Date

Rural Official Community Plan at Second Reading
The Rural OCP By-law No. 1940, 2011 was given Second Reading on July 28, 2011 and is available for review. Public Hearings will take place in October. Copies are available at ruralocp.ca or the Regional District offices.

Deadline for Disaster Financial Assistance Applications Ends September 28, 2011
The Peace River Regional District is reminding residents that the application deadline to apply for DFA is September 28, 2011. If you incurred damages as a result of the June flooding and have not yet made an application you are encouraged to do so BEFORE September 28, 2011.

Regional Parks & Trails Master Plan Needs You!
The Peace River Regional District is embarking on the development of a Regional Parks and Trails Master Plan. The Plan will define future direction, policies, priorities, and actions for the Regional District with respect to existing and potential future regional parks and support of regional trail networks. To develop the Plan we need your ideas, comments and insights on how you use our parks, if there is a need for new parks or improvements to the existing ones and how we can support trail development in the region. To provide your input please fill out the online survey or visit us at the Sweetwater 905 Festival between September 2nd and 4th. There will be information about Emergency Preparedness, the Invasive Weed Program and the Parks Master Plan we are working on! Fill out a Parks Master Plan survey and enter your name to win an iPod Shuffle.

Weeds Got Your Goat?
Starting July 25th 400 goats will visit the Peace Valley Lookout Site to suppress an infestation of Dalmatian Toadflax, an invasive plant. For more information on the project check here.

Water, Sewer & Flood Clean-Up
Rural residents are reminded that due to recent flooding their water and sewer systems may not be working properly and water may be contaminated. To ensure that you and your family stay healthy it is recommended that all residents use bottled water for drinking and cooking until you can get your water systems tested.

Please see the following information:
- Disinfecting Drinking Water
- Sewage Systems and Flooding
- What to do During a Flood
- Clean-up After a Flood
- After a Flood

Tumbler Ridge Transmission Structure Update
BC Hydro advises that its crews have made progress over the weekend in constructing new transmission structures on both sides of High Hat Creek that will bypass the threatened structures. Despite challenging field conditions, access to the new sites has been established and crews are now preparing for the placement of twelve wooden poles – 85 to 95 feet in length -- that will eventually hold the 230 kV transmission line.

Backup power and ongoing work: In addition, as part of a contingency plan, today the first back-up generation unit arrived in Tumbler Ridge. This would serve as standby supplemental power to Tumbler Ridge’s existing back-up units for their critical infrastructure and emergency requirements if the threatened transmission structures fall. A second BC Hydro back-up generator is expected to arrive on Monday. As many as 35 – 40 BC Hydro crews and contractors will be involved in building the new structures and facilitating the hook-up of the back-up generators. Crews and equipment have come from Vancouver, Prince George, Terrace, Vernon, Chetwynd, Ft. St. John, and Dawson Creek.

Potential Time lines: If weather conditions remain stable and there are no unexpected delays, construction of the new structures could be completed by Friday. A planned outage will then be required to transfer the transmission line to the new poles. The exact timing of the planned outage will be confirmed in the next few days. While power to Tumbler Ridge remains uninterrupted, the transmission structure continues to be threatened by unstable soils and excessive water. BC Hydro’s primary concern is for the safety of our crews and customers as we implement a plan that ensures power reliability. Hydro will continue to provide information and as much advance notice as possible of potential power interruptions. Information will also be posted through the offices and website of the District of Tumbler Ridge.

If the transmission structure should fall: Should the transmission structure fall, a power outage will occur in Tumbler Ridge. In that event, the back-up generation units on site would serve all emergency and critical infrastructure needs in Tumbler Ridge. For other customers, the length of a potential outage would depend on progress on the long-term solution and whether other temporary solutions are feasible given the challenging ground conditions.

