peace river regional district report...peace river regional district profile the peace river...

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Staff Initials: Dept. Head: CAO: Peace River Regional District REPORT To: Chair and Directors From: Fred Banham, CAO Peace River Regional District Date: June 7, 2012 Subject: 2011 Annual Report RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Board of the Peace River Regional District receive the 2011 Annual Report as presented. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: The Annual Report is prepared to provide summary information regarding the Peace River Regional District and what some of the activities, initiatives and projects addressed in 2011. The 2011 Annual Report has been prepared based on last year's activities.

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Page 1: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Staff Initials: Dept. Head: CAO:

Peace River Regional District REPORT

To: Chair and Directors From: Fred Banham, CAO Peace River Regional District Date: June 7, 2012 Subject: 2011 Annual Report RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Board of the Peace River Regional District receive the 2011 Annual Report as presented. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: The Annual Report is prepared to provide summary information regarding the Peace River Regional District and what some of the activities, initiatives and projects addressed in 2011. The 2011 Annual Report has been prepared based on last year's activities.

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Page 2: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

2011 Annual Report

www.prrd.bc.ca

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Page 3: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Peace River Regional District 2011 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Introduction

Table of Contents --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Map of the Peace River Regional District -------------------------------------------------- 3 Peace River Regional Hospital District Profile -------------------------------------------- 4 Peace River Regional District Profile -------------------------------------------------------- 5 Directors of the Regional District (2008 - 2011) ------------------------------------------ 6 Directors of the Regional District (2011 - 2014) ------------------------------------------ 7 Message from the Chair ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8 Message from the Chief Administrative Officer ----------------------------------------- 9 Peace River Regional District Organization Chart -------------------------------------- 15 Services and Operations

Administration ................................................................................................ 16 Development Services .................................................................................... 18 Environmental Services ................................................................................... 20 Community Services ....................................................................................... 22 Finance ........................................................................................................... 25 Auditor’s Report ............................................................................................. 26 2011 Financial Statement ............................................................................... 27 Local Government Offices within the District .................................................. 29

*Photo credit to Rick Skerry 2

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Page 4: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Electoral Area ‘B’ Blueberry River First Nations Buick Cecil Lake Clayhurst Clearview Doig River First Nation Flatrock Goodlow Halfway River First Nation Kwadacha First Nation Montney North Pine Osborn Pink Mountain Prespatou Rose Prairie Sikanni Chief Tsay Keh Dene Band Trutch Upper Cache Upper Halfway

Electoral Area ‘C’ Baldonnel Charlie Lake Clairmont Grandhaven Old Fort Two Rivers Electoral Area ‘D’ Arras Bessborough Cutbank Doe River Farmington Kelly Lake Killkerran One Island Lake Rolla Tomslake Tower Lake

Electoral Area ‘E’ East Pine Groundbirch Hasler Creek Jackfish Lone Prairie McLeod Moberly Lake Pine Valley Progress Saulteau First Nations Sunset Prairie West Moberly First

Nations

Map of the Peace River Regional District

Unincorporated Communities within the Electoral Areas

Incorporated Communities District of Chetwynd City of Dawson Creek City of Fort St. John District of Hudson’s Hope Village of Pouce Coupe District of Taylor District of Tumbler Ridge

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Page 5: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Peace River Regional Hospital District Profile

Fort St. John Hospital Project

Nursing Station - Birthing Center

Post-anesthetic Care Unit

Intensive Care Unit

Northern Health Connections Bus

The Board of the Peace River Regional District is also the Board of Directors for the Peace River Regional Hospital District. Regional Hospital Districts were created to provide funding to hospitals for capital projects and equipment. The Peace River Regional Hospital District normally contributes forty percent toward Northern Health's capital projects. The tax rate established each year to cover the debt and capital costs is applied to all properties within the region equally and not by specific areas. The 2011 property tax rate on a residential (Class 1) property was $0.596 per $1,000 of assessed taxable value ($59.60 per $100,000 assessed value). The 2011 Annual Budget included:

Debt Payments $ 7,677,080

Minor Equipment Grant $ 566,000

Major Equipment Grants: Multiloaders (Dawson Creek) $ 140,000 Pharmacy Pyxis (Dawson Creek) $ 58,000 Bone Densitometer (Dawson Creek) $ 52,000 Medical Air Pumps (Chetwynd) $ 76,000

Major Project Grants: Heating Boilers AS2 (Dawson Creek) $ 180,000 Building Integrity $ 31,667 Parking Lot (Dawson Creek) $ 126,000 Roof Admin Wing (Dawson Creek) $ 76,000

Reserve for Northern Health Equipment $ 194,333

Medical Recruitment $ 100,000

Health Committee and Administration $ 11,000

Transfer to Capital Reserve $ 2,700,000

Fort St. John Hospital $40,471,489 Total Budget $52,459,569 Construction of the new fifty-five bed Fort St. John hospital facility is still proceeding on schedule and on budget. Groundbreaking for the project was done in the summer of 2009 and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2012.

