Chair’s November Update Highlights Regional Growth, Advocacy Efforts and PRRD Priorities

Note: This update was recorded before the Regional Board elections on November 8, 2025. Following a nomination process by secret ballot, Brad Sperling was elected Chair, and Leonard Hiebert, Vice-Chair.

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 areas discussed:

Regional Growth Strategy Adopted

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) Board officially adopted the Regional Growth Strategy on July 17, 2025. This landmark achievement provides a long-term vision for the region based on community input. 

The strategy focuses on nine key goals identified by residents: 

• Community building
• Economic strength
• Agriculture and food
• Living well
• Infrastructure and services
• Ecosystem health
• Transportation mobility
• Climate resiliency
• Regional collaboration

Staff are implementing strategy items over the next year. Annual reports will track progress and accountability and will be available on the PRRD’s website.

Advocacy Efforts with Provincial Government

PRRD Board Chair Leonard Hiebert and the PRRD delegation met with provincial ministers at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference in September to advance regional priorities.

Key Priority Areas

Resource Development and Economic Growth

• Supported Tumbler Ridge’s Conuma coal mine permitting efforts
• Addressed wind farm development impacts
• Emphasized the need for sustainable resource management

Health-care and Community Well-being

• Advocated for improved rural healthcare access
• Highlighted the need for doctor retention and family practice support
• Pushed for increased funding for local seniors aging-in-place programs

Public Safety and Infrastructure

• Addressed concerns about repeat offenders and crime rates
• Requested increased BC Hydro grants-in-lieu of taxes
• Advocated for better recognition of regional districts as local governments

Agriculture Support

• Raised concerns about ongoing drought conditions and food security
• Discussed the impact on livestock operations due to feed shortage

Elections Approaching

Annual elections for Board Chair and Vice Chair positions will take place at the first board meeting in November. Regional districts must elect their Board Chair and Vice-Chair annually, for a one-year term.

Wildfire Season Review

While there were communication challenges in the spring wildfire season, improvements were made as the season progressed. Key takeaways include:

• Continued need for FireSmart property maintenance
• Importance of preparing for multiple emergency scenarios, including potential flooding
• Some fires may continue smouldering through winter. The recent moisture has helped, but continuing fire safety remains important.

Senior Housing Progress

The recently announced senior housing beds in Fort St. John received approval. Project organizers are now working through the next steps to line up contractors and move the project forward.

North Winds Wellness Centre Construction

New PRRD Website