Additional Information: BC Hydro field operations observed deteriorating conditions on Monday, July 11 around a wood pole structure that is part of the 230-kilovolt transmission line to Tumbler Ridge. Monitoring of the site has been ongoing. This area has been subject to significant rainfall and high water levels at High Hat Creek, leading to soil saturation on a hillside where the transmission structure is located. Last week, BC Hydro completed a geotechnical assessment and plans were made to begin construction of new wood pole structures on both sides of High Hat Creek on higher, more solid ground.

For updates about the Tumbler Ridge Transmission Tower visit BC Hydro’s website at: www.bchydro.com/mediabulletins

In the event that there is an unplanned power outage please call BC Hydro at1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766) for updates.

The BC River Forecast Centre is ending the High Streamflow Advisory
The BC River Forecast Centre is ending the High Streamflow Advisory for:
- Southeast Peace Region
- Southwest Peace Region

Rainfall has eased in the Peace Region and river levels have been dropping throughout the region since Sunday or Monday. Most rivers are now below levels of concern.

Rainfall rates over the past two days have been moderate with 36 hour rainfall totals of 5-10 mm being observed at Fire Weather Stations in the region. Reports of localized precipitation amounts to 25 mm have been observed; however it does not appear as if these amounts are widespread. While smaller streams may have responded over the past day to localized precipitation, significant rises in larger creeks and rivers in the areas is not expected.

Environment Canada is forecasting another low pressure system through the Interior of British Columbia which may provide additional moisture over the Peace Region. At this time, forecast precipitation is moderate, and while river levels may remain elevated, no significant rises are expected.

The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update as conditions warrant. Current streamflow information is available from the River Forecast Centre website: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/.

Tumbler Ridge Transmission Tower Update
BC Hydro advises that the wooden transmission structure located 68 kms south of the WAC Bennett Dam, between Hudson’s Hope and Chetwynd that services Tumbler Ridge is at greater risk of falling today than was determined earlier this week and should the transmission structure fall, a power outage will occur in Tumbler Ridge. Should this occur, BC Hydro will work quickly and safely to re-establish power by constructing an immediate temporary solution and the length of the outage will depend on how quickly this can be safely done – a minimum of 1 to 2 days, and possibly longer depending on field conditions. Reports from the field indicate that safely carrying out work in the area will be hampered by poor road access and site stability.

In the event of an extended outage, the Provincial Emergency Program will be engaged and we will support their efforts.

Hydro will continue to provide information and as much advance notice as possible of potential power interruptions Information will also be posted through the offices and website of the District of Tumbler Ridge.

Forest Service Roads and Rec sites closed
DAWSON CREEK - Travellers are advised to use caution when using back roads and be prepared for extreme conditions. As the above-normal snowpack continues to melt and with a high streamflow advisory in effect, travellers are advised that several Forest Service roads are closed due to washouts and care should be taken on others.

Current conditions:

• Johnson Creek Forest Service Road near Moberly Lake, Fisher Creek and Silver Sands FSRs west of Chetwynd, and Table Creek Forest Service Road near Hudson's Hope are all closed.
• The Tumbler Ridge area, specifically the Murray River Forest Service Road, leading to Kinuseo Falls has been impacted and access to recreational sites and trails along the road is limited. These roads are only passable by pickup truck. Roadwork continues today so expect delays.
• The Moberly River Forest Service Road near Moberly Lake has also been impacted and repair work is underway. The road is open for pickup truck access only.
• There is currently no access to Wright Lake, Gething Creek and Carbon Lake recreation sites, as well as to Battleship Mountain hiking trail.
  

  Staff from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations will continue to monitor the conditions and will provide updates as they become known.
  

CANCELLED - Local State of Emergency and Evacuation Alert
The Local State of Emergency for Electoral Area E and the Evacuation Alert for areas south of Dawson Creek including Gundy, Tomslake, Tupper, One Island Lake and Kelly Lake has been cancelled.