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Page 6: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area east of the Rocky Mountains and north to the Yukon border. The name Peace River-Liard Regional District was used until the region was divided into two regional districts in 1987. Today the Peace River Regional District is still the largest regional district in British Columbia, extending from the Alberta border west to the Rocky Mountain Divide and north to the 58th Parallel. The Regional District covers approximately 12 million hectares (120,000 square kilometers), serves an estimated population of 63,000 and includes seven municipalities and four electoral areas. The Regional District’s diverse economy includes agriculture; manufacturing; oil and gas exploration and processing; hydroelectric and wind power generation; coal, gold and gravel mining; and forestry, along with a healthy dose of tourism. Regional districts were established in BC for three primary purposes: - to act as local government of the

(unincorporated) electoral areas; - to provide the administrative and

political frameworks necessary for member municipalities and electoral areas to collaborate in the provision of services like solid waste management, regional parks, 911 emergency call answer service, etc.; and

- to be the service body responsible for providing local services such as fire protection, water and sewer systems, emergency preparedness, etc.

Every three years local government elections are held to elect representatives for electoral area representation and to municipal council. The Peace River Regional District Board of Directors is made up of eight municipal-appointed directors and four elected, rural electoral area directors. The Board votes on resolutions and bylaws governing the region on all matters delegated to regional districts under provincial statutes. In 2011 the Board convened 23 regular board meetings.

The Mission of the Peace River Regional District is to work cooperatively to: • provide a broad range of local and

regional services that reflect the interests, values and goals of its citizens;

• provide leadership, in a changing environment, to meet the current and future needs of its residents and businesses; and

• speak with a unified voice on behalf of rural, community and regional interests.

The Vision of the Peace River Regional District is to: • preserve and enhance the spirit,

traditions and unique character of the Peace;

• create sustainability through a diverse economy, high-quality rural and community lifestyles and a healthy, safe environment; and

• unify and strengthen the Peace by providing cooperative, innovative leadership.

The Goals for the Peace River Regional District are to: • work together and support one another; • be a unified voice - be a 'player'; • be a leader in sustainability; • be fiscally responsible; • maintain a professional working

environment; and • provide quality service delivery.

The Values, which are what the Peace River Regional District stands for and believes, are: • Accountability: taking ownership and

accepting responsibility for making decisions and following up with implementation of those decisions;

• Integrity: making decisions for and acting in the best interests of the Region;

• Fairness: acting in an unbiased way, with a sense of fair play;

• Respect: showing consideration for people, lands and governing bodies;

• Trust: in one another; • Credibility: ensuring the business of the

Region is transparent and believable; • Cooperation: willing to work together

and support one another; and • Leadership: making sound decisions

today and demonstrating vision while focussing on the future.

Halfway River

The Regional District in the fall

Perils of Winter

Regional District 2011 Float in the Dawson Creek Fall Fair

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Back: Mike Bernier, Wayne Hiebert, Evan Saugstad, Bruce Christensen*, Tim Caton, Lyman Clark Front: Fred Jarvis, Karen Goodings, Bruce Lantz, Karen Anderson, Larry White Missing: Lori Ackerman; *Alternate Director Christensen, City of Fort St. John;

Director Tim Caton Electoral Area ‘E’

1996 to 2011

Director Bruce Lantz Mayor, City of Fort St. John

2008 to 2011

Director Evan Saugstad Mayor, District of Chetwynd

2005 to 2011

Director Larry White Mayor, District of Tumbler Ridge

2008 to 2011

Director Lyman Clark Mayor, Village of Pouce Coupe

2008 to 2011

Peace River Regional District Board of Directors 2008 - 2011

Out-going Directors

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Director Merlin Nichols Mayor, District of Chetwynd

Director Bruce Christensen Councillor, City of Fort St. John

Director Mike Bernier Mayor, City of Dawson Creek

Director Karen Goodings Electoral Area ‘B’ and Chair

Director Arthur Hadland Electoral Area ‘C’

Director Wayne Hiebert Electoral Area ‘D’ and Vice Chair

Director Jerrilyn Schembri Electoral Area ‘E’

