Education and Medical Services

Fort St. James is a modern northern community, providing a full range of educational and medical services.

Education

Fort St. James offers full educational opportunities from pre-school to post-secondary, including both in-class and home schooling options. Within the community there are three elementary schools (David Hoy, Sowchea and St. Maria Goretti) and one secondary school (Fort St. James Secondary).

Post-secondary options include classes at the Adult Education Centre, or those offered through the College of New Caledonia. The University of Northern British Columbia recently opened in Prince George, and offers undergraduate and graduate programmes, including faculties of Forestry and Natural Resources. Many post-secondary students in the district study through correspondence, using the facilities of the Open University to pursue studies at southern institutions.

Medical and Social Services

The Fort has its own hospital and medical clinic, staffed with 4-5 doctors and a full nursing unit. A modern dental clinic provides for the teeth in town, while a number of community organizations provide on-going health care and support. The Northern Interior Health Unit maintains a public health information and education programme, including pre-natal classes and community nutrition information.

The Nechako Valley Community Services Society provides a variety of continuing community care, including support services for children and families and mental health services. Counselling services are available, as are support groups and organizations.

Community Services

Community services include provincial government offices (government agent, ministries of Social Services, Health, Environment, and Forests), and federal government offices (Canada Post, Employment and Immigration, Royal Canadian Mounted Police).