Residents Are Encouraged to Submit Disaster Financial Assistance Applications Early
The Peace River Regional District is encouraging residents to submit applications for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) early. You are eligible for DFA assistance if items essential to your principal residence, business, farm, or charitable or volunteer organization have been damaged due to the recent flood event and if you are a: 1) Home owner or residential tenant (renter); 2) Small business or farm owner; or 3) Charitable or volunteer organization.

Please note that that the entire application does not need to be completed before it can be submitted to the Province of BC, you only need to complete the first 2 pages of the application to have your home or business considered for the program. Applications can be picked up and faxed to the Province of BC at the Resilience Centre at the Chetwynd Rec Centre or the Peace River Regional District offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St John. Anyone needing assistance with completing the application can call the Resilience Centre at 250 401-7515. Information on the DFA program can also be found on the Provincial Emergency Program website.

The Peace River Regional District is encouraging residents to submit applications for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) early. You are eligible for DFA assistance if items essential to your principal residence, business, farm, or charitable or volunteer organization have been damaged due to the recent flood event and if you are a: 1) Home owner or residential tenant (renter); 2) Small business or farm owner; or 3) Charitable or volunteer organization.

Please note that that the entire application does not need to be completed before it can be submitted to the Province of BC, you only need to complete the first 2 pages of the application to have your home or business considered for the program. Applications can be picked up and faxed to the Province of BC at the Resilience Centre at the Chetwynd Rec Centre or the Peace River Regional District offices in Dawson Creek and Fort St John. Anyone needing assistance with completing the application can call the Resilience Centre at 250 401-7515. Information on the DFA program can also be found on the Provincial Emergency Program website.

Flood Warning: Central & Southern Peace Region
Rivers in the south Peace Region have been rising since late yesterday and are continuing to rise. For more information please check the BC River Forecast Center website.

Fort St John Airport Subdivision Sewer System
Residents living in the Airport Subdivision outside of Ft. St. John are advised not to use water unless it is absolutely essential. Due to current and past rainfall events water is not being absorbed by the saturated ground and is draining into the Fort St John airport community sewer system which is having trouble keeping up. Residents with concerns may contact the Peace River Regional District at 250 784-3200.

Stackyard Fencing Producer Survey
Producers who have constructed a stackyard fence, either with or without funding from the Regional District, are strongly encouraged to complete the Stackyard Fencing Producer Survey and return the completed survey to the Regional District by August 31, 2011. This information will be used in the development of a business case for possible future funding. For more details, please refer to the Notice.

Environment Canada Rainfall Warning in Effect - B.C. North and South Peace River - Update
Rainfall Warning for B.C. North and South Peace River continued - Rain will continue over the B.C. Peace and Yellowhead regions today.

This is a warning that significant rainfall is expected or occurring in these regions. Monitor weather conditions. Listen for updated statements. A strong low pressure system is positioned over Central Alberta. Moisture associated with the system has spread over B.C. Peace region. Southern sections will receive total amounts near 80 mm by early Saturday. Rain is forecast to continue on Saturday but is expected to be lighter with additional amounts in the 5 to 15 mm range. Rain has tapered to a few showers over the Columbia regions.

High Streamflow Advisory: Central and Southern Peace Region
Issued: July 8, 2011 9:45 a.m.
The BC River Forecast Centre is upgrading a High Streamflow Advisory to a Flood Watch for Central and Southern Peace Region.

Environment Canada has issued rainfall warnings for the Peace River Region. Up to 80 mm of precipitation is forecast for the next 24 hours, with an additional 5-15 mm by tomorrow. The heaviest amounts are forecast for the area closest to the Alberta border. Rainfall began last evening, with the heaviest amounts received thus far to areas south of the Peace River at rates of 1-4 mm/hour. Precipitation observations for the past 12 hours at Fire Weather stations include Lemoray (21 mm), Hudson Hope (24 mm), Noel (20 mm), and Tumbler (Denison) (13 mm). Hydrometric stations with precipitation gauges have recorded 10 mm at the Halfway River (WSC 07FA006) and 8 mm on the Moberly River (WSC 07FB008). Water levels on rivers with real-time hydrometric gauges have not yet responded to this precipitation. However, it is likely that smaller creeks and streams have started rising, with the larger rivers expected to rise later today and may approach bankfull conditions by tomorrow. Rivers of highest concern are those in the southeast Peace including the Kiskatinaw and the Pouce Coupe rivers.