Director Karen Anderson Mayor, District of Hudson’s Hope

Director Larry Fynn Mayor, Village of Pouce Coupe

Director Fred Jarvis Mayor, District of Taylor

Director Mike Caisley Councillor, District of Tumbler Ridge

Back: Mike Caisley, Arthur Hadland, Bruce Christensen, Wayne Hiebert, Larry Fynn, Merlin Nichols Front: Karen Anderson, *Cheryl Shuman, Karen Goodings, **Betty Ponto, Jerrilyn Schembri

Missing: Mike Bernier, Fred Jarvis and Lori Ackerman; *Alternate Director Shuman, City of Dawson Creek; ** Alternate Director Ponto, District of Taylor

Peace River Regional District Board of Directors 2011 - 2014

Director Lori Ackerman Mayor, City of Fort St. John

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Page 9: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Message from the Board Chair

Karen Goodings, Chair

Another year gone; time goes by so quickly. For all of you who are younger than the writer, time seems to speed up the older you get. I do remember the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer in years gone by; gone forever. They are still somewhat hazy but only because they go so quickly. 2011 - Significant happenings - what a remarkable year it has been. Winter was quite normal, spring started out to be dry and then the rains hit. Wow, did they hit. In some areas, like Chetwynd, it was a nightmare that they will not soon forget. Eleven to fourteen inches of rain. The Pine Pass was impassable in places and it took all summer to repair the slide areas. Some still not completed. Some residents almost lost their homes and others did have to evacuate. The Peace River Regional District office staff were on-call for two weeks straight. There were at least two people manning the emergency phone lines and Director Caton traveled by helicopter on a couple of occasions to make sure that residents of Electoral Area E were not in immediate danger. The Chetwynd area was the hardest hit. Even the worst disaster has a bright side. The yields in the wheat and barley fields, the hay, pasture and forage fields were amazing. Those that didn’t drown out had crop yields that have not been seen in this area for a very long time. I know that some of them are still challenged to be able to move their grain and there certainly is lots of hay that hasn’t been sold. We are aware that some of the hay from the BC Peace is finding its way down to Texas where drought has been a problem.

The fall election brought some changes to the Regional District Board of Directors. Directors Caton, Lantz, Saugstad and White chose not to run so there were obvious changes to those areas. Some directors were not successful in their bid for re-election which has resulted in the addition of five new directors, all with some degree of past involvement. We will miss those who are not seated at the table but we welcome the new faces, ideas and expertise. Site C is certainly a topic that is high on the priority list for all of the board members. While we all realize that we must be prepared in the event this project passes through the Environmental Assessment and receives the green light, we also realize that we are not the decision makers. We are tasked however with examining the information that is being presented by the proponent, BC Hydro and it behooves us to make sure that we do this to the very best of our ability. The seven communities and four electoral areas that make up our regional district are all very busy keeping abreast of the growth in each area. The demand for services grows with the economy and the problems that sometimes surface; such as, finding the right people to work in the industry and then how to accommodate them. I am very proud of each area for the due diligence being put forward in this respect and believe that as always we are up for the challenges. I will reiterate the motto that has become our standard - “Let’s get ‘er done”. Looking back, the year has been a busy one, looking forward; I don’t think that will change.

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Page 10: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

The Peace River Regional Hospital District is a stand-alone corporate entity that gets its corporate powers from the Regional Hospital Districts Act of British Columbia. The primary purpose of the Peace River Regional Hospital District is to access local property tax dollars to assist with capital funding for the construction, reconstruction, maintenance and equipment of hospital facilities. There are six hospital facilities in the peace region (Chetwynd Hospital and Health Care, Dawson Creek Hospital, Fort St. John Hospital, Hudson’s Hope Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Tumbler Ridge Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, and the new Fort St. John Hospital) that receive capital funding support through Northern Health.

The same group of elected officials is also the Peace River Regional District, incorporated by the Province and gets its powers of authority through the Local Government Act and the Community Charter. The Peace River Regional District is responsible for local government services identified and established through bylaw and delivered either to a specified area or across the regional district.

In 2011 the Board of Directors endorsed the following five ‘Board Goals’ 1. work together and support one another; 2. be a unified voice - be a player; 3. be a leader in sustainability; 4. be fiscally responsible; and 5. maintain a professional working environment.

The Board then identified a number of initiatives and actions to achieve these goals. The following table is a summary of the Goals, Initiatives, Priority Rating and Activity updates for the 2011 work plan.

