RIC participating communities in the Northeast

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Dawson Creek

Community description:
Dawson Creek is seeking entrepreneurs to establish businesses that meet the needs of its young, working families. Priority business types include tourism operators, Child day-care and agri‑tech or agri‑tourism ventures.

The community offers strong business support through organizations such as the Dawson Creek & District Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Peace Liard, the Dawson Creek Literacy Society, and Northern Lights College. The City also provides incentives to reduce development costs for new construction.

Dawson Creek is a vibrant place to live, offering extensive recreational facilities including the Ovintiv Events Centre, Ken Borek Aquatic Centre, and abundant outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing. Arts and culture are supported through the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, and year‑round community programming.

Looking ahead, Dawson Creek aims to grow by attracting young professionals and families, particularly in essential sectors such as healthcare and education, to support sustained community well‑being and high quality of life.
 
Priority Sectors:
1151 - Support activities for crop production
6244 - Child day-care services
713999 - All other amusement and recreation industries 

Website: www.dawsoncreek.ca
Contact: pnp@dawsoncreek.ca

Fort St. John

Community description:
Fort St. John is looking for entrepreneurs who can fill its downtown store fronts with businesses such as restaurants, specialty food and convenience stores, bookstores, florists, personal care services, and office supply and gift shops.

As the largest city in Northeastern B.C., Fort St. John has a sizable economy centered on oil, natural gas, forestry, and agriculture. Fueled by ongoing activity in those sectors, the city and its supply of retail and other businesses continue to grow. The local government has prioritized upgrades and investments that support local business and downtown economic revitalization. 

Fort St. John is a great place to visit and play, and it offers a uniquely rich concentration of cultural activities and outdoor adventures, creating a fantastic combination for many to call home. It boasts top notch recreation facilities, and has hundreds of events taking place every year that entertain people of all ages and interests.

Looking to the future, Fort St. John has an economic development framework that recognizes how social and economic development are intimately intertwined and mutually supportive. Broken into 15 social and economic action areas identified through extensive community input, it sets the stage for all facets of the community to embark on a journey together; to seize opportunities, address challenges, and navigate change.
 
Priority Sectors:
722 - Food services and drinking places
4593 - Florists
4594 - Office supplies, stationery and gift retailers
458210 – Shoe retailers
459210 - Book retailers and news dealers

Website: https://www.fortstjohn.ca/EN/main/business/economic-development.html
Contact: pnp@fortstjohn.ca