The River Forecast Centre will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update as conditions warrant. Current streamflow information is available from the River Forecast Centre website at http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/.

Sand and Sandbags being sent to rural areas
Environment Canada has advised the Peace River Regional District that rainfall levels over the next 72 hours could range from 80-115mm. In anticipation of the heavy rainfall, the Peace River Regional District will be sending sand and sand bags to the following sites:

• One Island Provincial Park
• Tomslake Fire Hall
• Tupper Hall
• Kelly Lake Community Center
• At the CRS yard – where Hwy 52 east meets Hwy 2
• Ivor Johnson Park in Hasler
• The “Old” truck stop near Wildmare Road
• Wilson Concrete in Fort St John, 7224 100th Ave.
• Clearview Arena

To view full press release go to Sandbag Press Release

Disaster Financial Assistance Announced
The following areas within the Peace River Regional District are eligible to make claim to the Disaster Financial Assistance Program:

• City of Dawson Creek
• City of Fort St John
• District of Chetwynd
• District of Taylor
• District of Tumbler Ridge
• District of Hudson's Hope
• Electoral Area B - on an east/west line south from Pink Mountain
• Electoral Areas C, D and E

BC’s Disaster Financial Assistance Program (DFA) helps those impacted by a disaster cope with the cost of repairs and recovery from uninsurable disaster-related property damage.

To be eligible for assistance, the damage must be from an event that is uninsurable including overland flooding and groundwater seepage. Insurable damages, such as sewer or sump pit back-up, water entry from above ground including roofs, windows or other areas of the building that are not at ground level, are not eligible for DFA. Damages from certain mud slides may be eligible, provided it can be shown that the mud slide is the direct result of heavy rainfall or other sudden catastrophic event, and not caused by pre-existing slope instability. For information call toll-free 1-888-257-4777 or check the Provincial Emergency Program website.

Peace River Regional District Declares State of Local Emergency
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has declared a Local State of Emergency in Electoral Area “E” where flooding has occurred.

Under the Emergency Program Act the PRRD has the authority to do all acts considered necessary to prevent or to alleviate the effects of an emergency or disaster. This allows the Peace River Regional District to conduct necessary works to ensure public safety and to mitigate further erosion to areas of concern.

The Chair of the PRRD Karen Goodings, would like to thank all the rural residents for their patience during this event, and to assure them that the Regional District is doing all they can to inform and support rural residents. View the July 2011 Local State of Emergency Order. Rural residents can access information on the Peace River Regional District web page at www.prrd.bc.ca or they can call [250] 784-3200.

Public Meeting on Disaster Financial Assistance
Representatives of the Disaster Financial Assistance Program will brief residents at a public meeting in Chetwynd on Thursday, July 7th at 7 p.m. in the Cottonwood Hall at the Chetwynd Recreation Centre. At this meeting, the representatives will outline the eligibility requirements for residents and small businesses and the process to apply for funding under the Disaster Financial Assistance Program (DFA). The community will also be introduced to the Resilience Centre staff and the services they will be providing in the upcoming weeks, including assistance with completing the DFA application forms. For more information please call the PRRD at [250] 784-3200.

South Moberly Road Closures
The South Moberly Lake Road will be CLOSED on Wednesday July 6 and Thursday July 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wallace and Benson Bridges. Questions or concerns; contact Caribou Road Services 1-800-667-2322

Peace River Regional District Flood Information
The Regional District is gathering names, telephone numbers and addresses of rural residents who have been impacted by the recent flood event. If you live or your business is located in the rural areas of the Peace River Regional District please call 250 784-3200 to have your contact information referred to the province as well as a brief summary of damage to your home, property or business. It is important for all residents and business owners impacted by the flooding to make this report and to keep records and photos of any damage as a result of flooding.

Disaster financial assistance has not been approved for this event; however, the following provides information on the program should it become available to the area. Damage can be reported on the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) website at: http://www.pep.gov.bc.ca/dfa_claims/dfa.html. Also available is the brochure "One Step at a Time" on how to recover after a disaster at: http://www.pep.gov.bc.ca/floods/docs/recoveryguide.pdf.

Peace River Regional District Flooding
The Ministry of Transportation and their contractors have been working to restore roads and bridges affected by the flooding throughout the region. The South Moberly Lake Bridge will be open tonight at 6:00 pm for single lane traffic. Check Drive BC for updates at www.drivebc.ca Rural residents in need of assistance can call the Peace River Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 250 784-3200 24hrs a day.

Peace River Regional District Advising Residents to Stay at Home Due to Flooded Roads
The Peace River Regional District is advising residents that due to the severe rain event many roads and bridges throughout the region have been impacted. Creeks and rivers are running at higher than normal levels causing many ditches and culverts to overflow. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and their contractors are working hard to repair roads and highways. Residents are advised to remain at home or move to high ground on their properties and to only travel on local roads and highways if absolutely necessary. If travelling please use extreme caution at all times and reduce speed when encountering road repair crews. Rural residents in need of assistance can call the Peace River Regional District Emergency Operations Centre at 250 784-3200 24hrs a day. To View full press release June 25 PRRD flooding press release

Flood Watch Issued for Peace Region
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for the Peace and Williston regions, with rainfall amounts of 50‐70mm expected by Friday, and localized 48‐hour precipitation amounts of up to 150 mm forecast through Saturday. Areas of concern include the Sikanni River, Halfway River, Beatton River, Pine River, Moberly River and Kiskatinaw River. Residents needing assistance can call 250 784-3200 (24 hrs). To view the full press release click here.

Public Meeting for Charlie Lake Fire Protection
Residents and business owners in the Charlie Lake/Grandhaven Fire Protection Area are invited to attend a public meeting on Wednesday, July 6 at 7:00 pm at the Pomeroy Hotel to bring forward ideas, concerns or questions regarding the fire protection service and the Fire Service Review under development. To view the full press release, public survey and background information please click here.

This is MY Plan Video Contest
June 1, 2011 - We want to know that you have a plan and an emergency kit and we want to see it on VIDEO! Anyone living in the rural areas or municipalities of the Peace River Region District can submit a video before June 30 and be entered to win some great prizes. For more information on the contest click here. View the press release here.

Flood Watch Ends for Moberly Lake
The BC River Forecast Centre is ending the Flood Watch for the Moberly River and Moberly Lake and lake levels have been high through the week in response to rainfall and snowmelt throughout the week. River levels on the Moberly River crested late Thursday, and have been receding since Friday. River and lake levels are expected to continue to recede through the weekend.

Peace Region Flood Watch Continued for Moberly Lake
- The BC River Forecast Centre is maintaining the Flood Watch for the Moberly River including Moberly Lake and ending the Flood Watch for the Pine River near East Pine and the Tributaries to the Peace River/Williston around Hudson’s Hope, Taylor and west of Fort St. John. Rain is expected for Wednesday evening and into Thursday with warmer weather through the weekend which could increase the snow melt and could cause a further increase in lake levels. Sand and empty sand bags are available at the Moberly Lake Fire Department and in the Yip Subdivision for lakeshore residents of Moberly Lake to pick up as needed. To view the full press release check here.  For more information on flood preparation and safety precautions please check our website. 

