the Ministry during office hours at 1-250‑787‑3237.
Evacuation Order and Alert Status
No evacuation alerts or orders remain in place for the Old Fort community.
On May 21, 2026, PRRD rescinded/cancelled Evacuation Order #1, allowing for residents and service providers to once again freely access the community.
On May 21, 2026, the State of Local Emergency for Electoral Area C was cancelled. The landslide related closure of Old Fort Road has been resolved by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit re-opening the provincial roadway. The Old Fort community is no longer isolated and the emergency situation has ended.
On June 23, 2026, the PRRD rescinded/cancelled Evacuation Alert #1 and Evacuation Alert #2.
Stay Connected
It remains important to stay connected to official sources of information.
All residents are encouraged to sign up for the North East BC (NEBC) Alert system. This opt-in system delivers emergency notifications via SMS text, email or text-to-voice calls to users within impacted areas.
To get instant updates when new emergency information is posted on the Peace River Regional District website, subscribe to Emergency News.
Returning Home Guide
The following is a list of the most common questions from returning residents. For the latest updates, always check the Peace River Regional District website at prrd.bc.ca and DriveBC before you travel.
If your question is not answered below, please contact the PRRD at 250-784-3200 or emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca.
When can I go back home to Old Fort?
Do I need to show ID or proof of address to come home?
No. No identification or proof of address is required at the access control point.
Will traffic control be present?
Initially, yes. From 12pm to 7pm on May 21 there will be pilot-vehicle led access only. Following for the next several days vehicle access will be restricted to single lane, alternating traffic.
Follow all traffic lights and signage. The Ministry of Transit and Transportation (MoTT) will monitor the road surface performance and may require intermittent lane or road closures to address issues. MOTT anticipates that full and free two-lane access will be the norm in the coming days.
Who is monitoring the landslide?
BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) continuously monitors the landslide and oversees road access. The PRRD receives regular updates and will communicate any changes immediately.
What do I do if I see ground movement impacting the road?
Immediately call MOTT’s road maintenance contractor, Dawson Road Maintenance, on their 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-842-4122. Please also notify the PRRD at 250-784-3200, specifying an Old Fort Road emergency.
Could I be asked to evacuate again?
If for any reason MoTT must close Old Fort Road, an Evacuation Order may need to be issued.
What should I check when I first arrive home?
Start outside. Walk the full exterior and check for:
- Debris on or near the structure
- Signs of ground movement or settling near the foundation
- Drainage changes or pooling water near the home
- Gas leaks — smell of rotten eggs (leave immediately if detected)
- Downed power lines nearby If the exterior looks normal, proceed inside and verify that utilities are functioning
Yes. Natural gas service was not interrupted in Old Fort during this event.
Whenever re-entering a home after a prolonged absence, do not smoke, light matches or flip switches.
If you smell gas, leave immediately and call Pacific Northern Gas (PNG) 24-hr Emergency at 1-800-663-1173.
If you turned off your natural gas service, you are required to contact PNG at 1-800-667-2297 to arrange an appointment for restart and relighting of your natural gas appliances. This service is only available Monday to Friday.
Yes. Power was not interrupted in Old Fort during this event. If you notice any electrical issues upon return, contact BC Hydro at 1-888-769-3766 or *49376 on your cell.
What about insurance for any losses?
Contact your insurer as soon as possible. The Insurance Bureau of Canada can help connect you at 1-844-227-5422.
Power was not interrupted during this event. If your fridge and freezer ran continuously since you left, power-related food spoilage is not a concern. Use judgment for anything that's been sitting for an extended period — when in doubt, throw it out.
Is my well water safe to drink?
Your well water is your responsibility.
You may elect to have your well tested before consuming. Call Northern Health Fort St. John at 1-250-263-6000 (Option 7) for testing guidance.
Find drop-off locations at northernhealth.ca.
Is my cistern water safe to drink?
Your cistern and water supply is your responsibility. Given the extended evacuation, you may elect to consider stored cistern water as stale. Check the cistern and pipes for leaks, flush the system fully and refill from a confirmed safe source before drinking.
Follow BC Gov and Northern Health guidance by reading the Water Well Disinfection brochure or contact Northern Health at 1-250-263-6000 (Option 7).
My fridge has spoiled food — what do I do with it?
Double-bag all spoiled food and tie bags closed before taking to the transfer station or restarting your household waste pick up services.
I need help returning home — who do I call?
PRRD Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term assistance with food, lodging, clothing and transportation. Contact the PRRD at 250-784-3200 or email at emergency-info@prrd.bc.ca.
I'm struggling emotionally. Where can I get support?
It's completely normal to feel the effects of displacement and stress.
Reach out anytime:
- Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- CMHA TalkInToughTimes: 1-877-427-4884
- BC Mental Health Support Line (24 hrs): 310-6789 — no area code needed
- KUU-US (Indigenous crisis support): 1-800-588-8717
- Alcohol and Drug Info and Referral: 1-800-663-1441
- HealthLink BC: 811
I have ongoing medical needs. How do I access care?
Northern Health’s Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic offers access to a doctor or nurse practitioner, including mental health support at 1-844-645-7811. For non-emergency health guidance, call HealthLink BC at 811.
I have children who are struggling. Where can I get support for them?
Contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development for mental health services for children, families and caregivers at 1-877-387-7027.
I have a question not answered here — who do I call?
- PRRD: 250-784-3200, Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773
- Pacific Northern Gas (emergency): 1-800-663-1173
- BC Hydro: 1-888-769-3766 or *49376 (cell)
- Northern Health (Fort St. John): 250-263-6000
- RCMP Non-Emergency (Fort St. John): 250-787-8140
- Emergency: 911
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