Did you know that South Fort George started as a rival townsite? In 1909, it was laid out on the Fraser River side to compete with Central Fort George (located where downtown is today) for the future railway boom. The Great Townsite Rivalry (1909–1912-ish) was where South Fort George and Central Fort George both pushed hard to be the railway town.
Both communities were seeking to become the primary railway town along the Fraser River. As plans for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway advanced, developers anticipated growth and opportunity. However, the railway ultimately sought to control its own townsite and targeted Fort George Indian Reserve No. 1 as the foundation for its operations.
After years of pressure and negotiation, the Lheidli T’enneh reluctantly agreed to the sale of their reserve lands in 1912. In 1913, community members were forcibly removed from their village, which was subsequently destroyed. While replacement housing and a church were constructed on nearby reserves as part of the agreement, the loss of land, home, and community was profound and enduring.
This history reminds us that the growth of Prince George is inseparable from the displacement of the Lheidli T’enneh. We recognize their resilience, honour their ongoing presence, and commit to learning from the past as we move forward together.
Paddlewheel Park and the nearby riverfront pay tribute to the area’s role in Prince George’s early transportation and trade history, when sternwheelers docked here bringing people, goods, and opportunity north. Today, that heritage adds depth and identity you simply can’t replicate in newer subdivisions. There was even rumors of an underground rum running tunnel connecting from Paddlewheel Park to a hotel. Some of the earliest businesses, banks and stores started here, and even a local newspaper began here.
The city’s downtown location ultimately came out of that rivalry and the railway’s decisions. South Fort George later became a village in 1968 and stayed independent until 1976, when it was incorporated into the City of Prince George. South Fort George is very much a “layers of time” neighbourhood.
Common housing eras you’ll see include:
A handful of pre-WWI homes (early 1910s): rare, heritage-leaning wood details and early craftsmanship. The City notes the Howieson House (built 1912) as one of the few remaining pre-Great War examples in South Fort George.
Postwar to mid-century (roughly 1940s–1960s): lots of practical, efficient homes, commonly 1-storey bungalows and modest story-and-a-half builds (working-class, “built-to-last,” not “built-to-brag”).
Split-Levels/Ranchers (1960s–1970s): more split-levels and ranchers, and this is also where you start seeing more income-friendly layouts (suites, back entries, etc.), plus small multi-family pockets.
A mix of older character homes, updated bungalows, and some rental-oriented properties translate to: not cookie-cutter! And your “before and after” renovation reels can really shine here!
With close proximity to downtown amenities, schools, parks, and transit, this neighbourhood appeals to buyers looking for convenience without sacrificing character. Whether it’s first-time buyers, investors, or homeowners drawn to historic charm and central living, South Fort George offers a unique blend of affordability, location, and story.
Comments:
Post Your Comment: