ESS Renewal Information - May 19, 2026

We understand this has been an incredibly difficult and stressful month for residents who have been unable to access their homes. Thank you for your continued cooperation as crews work to safely restore access to the community.

The Ministry of Transportation and Transit reports that significant progress was made over the long weekend on construction of the temporary access road. Baring any unforeseen complications, Old Fort Road is anticipated to reopen to vehicle traffic later this week, a welcome step forward for residents who have been separated from their homes for the past month.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) supports will be extended for an additional three days. Only residents who are in the Evacuation Order area are eligible for ESS assistance.

ESS Renewal Required – Wednesday, May 20

To continue receiving ESS supports, residents must renew their ESS file in person:

• Pomeroy Sport Centre (east lobby, second floor), between:
• 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., or,
• 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Residents must attend on Wednesday to renew their ESS support. Renewals cannot be completed before or after this date.

For assistance, please contact the PRRD Info Line at 250-219-5210.

BC Services Card App

ESS is made easier with the BC Services Card app on your smartphone. If you need to validate your BC Services Card app, please visit Service BC in Fort St. John during regular business hours.

If you have not already completed the validation process on the BC Service card app and want to access e-transfer, please visit the Service BC building (the courthouse building), hours 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. before visiting the reception centre.