Peace Region Flood Watch
A flood watch has been issued for the Moberly River, East Pine and tributaries to the Peace River. Environment Canada is forecasting 30-50mm of rain through to Monday. Residents in need of assistance, sandbagging resources or to report flooding should call the PRRD at 250-784-3200. To view the full press release check here.

Moberly Lake Flood Precautions
The Regional District would like to inform lakeshore residents of Moberly Lake of an increased risk of flooding due to rising lake levels.  To view the full press release check here. For more information on flood preparation and safety precautions please check our website.

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week)
EP Week is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This national event is coordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and local governments across Canada.

Preparing for an emergency is important and something the whole family can do. By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies and minimize the impact on yourselves and your families. For more information on how to get prepared check our newsletter, Facebook page, website, or go to GetPrepared.ca.

Charlie Lake Fire Protection Area Fire Underwriters Survey
A copy of the Fire Underwriters Study for the Charlie Lake Fire Protection Area is now available for public release. To view the study please check here.

2011 Annual Financial Plan Public Consultation
Public consultation on the 2011 Annual Financial Plan took place from March 14 through March 16, 2011 as follows:

On March 24, 2011 the Peace River Regional District Board of Directors, at their regular board meeting, will review the 2011 Annual Financial Plan for the Second and Third Readings and Adoption.

Charlie Lake Fire Protection Service
Click here for the information release regarding fire protection service in the Charlie Lake and Grandhaven areas.

Request for Volunteers - Agricultural Advisory Committee
The Peace River Regional District is seeking three (3) members-at-large from the region to service as members on the Agricultural Advisory Committee. For more information, read the full Notice and Terms of Reference.

Fee Increase - Waste Disposal
Effective July 1, 2010 tipping fees for waste disposal at landfills and select transfer stations will be increasing. The higher fees are intended to encourage recycling to fund the Regional District's solid waste program. Fee examples include:

• Regular waste, such as household garbage, segregated metals and wood waste, from $30/tonne to $35/tonne;
• Controlled waste, such as vehicle hulks, demolition and construction waste, from $60/tonne to $70/tonne;
• Restricted waste, such as commercial cardboard, asbestos, livestock/wildlife animal carcasses, from $90/tonned to $105/tonne.

For more information, call the Peace River Regional District at (250) 784-3200 or (800) 670-7773 or view the pertinent by-laws, the "Solid Waste Regulation By-law No. 1899, 2010" and the "Solid Waste Disposal Fee By-law No. 1900, 2010."

Rotary Manor Welcomes South Peace Seniors
Peace River, South MLA Blair Lekstrom, Peace River Regional Hospital District Chair, Karen Goodings and Northern Health Board Representative, Dale Bumstead were on hand to officially open the Rotary Manor expansion on April 6, 2010.

Pouce Coupe Opens New Fire Hall
On Saturday, January 9, 2010 the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Electoral Area ‘D’ Director, Wayne Hiebert, was pleased to present a cheque in the amount of $100,000 to the Village of Pouce Coupe, represented by Mayor Lyman Clark, to assist in the construction of the Village’s new fire hall.

2009

December 11

Rural Official Community Plan Website Launched
The Regional District is updating its land use policies in the rural area.  If you live or own land in the North, South, or West Peace rural areas, (beyond the fringe areas of the municipalities) please check out how this may affect you and your community at www.ruralocp.ca. Your opinion is important to us!

Tomslake Rural Gasification Project: Peace River Regional District Electoral Area ‘D’ Director Wayne Hiebert announced on August 13, 2009 that he had the privilege to present a cheque in the amount of $1,090,750 to Pacific Northern Gas (PNG) for Electoral Area "D’s” contribution to the Tomslake Rural Gasification project.

August 13

STARS: The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) was pleased to present a cheque in the amount of $116,528.00 to Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) to support their efforts to provide safe, rapid rotary critical care transport to critically injured and ill Northern residents.