PRRD Invites Jackfish Residents to Review Building Assessment Results and Options for Community Hall

Based on feedback gathered during public engagement in 2025 the PRRD commissioned a full building condition and systems assessment to better understand the condition of the facility and the cost of repairs. The PRRD and project consultant will present these findings and gather input from residents at the community meeting and through an online survey. 

The meeting and survey will present information on, and gather input about:

• The option to repair the existing hall or not to proceed with repairs
• Estimated repair costs and annual taxation impacts
• Community preferences and feedback on next steps

Community input will inform a recommendation to the Regional Board on whether to proceed to a referendum. If approved, the community will have the final say on whether they support a new taxation service area to fund the ongoing operation of the facility. 

Community Meeting

May 12, 2026 from 6:30pm to 8pm
Chetwynd Recreation Centre (4552 North Access Road, Chetwynd), Aspen Room

Survey

Residents are encouraged to review project information and complete the online survey open from May 1 to May 15, 2026, at 3pm (MST) at haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/JCH.

Paper copies of the survey are available at the community meeting on May 12, the front desk of the Chetwynd Recreation Centre (4512 North Access Road) and PRRD offices in Dawson Creek (1981 Alaska Avenue) and Fort St. John (9505 100 Street). To request a printed copy to be mailed to you, please contact the Communications Department at communications@prrd.bc.ca

Background

The Jackfish Community Hall closed in 2022 due to safety concerns after a 2021 facility condition assessment. The assessment identified several building components at, or near, the end of service life. A subsequent heating failure in the building caused extensive water damage.

In September 2025, the PRRD held a community meeting where residents expressed significant concerns about the condition of the building and whether repairs would be cost-effective. In response, the PRRD Board authorized a detailed building condition and systems assessment.

The assessment found the structure to be generally sound but identified several key components requiring significant repair or replacement. A preliminary repair cost estimate is in the range of approximately $352,000 (Class C). Costs may change as the project is further refined. A decision on whether to proceed with the creation of a service area to collect annual taxation to fund facility operations is dependent on community support through a referendum.

Contact Information

Community Services Department
250-784-3200 | community.services@prrd.bc.ca