FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - A major downtown housing development took another step forward Tuesday with the signing of an agreement between the Fort St. John Association for Community Living and Blueberry River First Nations.

The agreement formalizes a partnership that will help advance plans for a 70-unit mixed-use housing project on a portion of the former Fort St. John hospital site.

The land was previously donated by the City of Fort St. John to the association for redevelopment.

Project supporters say the development represents a significant investment in Fort St. John’s downtown core and will transform an underused piece of land into new housing and commercial space for residents.

The partnership between the association and Blueberry River First Nations is being viewed as a key milestone in moving the project closer to construction, while also demonstrating the benefits of collaboration between community organizations, Indigenous partners, and local government.

The 70-unit project is expected to contribute to downtown revitalization and help address ongoing housing needs in the community.

Once completed, it will add new residential opportunities in the city’s core while creating a mixed-use development designed to serve residents for years to come.

The official signing was held over lunch Tuesday.