Chair’s August Update Highlights Major Infrastructure, Partnerships and Regional Developments

Chair Leonard Hiebert sat down with Moose Media to chat about news and initiatives at the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) in the latest installment of our Chair’s Update series. The next conversation is coming this December! Subscribe to the PRRD’s YouTube channel @PeaceRiverRegionalD to follow along.

The key talking discussion points include:

Strategic planning and governance milestones

• Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) and Regional Climate Resiliency Plan (RCRP): Both plans completed and adopted at July 17, 2025 Board Meeting. Developed with extensive community input from the region.
• New website launch: Targeted launch end of August, 2025. Improved navigation, plain language content and easier document access for residents.
• Financial excellence recognition: Sixth consecutive year receiving recognition for financial reporting excellence, demonstrating strong fiscal stewardship and transparency.

Emergency preparedness and drought management

• Current drought conditions: Region remains at drought level two despite recent moisture. Fifth consecutive year of drought conditions.
• Wildfire preparedness: Monthly coordination meetings with BC Wildfire Service and Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) continue. FireSmart services available to residents, with additional support for seniors.
• Community resilience: Ongoing collaboration between mayors, chairs and emergency services to monitor conditions and maintain preparedness.

Healthcare and senior housing developments

• Senior housing beds announcements: Significant milestone for Fort St. John with the announcement of 84 beds for seniors. Currently 50-60 people on waiting list. Construction timeline pending provincial process completion.
• Doctor support initiatives: North Peace and South Peace Division of Family Practice organizations helping new physicians integrate into communities through connections to local services, organizations and activities.
• Community involvement encouraged: Residents can support doctors by connecting with local family practice divisions and offering practical assistance.

Major infrastructure and development projects

• North Wind Wellness Centre groundbreaking: Construction progressing toward Fall 2026 opening in Pouce Coupe, providing comprehensive services from detox through job training and creating economic opportunities.
• Site C camp repurposing: Multiple proposals under consideration including Centre of Excellence proposal. Advocating against landfill disposal and exploring cost-effective reuse options.
• Wind farm development: BC Energy Regulator (BCER) leading permitting process with emphasis on landowner rights. Unlike oil and gas delegation agreements, private landowners can say ‘no’ and it’s final with no Surface Rights Board override.

Community engagement and partnerships

• Community to community (C2C) meetings: Ongoing collaboration with First Nations on shared priorities including wildfire response, economic development and environmental stewardship.
• Public participation opportunities: Board meetings accessible online and in-person with two-minute gallery comment periods. Open door policy continues for resident feedback.
• Interest holder consultation: Advocacy for direct community engagement in wind farm consultations rather than only through elected officials.

Looking ahead to fall priorities

• UBCM minister meetings: September Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) meetings scheduled at legislature with increased ministerial accessibility expected.
• Legislative changes: Monitoring BCER wind farm legislation changes and Local Government Act reform outcomes following UBCM conference.
• Continued collaboration: Emphasis on maintaining communication, transparency and community resilience through ongoing challenges.