Jackfish Community Hall Next Steps

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The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is seeking community input on the future of the Jackfish Community Hall. The hall, located outside of Chetwynd on 1515 Old Jackfish Road, is owned by the PRRD and operated by the Jackfish Lake Community Club.

A facility assessment in 2021, coupled with damage from a heating failure, determined that the facility needs substantial repairs, maintenance and upgrades to improve fire safety and accessibility. The facility has been closed since 2021 due to these factors. The hall currently lacks a consistent way to fund the repairs and ongoing operations of the building, relying on temporary grants and fundraising.

To find a sustainable solution, the PRRD is held a community meeting and online survey to determine if locals still want to use the hall, whether they would support a dedicated funding plan using local taxation and if the community is willing to continue managing its day-to-day operations. The feedback from the community engagement will help the PRRD Regional Board decide on the next steps for the hall's operation.



Next Steps for the Community

  • Learn more: Explore this project page to learn more about the facility history and condition, and potential funding models.
  • Phase 1 Engagement Results: To know more about the Phase 1 Engagement, and review the survey and community meeting results, as summary can be found under documents.

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is seeking community input on the future of the Jackfish Community Hall. The hall, located outside of Chetwynd on 1515 Old Jackfish Road, is owned by the PRRD and operated by the Jackfish Lake Community Club.

A facility assessment in 2021, coupled with damage from a heating failure, determined that the facility needs substantial repairs, maintenance and upgrades to improve fire safety and accessibility. The facility has been closed since 2021 due to these factors. The hall currently lacks a consistent way to fund the repairs and ongoing operations of the building, relying on temporary grants and fundraising.

To find a sustainable solution, the PRRD is held a community meeting and online survey to determine if locals still want to use the hall, whether they would support a dedicated funding plan using local taxation and if the community is willing to continue managing its day-to-day operations. The feedback from the community engagement will help the PRRD Regional Board decide on the next steps for the hall's operation.



Next Steps for the Community

  • Learn more: Explore this project page to learn more about the facility history and condition, and potential funding models.
  • Phase 1 Engagement Results: To know more about the Phase 1 Engagement, and review the survey and community meeting results, as summary can be found under documents.
  • Project Updates

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    Project Overview and Next Steps

    October 9, 2025


    We're excited to share an update on the Jackfish Community Hall project!

    Community feedback from the recent meeting and public survey showed strong support for a full structural and building systems assessment of the Hall.

    A report recommending that the Regional Board approve this assessment has gone to the Electoral Area Directors Committee (EADC) on October 9 and will be presented to the Regional Board on November 6.

    If the assessment is approved by the Regional Board, the study will:

    • Examine the Hall's current condition.
    • Provide repair recommendations and cost estimates.
    • Address issues such as aging infrastructure, water damage, and safety concerns.
    • Explore ways to create a more functional and financially sustainable community space.

    Once the study is complete, the results will be shared with the community. Your feedback will then help guide future recommendations to the Regional Board about the project’s next steps.

    Community Engagement Results

    Overall, 82.7% of respondents would like to see the Jackfish Community Hall repaired. A summary of the engagement results is listed below and can also be found under the documents tab.

    Support for Alternative Uses

    When asked whether they thought something else, such as an outdoor recreation area (picnic area, campsites, upgraded baseball diamond, or other communal space) would better suit the community:

    • 31% only support a community hall for the property.
    • 21% would support an alternative space.
    • 48% were unsure.

    Willingness to Fund Operations and Maintenance

    Residents were asked about their willingness to support the operations and maintenance of the Hall with their tax dollars:

    • 44.2% said they would be willing to support operations and maintenance of the hall with their tax dollars.
    • 48.1% said they may be willing to support operations and maintenance, but it depends on the cost.
    • 7.7% said they would not be willing to support operations and maintenance of the hall with their tax dollars.

    Preferred Monthly Tax Contribution

    When asked about the monthly amount residents were willing to spend through taxation for a community hall:

    • 25% are willing to pay between $10 and $20.
    • 21% are willing to pay between $40 and $50.
    • 19% are willing to pay between $4 and $10.
    • 17% are willing to pay between $20 and $30.
    • 17% do not want to pay anything.


    Check back soon for an update after the November 6 Regional Board meeting!




    Let's Talk About the Jackfish Community Hall!

    August 28, 2025


    The Jackfish Community Hall has been closed for a while now, and before we make any decisions about its future, we want to hear from you!

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is hosting an online survey and community meeting to share what we've learned about the hall's condition, including the repairs needed and their estimated costs. This is your chance to tell us if you're interested in using the hall again and whether you would support a new plan to fund its future through local taxes.

    Please join us and engage with the survey to share your thoughts and ideas!

    When: September 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

    Where: Tamarack Room, Chetwynd Recreation Centre - 4512 N Access Road

    Survey: Open August 28 to September 15 @ 4:30 p.m.

    • Online
    • Print copies: Available at the PRRD offices in Dawson Creek (1981 Alaska Avenue) and Fort St. John (9505 100 Street)

    Your voice is incredibly important in helping us decide what's next for the Jackfish Community Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!




  • Tax Cost and Estimates

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    Development and any renovations to the facility will each have ongoing expenses that would be paid through taxation.

    The following taxation estimates are based off a proposed service area map, which has not yet been finalized. Estimates for tax rates are calculated on the value of all improvements (this includes taxing on buildings only and does not include the value of the land).

    Costs for the Community Hall include:

    • Initial capital borrowing costs for potential renovations and upgrades
    • PRRD Expenses
    • Grant to Society for operation of the building (utilities, internet access, liability insurance, maintenance, janitorial supplies, health permitting)
    • Capital Reserve Contributions (held by the Regional District to fund future large-scale repairs, upgrades, and eventual replacement)
    • Annual debt repayment

    Estimated annual cost: $70,000 per year for 15 years, which will increase based on inflation and actual costs.


    Tax Cost Calculator

    You can use our calculator tool to get an estimate of what a renovated hall would cost on your taxes. Input your property's assessed value for improvements only. You can find this value through BC Assessment.

  • Facility Condition Assessment Overview

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    The Jackfish Community Hall was built in 1987, with an addition added in 1991, bringing its total size to about 387 square metres.

    An assessment of the building's condition in June 2021 found that many parts of the hall would soon need to be replaced or repaired. These included the main doors, siding, metal roof, water pipes, heaters, and kitchen and washroom fixtures.

    Since that assessment, the hall has suffered more damage. In 2021, the heating system failed, causing pipes to freeze and burst. This led to extensive water damage and overall damage to building components. A separate inspection in 2022 found some existing hazardous materials, which has not yet been removed.


    Repair Costs and Future Work

    A more recent review in 2024 was conducted to figure out what it would take to repair any damage and bring the building up to modern safety and accessibility standards. In addition to the previously required repairs, the facility needs:

    • two new furnaces
    • new water lines
    • new hot water tank
    • new plumbing fixtures (sinks, basins, toilets)
    • updated fire safety, accessibility, and electrical systems


    Any repairs and upgrades to the building will require funding to complete.

Page last updated: 09 Oct 2025, 03:36 PM