Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Regional District’s hours of business?
Both the Dawson Creek and Fort St John offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We are closed weekends and statutory holidays.
Community Services
Who do I contact if I have questions about Grants-in-aid?
Please contact the Community Services Department by calling 250 784-3200 someone will be happy to assist you.
Development Services
Building or Renovating a House
How do I apply for a 911 house number?
The instructions and application form can be found on the House (911) Numbering page of our website. You may also pick up an application form from either office. For assistance, our GIS Department will be glad to explain the procedure to you.
If you live within the Peace River Regional District area, a Building Permit will be required prior to any construction, pursuant to Building By-law No. 1996, 2011.
Do I need a sewage or water permit?
New sewerage systems, like lagoons, fall under the jurisdiction of Northern Health and are regulated by the Sewerage System Regulation. A “Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner” must be used to plan and install the system. A Practitioner can be found through Onsite Wastewater Registration Program. For drinking water systems please contact the Northern Health Authority.
How do I get an occupancy permit?
The Regional District Building Permit Final Inspection will act as your occupancy permits.
Property Information
Who is the owner of “this specific” piece of land?
The Regional District cannot provide a land owner's name, due to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. However, we can provide a legal description or a parcel identity number (PID) which you can use to request a land owner’s name from the government agent at the provincial government office:
- 1201 103 Avenue, Dawson Creek (250-784-2224)
- 10600 100 Street, Fort St. John (250-787-3350)
- 4744 52 Street, Chetwynd (250-788-2239)
What kind of information can I get about a property in the Regional District and how do I access it?
The Regional District can provide information regarding regulations that pertain to individual properties, such as zoning and Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) status. We can search our property files for past applications, historical records, old correspondences, or building permits that may have impacted the property.
Can I get a copy of my land parcel survey plan?
If we have a legal survey plan on your land parcel on file, a copy may be obtained from our office.
Subdivision
How do I apply to subdivide my property?
The Regional District plays a large role in the subdivision application process; please check with a Land Use Planner to determine if your proposed subdivision is consistent with the ALR and/or Zoning regulations. All subdivision proposals will require final approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Operating a Business
Do I need a Business license to operate my home-based business within the Regional District?
No, Business licences are not required by the Peace River Regional District. However, please check with a Land Use Planner to determine if your home-based business is consistent with the ALR and/or Zoning regulations.
The list of permitted uses for land and home-based businesses differ according to lot size and zone. Please contact our Land Use Planner to discuss the details of the proposal or business.
Maps
What kind of maps can I purchase from the Regional District?
The Regional District has a limited number of maps available such as:
- Provincial Status Maps
- Rural Fire Protection Area Maps
- Rural Road Maps and Atlases for North and South Peace areas
- Northeast BC Outdoor Recreation Maps
- Agricultural Land Reserve Maps
- Canada Land Inventory Soil Capability Maps
- Emergency Services Zone (ESZ) Maps
Do you have any regional-based maps / with land owner names?
No, the Regional District does not have maps with landowner names, due to the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
Emergency Services
What do I do if an emergency event happens in my area?
Depending on the event, you should call one of the following phone numbers:
- For fire, police, ambulance or oil and gas emergencies, dial 911. The dispatcher will then contact the appropriate agencies to assist you.
- For a forest, brush or grass fire, contact the Ministry of Forests at 800-663-5555 or * 5555 from a cellular telephone.
- For other emergencies, such as train derailments, hazardous goods spills, plane crashes, flooding, etc., contact either the Provincial Emergency Program at 800 663-3456 or the Peace River Regional District at 800 670-7773
- Encounters with aggressive, wild animals should be reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 800 663-WILD (9453).
For a list of more Emergency related FAQ’s see the Emergency Services page
Environmental Services
Do dugouts and dugout water supplies require a licence?
Dugout water supplies do not need licencing. Dugout water supplies filled by rain or spring feshets do not require a water licence from the Water Comptroller of the Ministry of Environment; however, if the landowner is diverting water from a stream to fill the dugout a licence is required.
When are the landfills open and where are the landfills located?
To view a list of landfills, a map of their locations and their hours of operations please check our Landfill and Transtor Sites page.
Where are the transfer sites?
To view a list of transfer sites and a map of their locations please check our Transfer Sites page.
Where do I take my recycle stuff?
For a list of locations please check our Recycling page or check the pRRRdy website for information on locations, items that be recycled and more.
Who do I contact regarding recycling info?
You can contact the Northeast Environmental Action Team at:
Main Office |
Dawson Creek Office |
Finance
How and where do I pay my taxes?
The Regional District does not accept payment for Rural Taxes. You may send them in to the Surveyor of Taxes in the envelope provided with your Tax Notice or you can go to any government agent (Service BC) and pay your taxes directly.
How do I pay my Regional District bill?
- By online internet banking through most financial institutions:
- BC Credit Unions
- BMO
- CIBC
- Scotiabank
- TD Canada Trust
- By mailing your cheque or money order to: PRRD, Box 810, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H8
- In person at 1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek OR at 9505 100 Avenue, Fort St. John by cash, cheque, debit, Visa or MasterCard.
How do I apply for a credit account at the landfill?
If you operate a registered company you qualify to apply for a Commercial Solid Waste Credit Account. Please check the instructions and applications listed on our site. Normal processing time is 1 to 2 weeks.
How do I change my company name on my landfill account?
In order to change the company name on your account you must apply for a Solid Waste Credit Account in your new company name.
I don’t agree with my tax assessment so who do I call?
You must follow the procedures listed on your tax assessment notice for disputing assessments. If you have questions pertaining to Local Service Taxes such as Solid Waste Services, Parcel Taxes or Fire Protection, contact our office for more information.
Parks & Recreation
Are there any regional parks?
Yes, the Peace River Regional District has a number of regional parks that are free for public use. Our parks are generally open from mid-May to mid-September. For more information please see our Parks and Recreation page.