FAQs
- A 20-year time frame
- A regional vision statement
- Population and employment projections
- Regional actions or policies for key areas such as housing, transportation, regional district services, parks and natural areas, and economic development
What's a Regional Growth Strategy (RGS)?
A Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) is a strategic plan enabled by the provincial Local Government Act. They are prepared and enacted by a regional district with the involvement of its member municipalities. They can cover a wide range of interconnected policy topics, but must meet basic provincial requirements which include:
Why do we need a RGS?
PRRD needs an RGS to help us guide long-term regional growth and support more coordinated region-wide planning with the PRRD and member municipalities City of Dawson Creek, City of Fort St. John, District of Taylor, District of Chetwynd, District of Hudson's Hope, District of Tumbler Ridge, and Village of Pouce Coupe.
What kinds of policies will the RGS include?
The province leaves the process for preparing an RGS largely up to each region, so ours will be made in the Peace and include policy guidance for the things residents and others tell us are important. As a high-level document, the RGS will likely include broad goals on topics like transportation, housing, parks and natural areas, economic development, and regional environmental issues.
Does an RGS regulate land use?
No. Land use and development are regulated by Official Community Plans, Zoning Bylaws, and building permit requirements where they exist in our region.
Does an RGS apply to First Nation Reserve lands?
No. An RGS does not apply to reserve lands or to federal lands, but regional First Nations will be invited to participate and learn about the project (Doig River First Nation, Blueberry River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation, West Moberly First Nation, Saulteau First Nation, Tsay Keh Dene Nation, and Kwadacha Nation).
Who's working on it?
We all are! Residents, businesses, industry groups, community organizations along with the PRRD and member municipalities will be working on the project. Provincial agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Agricultural Land Commission, and Northern Health will also be invited to participate.
Who's paying for it?
This project is funded entirely through grants.
The PRRD gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
The PRRD was also successful in obtaining a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Canada Community Building Fund to cover half the costs of the project.
What's the timeline?
The development of our RGS is a multi-year project that started in August 2023 and be completed in May 2025.
How can I get involved or learn more about it?
Watch for upcoming opportunities on the PRRD’s Have Your Say website (this website!). You can also send us an email, and we’ll add you to our mailing list (RGS@prrd.bc.ca).