Regional Growth Strategy

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We are developing our first Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) for the region. It's a long-range, high-level plan that will help us better understand and prepare for the potential changes we can expect over the next 20 years with a growing population, new service demands, the regional economy, and a changing climate.

Over the summer, the Peace River Regional District staff and the supporting consultant team travelled between communities throughout the region. We have created a What We Heard Report to summarize all the engagement we have done up to this point - both in person and online. Was presented to the Regional Board on November 7, 2024 and is attached in our documents section for those interested in viewing the work we have done so far.

We are now in Phase 3 of the project. A draft RGS is in development that incorporates what we heard from outreach and engagement in earlier project phases. Watch for more updates as we move into the fall and develop the draft for review by the project Steering Committee and PRRD Board.



PROJECT PARTNERS


We are developing our first Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) for the region. It's a long-range, high-level plan that will help us better understand and prepare for the potential changes we can expect over the next 20 years with a growing population, new service demands, the regional economy, and a changing climate.

Over the summer, the Peace River Regional District staff and the supporting consultant team travelled between communities throughout the region. We have created a What We Heard Report to summarize all the engagement we have done up to this point - both in person and online. Was presented to the Regional Board on November 7, 2024 and is attached in our documents section for those interested in viewing the work we have done so far.

We are now in Phase 3 of the project. A draft RGS is in development that incorporates what we heard from outreach and engagement in earlier project phases. Watch for more updates as we move into the fall and develop the draft for review by the project Steering Committee and PRRD Board.



PROJECT PARTNERS


Frequently Asked Questions

What's a Regional Growth Strategy?

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:

  • 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


Why do we need one?

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?

The project is entirely funded through provincial grants and the PRRD gratefully acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Canada Community Building Fund.


What's the timeline?

The development of our RGS is a multi-year project that started in August 2023 and will be completed in May 2025.


How can I get involved or learn more about it? 

Watch for upcoming opportunities and updates on this website. You can also subscribe to the project or send us an email and we’ll add you to our mailing list (RGS@prrd.bc.ca). You also can ask questions here and we will respond. 

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  • Share Does this include Charlie Lake? on Facebook Share Does this include Charlie Lake? on Twitter Share Does this include Charlie Lake? on Linkedin Email Does this include Charlie Lake? link

    Does this include Charlie Lake?

    Carla asked 12 months ago

    Hello! Yes, Charlie Lake is located within the Peace River Regional District and is part of the RGS project.

Page last updated: 13 Nov 2024, 03:43 PM