FORT ST. JOHN -- The Peace River Regional District is conducting their first-ever regional growth strategy to help create a 20-year plan for the entire region.
The regional growth strategy will guide long-term growth in the Peace Region and help support planning for the City of Dawson Creek, City of Fort St. John, District of Taylor, District of Chetwynd, District of Hudson’s Hope, District of Tumbler Ridge and the Village of Pouce Coupe.
They say this will help prepare for the potential changes the region can expect over the next 20 years. These changes include a growing population, new service demands, the regional economy, and a changing climate.
They say the strategic plan aims to develop policies on the region’s economy, relationships with First Nations and other partners and services that respond to the increasing frequency of natural hazard events. It will also include broad goals on topics like transportation, housing, parks and natural areas, economic development, and regional environmental issues.
However, it will not include land use and development. It also does not apply to reserve lands or federal lands, but regional First Nations will be invited to participate and learn about the project.
The Peace Region received a grant of $100,000 from the Union of BC Municipalities through the Canada Community Building Fund to cover half the cost of the project.
The board is developing the plan as part of their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.The development of the regional growth strategy is a multi-year project that started in August 2023. It will be completed in May 2025.
Residents can get involved by completing a five to 10-minute survey online to share their thoughts. Residents can complete the survey at: https://haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/