Aerial shot showing progress of the Fort St. John Hospital Project taken in the fall of 2011

Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre Hudson’s Hope Diagnostic and Treatment Centre

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Dawson Creek and District Hospital

Tumbler Ridge Diagnostic and Treatment Center

Fort St. John Hospital and Health Centre

Message from the Chief Administrative Officer

Fred Banham Chief Administrative Officer

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CAO’s 2011 O

perational Review

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H = High, M = Moderate, L = Low

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CAO’s 2011 O

perational Review (continued)

11 H = High, M = Moderate, L = Low

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CAO’s 2011 O

perational Review (continued)

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H = High, M = Moderate, L = Low

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CAO’s 2011 O

perational Review (continued)

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H = High, M = Moderate, L = Low

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CAO’s 2011 O

perational Review (continued)

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H = High, M = Moderate, L = Low

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Peace River Regional District Office 1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek

Peace River Regional District 2011 Organizational Chart

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Page 17: Peace River Regional District REPORT...Peace River Regional District Profile The Peace River Regional District was incorporated by the Province of BC in 1967 and included the area

Administration

Pictures from around the Regional District

View from Mountain View Road

Canola field*

Old hip-roofed barn*

Brome Grass*

Under the policies and directives of the Peace River Regional District / Peace River Regional Hospital District Board and the Chief Administrative Officer, the Administration Department provides legislative and administrative services and support to the Board, its Committees and all other departments while serving as a link to the general public. The Administration Department ensures that the Regional District adheres to provincial and federal legislation as well as its own Board-adopted bylaws and policies. The Department is responsible for:

Board and Committee agendas, minutes and follow-up items; Board resolutions and policies; Bylaws for all departments; Contract Administration Elections and other voting (referendums); safeguarding public documents; providing risk management guidelines; inter-governmental service agreements; i.e., sewer, fire protection, public use

land acquisition, tenures and licences of occupation, etc.; and acts as a conduit between the public, other governments, government

agencies, industry and the Board. In November 2011, in accordance with the Local Government Act, general local government elections were held for mayors, councillors and regional district electoral area directors throughout British Columbia. Locally the Regional District was responsible for the rural electoral area directors elections. The incumbent directors for Electoral Areas B and C, Karen Goodings and Arthur Hadland respectively, were re-elected by acclamation; the incumbent director for Electoral Area D, Wayne Hiebert, was re-elected; and a new director, Jerrilyn Schembri, was elected for Electoral Area E. The former director for Electoral Area E, Tim Caton, retired after fifteen years in office. The Regional District uses public consultation in an effort to focus on the creation and development of services desired by its residents. The Regional District is continuously seeking ways to communicate with residents throughout the region. The Regional District continues to update its website to maintain a user-friendly site. Communication also occurs with a semi-monthly newsletter which provides an overview of some of the issues discussed and decisions made during Board meetings. The newsletter is distributed via email and is posted on the website at www.prrd.bc.ca. Posting the Board Meeting agendas to the Regional District’s website has been well received by the public. The Administration department works closely with the four Electoral Area Directors through two Board-authorized Committees - the Rural Budgets Administration Committee and Electoral Area Directors’ Committee. While the same electoral area directors sit on both committees, the mandate of each committee is different.

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Administration (continued) The Rural Budgets Administration Committee was established by bylaw in 1998. The committee is delegated the authority of the Peace River Regional District Board to administer the rural budgets listed below, in accordance with budgets, programs, plans, policies and guidelines adopted from time to time by the Regional Board.

Fair Share Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of BC which contributes a share of oil and gas revenues to the Electoral Areas of the Regional District - Rural Allocation

BC Rail Grants-in-lieu - Rural Allocation Electoral Areas - Legislative (Elections, Convention, Membership and

Information) Grants to Community Organizations - Electoral Area Grants Recreation and Cultural Service - Grants-in-Aid Sub-Regional Recreation and Cultural Services - Rural Allocations Community Parks Cemeteries North Pine Television Re-broadcasting Gas Tax Funding Agreement - Rural Allocation Other funding opportunities specific to Electoral Areas

Under the rural Fair Share Program, administered by the Rural Budgets Administration Committee, financial assistance has been provided for such things as Hydro Electrification; Natural Gas; Seniors’ Housing; Sewer Extension Services (community); and Telephone Services. In 2011 financial assistance, through the Fair Share Program, was provided for numerous small projects as well as the following major projects:

Chetwynd and District Recreation Complex expansion and water slide; Chetwynd Leisure Pool H-Vac System; Dawson Creek Ski and Recreation Association - new T-bar; Fort St. John Airport Subdivision Water Main Repair; and Moberly Lake Fire Department 45 kw Generator.

