Regional District Highlights for September 2025

PRRD Begins Second Round of Public Engagement on New Regional Zoning Bylaw

On September 18, 2025, the Regional Board received the first draft of the Peace River Regional Zoning Bylaw (Bylaw No. 2582, 2025). The Board's approval of a "first reading" is the initial step toward making it a formal legal document.

In March 2025, during the first round of public engagement, over 600 survey respondents expressed a desire for several changes to the current regional zoning bylaws. Their feedback indicated a preference for larger residential accessory buildings (like sheds and garages), more dwelling units and different types of housing, and a reduction in both industrial uses in residential areas and "red tape" in general. In response, PRRD staff have been working to incorporate this feedback by simplifying the regulations and providing clear guidelines for what is permitted.

To ensure the new draft accurately reflects public input, the PRRD is now launching a second round of public engagement.

An online survey will be available starting October 1, 2025, and in-person public meetings are scheduled across the region from November 15 to 23, 2025. Specific dates and locations will be announced soon. This is an important opportunity for residents to review the draft bylaw, zoning maps and provide additional feedback.

You can view the draft bylaw and stay updated on the project by visiting haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/RZB.

PRRD Launches New Website With Enhanced User Experience and Local Photography

The Peace River Regional District has launched a new website featuring improved navigation, enhanced mobile compatibility, ability to subscribe to upcoming events and board meetings, and stunning local photography of regional landscapes.

The new site maintains the familiar prrd.bc.ca address while delivering a completely refreshed user experience.

“We redesigned this website with our residents in mind” said Leonard Hiebert, Board Chair of the PRRD. “Using data from how people navigated our previous website and, importantly, exceeding legislated accessibility standards and using plain language. It is easier and faster now for people to find the services and information they need. We also incorporated input from staff, gaining valuable information about commonly asked questions from residents and partners.”

Community input remains essential. We invite residents to explore the new website at prrd.bc.ca and provide feedback on your experience at forms.prrd.bc.ca/Feedback.

Project Update: Jackfish Community Hall

The PRRD has finished its first round of community discussions about the future of the Jackfish Community Hall near Chetwynd. The hall has been closed since 2021 due to a need for significant repairs and upgrades related to fire safety and accessibility. Currently, the facility lacks a sustainable funding model, relying on temporary grants and fundraising to cover costs.

The PRRD asked for public feedback on three key areas: the community's desire for the hall's continued use, support for a dedicated funding plan (potentially through taxation) and willingness to manage its daily operations. This feedback was collected through an online survey, which received 52 responses, and a community meeting on September 9, 2025, with 25 attendees.

PRRD staff are now preparing a summary report of the feedback and recommendations. The report will be presented to the Regional Board in November 2025, and a community update will follow on the project website at haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/JCH.