Media Releases

  • PRRD Shares 2026 Local Government Election Update

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has launched an interactive election tool to help residents prepare for the 2026 General Local Election on October 17, 2026.

    Available at prrd.bc.ca/VST, the tool allows residents to enter their address to view:

    • Electoral Area Director candidates (will be on the ballot if more than one candidate is running in each area)
    • Proposed services they are eligible to vote on
    • Voting locations, dates and times for stations in their electoral area and voting headquarters
    • 2026GeneralLocalElection
  • PRRD 2026 Local Government Election Update

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) extended the nomination period for the Electoral Area E director position in the 2026 General Local Election after no nominations were received by the close of nominations at 4 pm on September 11, 2026. The deadline was extended to 4 pm September 14, 2026.

    Following the close of the extended nomination period at 4 pm September 14, the following were declared as candidates for Electoral Area E: Richard Nicholls, Julia Nelson, Jason Young and Maureen Ethier.

    • 2026GeneralLocalElection
    • CandidateInformation
  • PRRD extends nomination period for Electoral Area E

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has extended the nomination period for the position of Electoral Area E Director in the 2026 General Local Election.

    As of 4 pm on September 11, four candidates have been declared for the 2026 General Local Election: Reid Graham for Electoral Area B, Bradley Sperling for Electoral Area C, and Leonard Hiebert and Orval Harris for Electoral Area D.

    The nomination period for the Electoral Area E Director will remain open until 4 pm on Monday, September 14, 2026, after no nominations were received for the position before the close of nominations on September 11.

  • Next phase of Old Fort landslide risk assessment approved and funded by the Province

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has received confirmation from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) that funding has been approved for Phase 2 of a geotechnical assessment of landslide risk in the Old Fort community. 

    The assessment follows Ministerial Order No. M214, issued by the Province on May 21, 2026, requiring the PRRD to undertake a geotechnical assessment of risks to people and property associated with the landslide-related closure of Old Fort Road.

    • OldFortLandslide
  • PRRD launches second round of engagement on Solid Waste Collection Network

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has launched Phase 2 engagement for its Solid Waste Collection Network as part of its comprehensive review of its solid waste facility network. The review considered the number and location of facilities, the services provided at each facility, how often the facilities are used, the distances travelled to access the facilities and the cost of operating and maintaining the system over time. The review also included feedback received during Phase 1 engagement, which took place in March 2026.

  • PRRD Regional Board approves abandonment of proposed Regional Zoning Bylaw

    At its meeting on August 13, 2026, the PRRD Board of Directors voted to abandon Regional Zoning Bylaw No. 2582, 2025. The Board also approved seeking an extension from the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to allow the PRRD to update its existing zoning bylaws to achieve compliance with provincial housing legislation.

    "The decision to discontinue a unified Regional Zoning Bylaw does not diminish the tremendous amount of work that went into this initiative," says Board Chair Sperling. "Over the past year, staff, directors, committee members and residents invested significant time and effort reviewing regulations, sharing perspectives and helping shape the discussion around land use and housing in our region. That work has provided valuable insights that will continue to support the PRRD as we move forward with updating our existing zoning bylaws."

    • RegionalZoningBylaw
  • Lt. Chris Pelley and Lt. Miranda Moineau stand with Tactical Tender 1 prior to deploying to the Merritt area in support of BC Wildfire Service response efforts
    Charlie Lake Fire Department Deploys Crew and Equipment to Support BC Wildfire Response

    PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, BC — The Charlie Lake Fire Department (CLFD) has deployed personnel and equipment to support wildfire response efforts in the Merritt area at the request of the BC Wildfire Service.

    On August 8, CLFD deployed Tactical Tender 1 and two firefighters, Lt. Chris Pelley and Lt. Miranda Moineau, on a 14-day assignment. The members will work alongside crews from across British Columbia supporting wildfire suppression activities and helping protect communities affected by ongoing wildfire activity.

  • PRRD Offers Free Hands-On Wildfire Defense for Rural Seniors and Residents with Mobility Challenges

    PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, BC — As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across British Columbia, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is reminding eligible residents to take advantage of free, hands-on help to protect their homes.

    Professional crews from Mammoth Forestry will complete physical wildfire mitigation landscape work around eligible properties at zero cost to the homeowner. This dedicated support service is available for seniors and persons with mobility challenges, through the PRRD’s FireSmart™ program.

    Services include:

    • Clearing gutters and removing yard brush
    • Pruning trees and removing fuel sources near homes
    • Chipping wood and completing ladder work
    • FireSmart
  • Participants engaging at the HRVA public engagement round 1
    PRRD and Municipal Partners Invite Residents to Second Round of Engagement on Local Hazards

    The Peace River Regional District (PRRD), in collaboration with its municipal partners, is inviting residents to the second round of engagement to help shape the region’s new Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA). PRRD project team members are inviting residents to participate in an online survey and community events across the region from August 11 to August 23.

    Earlier this year, residents shared their perspectives on the hazards and risks that matter most to their communities. This next round of engagement focuses on sharing what was heard and identifying actions that can be taken to reduce these identified risks.

  • Statement From Vice Chair Leonard Hiebert On The Tragedy At Tumbler Ridge Secondary School

    Dawson Creek, BC – February 11, 2026 – The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is profoundly saddened by the tragic events of February 10, 2026, at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. On behalf of the PRRD Board of Directors, I offer our sincerest condolences to everyone affected by this devastating loss.

    The District of Tumbler Ridge is part of our regional family and this tragedy is felt deeply across the entire Peace region. Our hearts go out to the children, staff, family, first responders, community, Mayor Darryl Krakowka, Council and every resident of Tumbler Ridge as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. We grieve alongside you.

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Contact Us

Peace River Regional District (PRRD)
1981 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC
V1G 4H8

250-784-3200 
prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

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