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.

Phase 1 of the assessment, which focused on imminent risk, was completed in June 2026, and informed the PRRD's decision to cancel evacuation alerts in the area. The newly approved Phase 2 assessment will analyze landslide hazards and risk levels within the Crown land slopes above the community, helping residents and decision-makers better understand the risks associated with the landslide site.

As part of the approval, EMCR has confirmed that Ministerial Order No. M214 will be cancelled once Phase 2 work begins.

"Old Fort Road is the community's only route in and out, and after three landslides, residents are understandably concerned about the road and the affected area in the community. So are we, says Brad Sperling, Chair of the Peace River Regional District. The PRRD has long advocated to the Province for this work. This assessment will provide important information about landslide hazards and risks in the area, helping residents, planners and elected officials make informed decisions. We're pleased to see this essential work moving forward."

The PRRD has worked closely with EMCR and a qualified professional throughout the assessment process to ensure the Ministry's emergency response objectives are met. The approved study will outline landslide hazards and identify risk levels within the assessment area, providing information that has not previously been available to residents or decision-makers such as sub-surface data to better understand the longer-term risks.

Phase 2 is fully funded by EMCR in accordance with provincial emergency response funding standards.
Updates on the assessment and related activities will be posted as they become available on the Regional District’s website at prrd.bc.ca/OldFort.

Contact

Megan Brooks, Communications Manager, Peace River Regional District (PRRD)
250-784-3235 | megan.brooks@prrd.bc.ca