Chair’s March Update Highlights Community Supports, Health Care and 2026 Budget
PRRD Chair Brad Sperling sat down with Moose Media to chat about regional priorities heading into spring 2026 in the latest installment of our Chair's Update series. Subscribe to the PRRD's YouTube channel PeaceRiverRegionalD to follow along.
Areas discussed:
UBCM Minister Meetings this April
Chair Sperling will attend approximately nine ministerial meetings in April as part of the annual Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) follow-up process. Meetings are confirmed with the Premier and ministers responsible for rural development, infrastructure, health, energy, agriculture, transportation and public safety. A recurring discussion point is that the Province is not sufficiently consulting the Regional District on legislation and issues that directly affect rural residents.
Peace Villa Long-term Care
The PRRD continues to advocate for the Fort St. John Peace Villa long-term care facility, currently paused by the Province over bed-cost concerns. Chair Sperling stressed that 84 beds are not enough to meet the demand and needs in the region. He emphasized that seniors should not have to leave their communities to access care, stating the PRRD Board will not give up until 'shovels are in the ground'.
Senior's Aging in Place Program
The PRRD is exploring the municipal Better at Home and regional Senior's Aging in Place Programs to help residents stay in their communities longer. Chair Sperling noted that home-based support reduces pressures on facilities like Peace Villa and the hospital system. He raised concern that the Better at Home program is only available within municipalities and said rural residents should be treated the same.
Health Care and Cross-Border Barriers
The Board wants to see interprovincial health care training barriers reduced. Chair Sperling noted that when workers train in one province and move to another, they have to go through additional certification before they can practice. Chair Sperling highlighted the value of training and retaining local students at Northern Lights College and keeping them in the region. He noted that BC recently announced that residents can seek surgical treatment in Alberta.
2026 Budget
The PRRD's 2026 budget came in 2.79% lower than last year. Chair Sperling credited the finance department and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), noting that the multi-month process begins in November. Chair acknowledged that while some service areas like fire and sewer costs increased, overall, the budget is down, which, he added, is something to be happy about given the current economic climate.
Wind Farms and Renewable Energy
With seven wind farm proposals now before the PRRD, including two on Crown land and three on agricultural land, Chair Sperling said that the Board has three recommendations for the Province. These include cumulative effects studies that look at impacts on the surrounding area, not just a wind farm itself, and a proper reclamation and taxation framework. He expressed frustration that the Province is not conversing enough with regional districts or residents and noted that the Board does not want to find itself in the same position as with orphan oil and gas wells 30 years from now.
Water Services Study - Areas C, D and E
Area B has had water service for some time, and the PRRD has now initiated legislative studies to look at whether independent water services are feasible for Electoral Areas C, D and E. Chair Sperling noted that any decision to establish water service would require a referendum (public vote), and that residents need proper information to make an informed choice.
Contact Us
Peace River Regional District (PRRD)
1981 Alaska Avenue,
Dawson Creek, BC
V1G 4H8
Stay Informed
Sign up to receive newsletters on important regional news and events