This committee approach has proven to be very successful in providing services to the rural areas where services are provided in Electoral Areas and not member municipalities. The Rural Directors constantly strive to make the rural areas in the Regional District a better place to live through funding for improvements. The Electoral Area Directors’ Committee, under Board adopted Terms of Reference, review, discuss and make recommendations on items that are referred to them by the Regional Board or items of a purely rural nature. Committee recommendations are to be ratified by the Regional Board prior to any staff action being undertaken.

Pictures from around the Regional District

Flooding at Swan Lake Park

Windmills on Bear Mountain

Rolla Road*

Old Granaries at Clayhurst*

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2011 Electoral Area Planning Files - Total = 205

Development Services

2011 Planning Files (Total 174)

ALR Application Map

Regional District Development Application Sign

Development Services consists of five activities: 1. Land Use Planning, including current and long range; 2. Building Inspection; 3. Geographic Information System (GIS); 4. Information System (IS); and 5. Bylaw Enforcement. Land Use Planning

Current Planning deals with the day-to-day activities including: assisting the public, responding to agency inquiries and processing development applications such as:

Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments; Development Permits; Development Variance Permits; Temporary Use Permits; Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) applications; Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure referrals; Participating in Environmental Impact Assessments; and Other government agency referrals.

In 2011, staff responded to hundreds of inquiries and processed 205 development files, up by 31 since 2010. The majority of files continue to be Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) applications followed by subdivision proposals referred from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and rezonings. Compared to 2010, activity in Area ‘C’ increased by 44%, and Area ‘B’ by 38%; Area ‘E’ saw a 17% decrease and Area ‘D’ activity remained stable. Long Range Planning deals with policy development for community plans to assist the Board in its decisions on land use. Major activities in 2010 included:

Rural Community Plan: prepared a second draft after consultation in 2010, conducted three public hearings and was adopted in November 2011.

South Peace Fringe Area Official Community Plan (OCP): Ongoing work, proceeding with a review by the Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Official Community Plan Community Advisory Committee.

North Peace Fringe Area OCP: preparation of amendments to include greenhouse gas reduction targets, policies and actions, as recommended by the Peace River Regional District Community Energy Plan.

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55

75

25

50

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Development Services (continued)

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is responsible for developing and maintaining all map data required to support various Regional District functions and public information. GIS products and services include:

9-1-1 House Numbering; Regional Road Atlas; Fire Protection Area Mapping; Community Plan & Zoning Maps; Emergency Planning map support; and Thematic maps: solid waste disposal sites; community facilities, etc.

In 2011, a web based GIS mapping tool was launched at www.prrd.bc.ca/services/ development/mapping/webmap/index.php. This tool provides public access to map information such as roads and 9-1-1 addresses, aerial photography, parcel lines, legal descriptions, fire protection areas, etc. This tool has become invaluable for finding locations by address or legal description and can provide convenient preformatted maps for printing.

GIS continues to provide support for planning initiatives, emergency response, service area analysis and updates for the Regional Road Atlas.

GIS Web Map

Building Inspection

Building Inspection provides building and plumbing inspection services to a defined area of the Regional District, through application of the BC Building Code in regard to residential, commercial, industrial and institutional construction. In 2011, the overall number of building permits increased by only 3%, while the overall value doubled. Residential construction continues as the strongest construction sector and there has been strong growth in the value of commercial construction.

2011 Building Permits Total Permits 135

2011 Annual Construction Value - Total Value + $28,937,129

Information Systems

Information Systems is responsible for providing the technical support to ensure that the network system and computers necessary for the business of the Regional District are maintained to provide efficient customer service and information needs. In 2011, the Peace River Regional District completed major network infrastructure upgrades started in 2010 that improved efficiency and reduced energy costs.

Residential (121) Commercial (11) Industrial (3) Institutional (0)

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Environmental Services Regional Solid Waste Management

A Request for Proposal was issued for the construction of six new transfer stations to be located at Kelly Lake, Tomslake, Pink Mountain, Wonowon, Prespatou and Rose Prairie. These modern, fenced and supervised facilities will offer enhanced disposal and recycling services to the public and will replace existing unattended sites that are currently experiencing abuse. Construction contracts have been awarded and the new sites are expected to open September 1, 2012.

The Regional District applied for Federal Gas Tax funds to install a gas management system at the Fort St. John landfill. The system will capture and utilize up to 75% of the landfill’s gas emissions that result from waste decomposition. The captured gas can then be used to produce green energy and further offset greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise contribute to climate change.

