Historic 100th Street building welcomes new accounting firm

As many locals, friends, and family filtered through the doors on 100th Street, Saturday, Dec. 6, it marked the official opening of Tanalea L. Belter CPA Inc., Fort St. John’s ‘funkiest’ accounting firm and one that’s already rooted firmly in the community’s past.

Photo of Tanalea and her husband Cameron Belter

The office is located in a renovated downtown building with a story of its own. Long before spreadsheets and tax filings, the structure once belonged to Fort St. John’s first mayor, a baker by trade who helped shape the early days of the city. Now, more than 75 years later, the building has been given new life as home to a professional service aimed squarely at supporting residents and small businesses.

Owner and Chartered Professional Accountant Tanalea Belter said opening her own firm in Fort St. John was a natural step, both professionally and personally.

“I wanted to create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions and actually understand what’s happening with their finances,” Belter said. “Accounting doesn’t have to feel intimidating.”

The office itself reflects that approach, with a colourful, welcoming layout that feels more like a place for conversation than a place people arrive already nervous.

Tanalea L. Belter CPA Inc. offers small business accounting, personal income tax preparation, and full bookkeeping and payroll services.

With many local entrepreneurs wearing multiple hats, Belter says having reliable financial support can make a significant difference.

“Small business owners are busy running their businesses,” she said. “If I can take some of that administrative pressure off, it lets them focus on what they do best.”

The grand opening brought together friends, family, and fellow business owners by offering visitors a chance to tour the renovated space, share conversations, and welcome a new professional service to the downtown core. For Belter, the turnout was a reminder of why she chose to establish her practice locally.

The building’s history wasn’t lost on attendees either, as several longtime residents shared stories about the site and its earlier role in Fort St. John’s development, adding an extra layer of meaning to the opening.

Belter and her husband said preserving the character of the space while modernizing it was an important part of the renovation. “We wanted to respect the history of the building while creating a professional, welcoming environment,” she said.

The bright, thoughtfully designed space mirrors Belter’s goal of creating an environment where clients feel comfortable asking questions and taking their time.

As tax season approaches, Belter says she’s looking forward to building long-term relationships with clients and becoming a trusted resource in the community.

Tanalea L. Belter CPA Inc. is now open and accepting new clients. The firm is located on 100th Street in downtown Fort St. John.