Chair’s December Update Highlights Advocacy, Wind Farms and Regional Priorities
Chair Brad Sperling sat down with Moose Media to discuss news and initiatives at the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) in the latest installment of our Chair’s Update series. Subscribe to the PRRD’s YouTube channel @PeaceRiverRegionalD to follow along.
UBCM Conference and Minister Meetings
The PRRD delegation attended the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference this year. They conducted eight minister meetings focused on the following key regional priorities:
Grants-in-Lieu of Taxes
- PRRD raised concerns about insufficient grants-in-lieu of taxes from BC Hydro for the three Peace River dams
- Minister of Finance confirmed that a review process is underway
- Board sent a follow-up letter. The letter emphasized that elected officials, not just staff, need to be involved in advocacy
Health, Finance and Public Safety
- Discussed health care access, finance concerns and public safety challenges
- Topics included energy development and ongoing regional needs
The Board will review all UBCM meeting outcomes at the January Committee of the Whole meeting. This meeting will help set priorities for the coming year.
Year-Round Advocacy Efforts
The PRRD’s advocacy work continues throughout the year, not just at UBCM. Upcoming opportunities include:
- Natural Resources conference in Prince George (BC Natural Resources Forum – BCNRF) (mid-January)
- Council of Forest Industries (COFI) conference (April)
- Ongoing engagement with ministers on forestry, energy and mines
Chair Sperling emphasized that advocating for residents is a continuous responsibility. This happens alongside the Board’s daily business of managing water, sewer, garbage and other regional services.
Wind Farm Development Concerns
Wind farm projects have become a prevailing topic for the region There is significant growth in proposed developments.
Current State:
- BC currently has approximately 300 wind turbines
- 192 are already in the Peace region
- Six projects have been presented to the Board in 2025
- These projects proposed an additional 200-250 turbines
- Two projects are within the District of Tumbler Ridge
- One project is on Crown Land (Steward Lake)
- Three projects are on agricultural land
Key Concerns:
- Cumulative effects of multiple projects
- Reclamation plans
- Economic benefit to the region
- Lack of clear guidelines on regional limits
Communication Challenges:
- Provincial government is doing a poor job communicating with the public
- Not enough community consultation from proponents
- Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) expressed concerns about insufficient consultation
- One project (South Taylor) is planning a community open-house in Taylor for February
Wildfire Season
The 2025 wildfire season showed significant improvements over previous years.
Key Highlights:
- BC Wildfire Service response times were exceptional
- Fewer fires and evacuations compared to previous years
- Over-wintering fires remain under monitoring
- These fires are not near populated areas
Preparedness Improvements
- Structural protection units now deployed in Charlie Lake, the Regional District and Tumbler Ridge
- Units are positioned locally to avoid delays waiting for equipment from southern BC
- PRRD Protective Services continues coordination with BC Wildfire Service
The region continues to need rain and snow. This supports both wildfire prevention and agricultural needs.
Senior’s Housing and Support Services
Progress continues on seniors housing and aging-in-place programs across the region.
Fort St. John’s Senior’s Housing
- Third phase of Peace Villa has been approved
- Construction expected to start within 1-2 years
- Completion targeted for 2029 or earlier
Regional Needs Assessment
- Northern Health presented needs for Fort St. John and Dawson Creek
- Board asked about needs in five smaller communities (e.g., Hudson’s Hope)
- The goal is to keep seniors in their communities near family and support networks
- This would also reduce pressure on major centres
Better At Home Program
- Currently operating in Area D and part of Area E
- Services include snow removal, cleaning and meals
- Coming year: studies for Areas C, B and remainder of Area E
- Studies will determine feasibility, costs and numbers
- Referendum would be required before implementation
Water Function Studies
Studies will be conducted in 2026. These studies will look at potential water functions in Electoral Areas C, D and E.
- Many residents have requested their own water functions
- The current reliance is on municipal neighbours for water service
- Studies will examine water availability, costs and feasibility
2025 Accomplishments
Key achievements for the PRRD in 2025 included:
- Completing the Regional Growth study
- Nearing completion of the region-wide rezoning bylaw review
- This was the first comprehensive review in over 20 years
- Successfully managing wildfire season with minimal impact
- Announcing the third-phase of Peace Villa Seniors Housing project
2026 Priorities
Looking ahead, the Board’s priorities include:
Economic advocacy
- Pushing the province to recognize the Peace region’s contributions to BC
- Supporting regional economy including agriculture and forestry
- Addressing economic uncertainty across the country
Regional studies
- Water function feasibility studies (Areas C, D, E)
- Better at Home program studies (Areas B, C, remainder of E)
- Continuing work on region-wide rezoning bylaw
Continued advocacy
- Following-up on UBCM minister meetings
- Maintaining year-round engagement with provincial government
- Ensuring Northern BC is not forgotten in provincial priorities
Season's Greetings
Chair Sperling closed by wishing residents season’s greetings, Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming new year. This message is on behalf of the Board and PRRD staff.
Contact Us
Peace River Regional District (PRRD)
1981 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC
V1G 4H8
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