The coupon program introduced in 2010 for the free disposal of eligible residential waste was continued in 2011. These coupons provide a convenient option for household clean-up that also reduces operating costs for the Regional District and are issued to owners of residential property with improvements.

A total of 56,700 tonnes of waste was buried in landfills in 2011 compared with 53,300 tonnes in 2010, a 6.4% increase. This statistic reflects what was actually landfilled versus the total tonnage of material received at landfills, as indicated in previous annual reports. Some materials are recycled, and a significant component of incoming material is soil, which is used as landfill cover. The Regional District is continuing to explore new programs that will work toward the goal of increased waste diversion.

PRRD Recycling Statistics 2009 - 2011

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Recycling Recycling drop-off facilities are located throughout the Regional District providing easy access to both rural and municipal residents. These facilities, along with recycling and bottle depot locations in Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Tumbler Ridge, make recycling convenient. In addition, the Regional District’s recycling contractor offers a voluntary, fee-based curbside collection service for municipal residents in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek. An increasing number of residents are signing up for this curbside recycling service. New recycling opportunities will be available at the six new transfer stations being constructed at Kelly Lake, Tomslake, Pink Mountain, Wonowon, Prespatou and Rose Prairie.

2009 - 2011 Waste Tonnage Landfilled

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Environmental Services (continued)

Invasive Plant Program The Invasive Plant Program has accomplished many tasks during its years of operation within the PRRD. In previous years, the Pine Pass Invasive Plant Management Area was the only area that operated under a true pooled-delivery model with an area controller. In 2011 the model was expanded to both the North and South Peace Invasive Plant Management Areas. Integrated pest management and reduction in use of herbicide led to a project on the hills of the Peace Lookout south of Fort St. John where 560 goats were employed to consume a 14-ha infestation of Dalmatian toadflax in an effort to control the spread. A neighbouring private landowner also cooperated with the Peace River Regional District in this initiative. The pilot program was widely reported by the media and gained an international level of interest. Engaging the Aboriginal groups in the area is a key initiative undertaken by the Peace River Regional District. In December a workshop was held to engage this important stakeholder. Information was shared regarding invasive plant infestations, how to complete inventories and create management plans. Information was also shared regarding native plants that are used for medicinal and sustenance purposes. Hawkweed, a new invader to the Peace River Regional District, was a focus for the 2011 year. This species of plant has invaded most of BC and recently made its way here. Area controllers are actively managing the infestations and are aware of the strong invasive tendencies of this plant. The public is encouraged to learn to recognize this plant and to use Report-A-Weed [888-WEEDSBC or 800-670-7773] to assist the Peace River Regional District in locating infestations and determining management strategies.

Goats at the Peace Lookout

Orange and Yellow Hawkweed

Work at Harper-Imperial Sewer

Water and Sewer

In 2011 the Peace River Regional District proceeded with an intensive monitoring program of the Charlie Lake sewer system, which provides sewer collection services for some 320 residents in Charlie Lake. The present Charlie Lake system incorporates a “step” or pressure system where effluent only is collected and treated; solids are collected in on-site, residential tanks. It has been realized that the sewer system is at or near capacity and the purpose of the monitoring program is to determine where system restrictions exist and to provide options in providing future system capacity. A final report is expected in early 2012.

The main water meter and pressure reducing valve that services the Fort St John Airport subdivision water system was replaced. The water meter quantifies the water usage and fire flows of 60 lots located adjacent to the Fort St. John Airport. The project was completed by GT Excavating at a cost of $130,000. Funding for the project came by way of an Area C Fair Share Grant.

In 2010 the Regional District completed the installation of a much needed community sewer system for fifty residents of the Imperial and Harper Subdivisions. The project, located within the fringe area of Dawson Creek, was completed at a cost of approximately $1.8 million. The system was commissioned in early 2011 and saw residents tying-in their respective services throughout the year.

Currently the Peace River Regional District manages seven sewer systems and five water systems. Sewer treatment is a combination of stand-alone treatment facilities, and tie-ins to neighbouring municipality infrastructure. The water systems of the Peace River Regional District vary from the municipal type system to treated and raw-water tank loading facilities. The tank loading facilities provide well water or natural spring water to the public at no charge.

