PRRD Regional Board approves abandonment of proposed Regional Zoning Bylaw

In October 2023, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) started work to create a single Regional Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 2582, 2025). The project was intended to address new provincial housing legislation and consolidate five existing zoning bylaws, some dating back to 1976, into a single bylaw informed by community feedback and modern planning practices.

These bylaws dictate property use, home densities, building setbacks, accessory building sizes, home-based businesses and land classifications (agricultural, residential, industrial or commercial). Consolidating them aimed to simplify rules, reduce red tape and incorporate community feedback on secondary suites and accessory spaces.

Over the course of the project, the PRRD undertook public consultation, gathering feedback from residents, property owners, interest holders, advisory committees and elected officials across the region. This input helped identify community priorities, concerns and opportunities related to housing and land use planning.

On August 6, 2026, the Electoral Area Directors Committee (EADC) recommended that the bylaw be abandoned and that the PRRD pursue an extension from the provincial government to meet legislative housing requirements through updates to the existing zoning bylaws.

At its meeting on August 13, 2026, the PRRD Board of Directors voted to abandon Regional Zoning Bylaw No. 2582, 2025. The Board also approved seeking an extension from the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs to allow the PRRD to update its existing zoning bylaws to achieve compliance with provincial housing legislation.

"The decision to discontinue a unified Regional Zoning Bylaw does not diminish the tremendous amount of work that went into this initiative," says Board Chair Sperling. "Over the past year, staff, directors, committee members and residents invested significant time and effort reviewing regulations, sharing perspectives and helping shape the discussion around land use and housing in our region. That work has provided valuable insights that will continue to support the PRRD as we move forward with updating our existing zoning bylaws."

The PRRD extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who participated in the engagement process. The feedback collected throughout the project has improved the Regional District's understanding of local priorities and will continue to inform future planning and zoning discussions.

Media Contact

Megan Brooks, Communications Manager, Peace River Regional District (PRRD)
250-784-3200 | megan.brooks@prrd.bc.ca