A familiar face in Fort St. John’s legal community is stepping up to lead one of the city’s service groups into a new era of growth and collaboration.
The Rotary Club of Fort St. John Sunrise announced this week that Steven D. Cope has begun his term as president for the 2026-27 Rotary year.
A lawyer who has practised in the region for nearly 30 years, Cope is no stranger to the organization. He joined the Sunrise club in 2004 and has spent more than two decades supporting local fundraising campaigns, taking part in leadership training and championing the international non-profit organization’s humanitarian efforts.
Cope said he sees the coming year as a starting point for long-term organizational growth rather than simply a one-year assignment.
“This is a transition year,” Cope said.
“I want to create a vision that extends beyond one Rotary year. By developing a three-year plan, we can ensure future club leaders build on each other’s work instead of starting over.”
His plans for the year include strengthening membership, welcoming a younger and more diverse group of community leaders and supporting the establishment of a local Rotaract club for young professionals.
Cope is also aiming for the club to earn the Rotary District Club Excellence Award while increasing member participation in Rotary Fellowships.
Cope said service clubs need to continue adapting alongside the communities they serve.
“Our community has changed, and Rotary must continue changing with it,” Cope said.
“We want people from every background and every stage of life to know there is a place for them in Rotary.”
Another focus of his term will be strengthening local relationships, including ties between Fort St. John’s two Rotary clubs and partnerships with businesses, non-profits and civic groups.
“We’re stronger when we work together,” Cope said.
“Rotary has over a century of experience creating successful community projects, and we want to share that knowledge with others who are making a difference.”
The club plans to expand grassroots community projects across the North Peace under this year’s international theme, “Create Lasting Impact.”
The Rotary Club of Fort St. John Sunrise holds weekly meetings Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Ramada by Wyndham Northern Grand Hotel & Conference Centre.
The club is encouraging interested residents and prospective members to attend a meeting.