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Community Services

Flood levels (shown in yellow) in the following three pictures (normal flow

shown with red markings):

Bissett Creek

Hasler Creek

Emergency Services Emergency Response: It rained, it poured, it flooded. Many residents and businesses in the region were impacted by flooding in the summer of 2011. The first flood event which began May 17th affected the Moberly Lake area when significant rains, coupled with a late spring freshet, caused elevated lake levels which resulted in minor flooding. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated at a Level 1 response for the event and operated for approximately 14 days. The EOC monitored the event and surmised that damage was generally limited to the foreshore, yards, boat houses and summer use properties. Over the next month, lake levels remained elevated and stable. Then at the end of June through to the beginning of July a “1-in-100 year” weather event hit the Peace. Starting on June 23rd through to 25th over 150 mm of rain was recorded in some areas of Electoral Area E with up to 80 mm recorded near Dawson Creek. Then, between July 7th and 9th upwards of 120 mm fell along the BC/Alberta border. These weather events brought many impacts to our communities including wash-outs on roads and bridges with over 150 sites impacted including the Pine Pass which was closed for almost two weeks. As a result the EOC was activated on June 25th and many of the Regional District staff provided support to our residents and communities over the next six weeks as they started the process of recovery. Disaster Financial Assistance was approved by the Province of BC and as of November $1,326,352.39 in claims had been paid out to the private sector, home and farm owners. Local government infrastructure claims were estimated in the range of $2 million. Throughout the “flooding” residents of the Peace proved to be incredibly resilient, innovative and overall very well prepared!

Pine River

Well Site Flare Stack

Staff Training and Development: Throughout 2011 staff continued to upgrade their knowledge of emergency management by taking part in training, professional development conferences and emergency exercises. Community Services staff also regularly attend meetings with the Northeast Emergency Program Coordinators, the Peace Region Fire Chiefs, the Taylor Industrial Mutual Aid Group (TIMAG) and the Northeast Road Safety Committee to support emergency planning and response in the region. To date, 60% of Regional District staff has participated in EOC Level III training while the remaining 40% have participated in EOC Level II training. In 2011 all staff took part in a two-day tabletop exercise with partner agencies to refresh their skills and develop new relationships with response agencies. Public Education: In 2011 the Regional District partnered with member municipalities and launched a region-wide emergency preparedness campaign. Through a series of contests, newsletters, event displays and monthly newspaper articles the campaign encouraged residents from across the Peace to become more prepared and to build a 72-hour emergency kit.

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Community Services (continued) Fire Protection Upon request the Board of Directors agreed to take over the direct responsibility for the management and administration of the Charlie Lake fire service to commence April 1, 2012. The Charlie Lake Fire Department will be the first department directly operated by the Regional District as fire protection is provided through contract with member municipalities or non-profit societies to the rural fringe areas of Dawson Creek, Fort St John, Pouce Coupe, Chetwynd, Taylor and the communities of Tomslake and Moberly Lake. Arras operates an independent fire brigade that provides basic fire protection to their area and receives grant funding from the Regional District from time to time. In 2011 the total number of fire calls for the region increased by 21% from 1,605 in 2010 to 1,945 in 2011. 9-1-1 The entire Peace River Regional District is serviced by enhanced 9-1-1 emergency telephone service. The total number of 9-1-1 calls received in 2011 increased by 15% from 2010, for a total of 17,830 calls. The greatest increase was seen in the number of calls for RCMP assistance which grew by 20% over 2010, while the number of ambulance calls increased by 8%. In 2011 63% of all 9-1-1 calls were to the RCMP, 19% to BC Ambulance, 4% percent were for fire calls and the remaining 13% were abandoned or mistake 9-1-1 calls. Regional Parks The Regional District maintains five regional parks that are free for public use. Blackfoot, Minaker River and Montney Centennial parks offer overnight camping, while Spencer Tuck and Sundance Lake parks are day-use only. Regional Parks and Trails Master Plan: In 2011 the Regional District embarked on the development of the first Regional Parks and Trails Master Plan since 1977. The plan will define future direction, policies, priorities, and actions with respect to existing and potential future regional parks as well as how to support regional trail networks. As part of the initial public consultation a region-wide survey was conducted and 11 open house events were held at community halls, schools, recreation centers and arenas throughout the Regional District. The survey results, together with feedback provided at the open houses, gave great insight into the diverse range of activities taking place in our parks and trails throughout the region.

Around the Region

Fire Truck at Moberly Lake

Murray River*

Blackfoot Park

Blackfoot Park from Clayhurst*

Sundance Lake

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Community Services (continued)

Kiskatinaw Fall Fair Grounds

Spencer Tuck Park

Kinuseo River approaching the falls

Bison Bulls*

Recreation, Community and Culture Although the Regional District doesn’t directly manage recreation facilities in the region, it does act as a liaison with outside organizations to support recreation and community activities and facilities. Both the North Peace Leisure Pool and the Chetwynd Recreation Complex are owned by the Regional District although operated by the respective municipalities. Operating grants are also provided to the Chetwynd and North Peace Libraries, the Peace Liard Regional Arts Council, the Buick Arena and the Clearview Arena. Each year the Peace River Regional District annually distributes funds to recreation, social and cultural organizations located throughout the electoral areas of the region. Most of these groups maintain community halls, golf courses, gymkhana grounds or fair grounds that are available for public use, while the remaining organizations offer community heritage and cultural programs. Organizations use this money for capital improvement projects, recreation and cultural program funding, insurance and special events to name a few. All organizations who receive this funding are non-profit societies who largely depend on the dedication of volunteers to operate and manage their organizations to benefit and enhance our rural communities. In 2011 the Grant-in-Aid program distributed $435,000 to 46 recreational and cultural community organizations throughout Electoral Areas B, C, D and E. Heritage In 2011 the Regional District Board gave first reading to a proposed Heritage Service Bylaw that would authorize the Regional District to research and fund heritage initiatives valuable to the region. The service function bylaw did not receive consent on behalf of the electors from all the participating members; therefore, Heritage as a service is not something the Regional District can participate in at this time. Recreation and Volunteer Banquet In the fall of each year the Peace River Regional District hosts an appreciation banquet and awards ceremony to recognize the hard work and dedication of volunteers and organizations that provide recreation and leisure services in the rural area and/or a member municipality. The 31st Annual Peace River Regional District Recreation and Volunteer Recognition Banquet took place on Saturday, October 15, 2011. 2011 Award Recipients included:

Individual Achievement Recipient: Troy Gould Facility Excellence Award: North Peace Fall Fair

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Finance As in all local governments, there are a variety of functions undertaken in the Finance Department including, but not limited to: payroll; accounts payable; utility billing; accounts receivable; and the ever-increasing landfill financial operations. In addition to the day-to-day accounting, there is the required budgeting and requisition and the preparation and submission of the many government and other agency reports. Regional Districts do not issue property tax notices, but instead requisitions the member municipalities and Province for the required revenue.

The budget for 2011 was $74.6 million. This included $32.2 million from the Province for Fair Share (Memorandum of Understanding) of which $30.2 million was forwarded to the municipalities. Of the $42.4 million operational budget, $20.4 million was raised via property tax with the remainder coming from other sources. Requisition Funding Contributions: Municipalities $5,830,657 Electoral Areas $3,278,665 Service Areas $11,286,395

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$3,872,554

$11,360,860

$748,488

$551,636 $596,935

$6,530,369 $1,314,960

$1,689,209

$1,360,721

$2,926,505

$2,128,120

$1,730,593

$780,917

$1,403,890 $330,917

$1,609,266 $1,939,198 $1,556,667

Administration $3,872,554Solid Waste $11,360,860Man. Of Development $748,488Weed Control $551,636Economic Development $596,935Municipal Debt $6,530,369Fiscal Services $1,314,960Fire Protection $1,689,209Protective Services $1,360,721NP Leisure Centre $2,926,505Chetwynd Pool $2,128,120Chetwynd Arena $1,730,593Chetwynd Complex $780,917SP Multiplex $1,403,890Buick Arena $330,917Other Recreation $1,609,266Water & Sewer $1,939,198Other $1,556,667

2011 Budget (Including Capital Projects)$42.4 million - (not including Fair Share Grant)

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Finance (continued)

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Finance (continued)

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Finance (continued)

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City of Dawson Creek Municipal Office 10105 12A Street, Dawson Creek

District of Hudson’s Hope Municipal Office 9904 Dudley Drive, Hudson’s Hope

District of Tumbler Ridge Municipal Office 305 Founders Street, Tumbler Ridge

District of Taylor Municipal Office 10007 100A Street< Taylor

Village of Pouce Coupe Municipal Office 5011 49 Avenue, Pouce Coupe

City of Fort St. John Municipal Office 10631 100 Street, Fort St. John

Peace River Regional District Branch Office 9505 100 Street, Fort St. John

Local Government Offices within the Peace River Regional District

District of Chetwynd Municipal Office 5400 North Access Road, Chetwynd

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Heritage Harvesting

Head Office: Box 810 (1981 Alaska Avenue) Dawson Creek, BC V8G 4H8

Telephone: [250] 7884-3200 Toll-free [800] 670-7773 Fax: [250] 784-3201 Email: [email protected]

www.prrd.bc.ca

Branch Office: 9505 100 Street Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4

Telephone: [250] 785-8084 Toll-free [800] 670-7773 Fax: [250] 785-1125 Email: [email protected]

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