The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is excited to announce the first round of public engagement for the Regional Climate Resiliency Plan (RCRP). The RCRP is the region’s first-ever strategic roadmap to assess the potential risks associated with natural disasters, and to help residents, businesses and communities effectively plan and prepare for the impacts of climate change across the four electoral areas.
The plan will focus on enhancing resilience to extreme weather events such as wildfire, floods, droughts and other climate-related risks.
The first round of public engagement is happening from June 8 – 11, 2024 with multiple opportunities for residents to provide their input.
Engagement Opportunities
Survey: Public input and feedback are essential. All residents are encouraged to complete the survey* at haveyoursay.prrd.bc.ca/rcrp
*Paper copies of the survey are available at the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) office reception in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
Open Houses: All residents are invited to a series of open houses to share goals and targets and engage with the project team.
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Fort St. John Farmer’s Market: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Pomeroy Sports Centre, FSJ: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Chetwynd Chainsaw Carving Competition: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tumbler Ridge Community Centre: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Monday, June 10, 2024
Hudson’s Hope Community Hall: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Calvin Kruk Centre, Dawson Creek: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Background
- Climate change is intensifying natural hazards like wildfires, floods and storms in the Peace River region, leading to frequent and severe damage to property, infrastructure and crops and forcing evacuations.
- The PRRD is facing escalating climate change impacts, evidenced by the record-breaking 2023 Donnie Creek wildfire and a Level 5 drought since summer 2023. These events underscore the growing wildfire risks due to hotter, drier summers and pose serious challenges for local sectors like ranching and agriculture.
- In 2016, Chetwynd and Dawson Creek experienced floods causing emergencies, power outages and evacuations. A 2017 hailstorm in Pouce Coupe led to substantial property damage. The Regional Climate Resiliency Plan is strategizing responses to such climate events.
- The Regional Climate Resiliency Plan aims to address these challenges and build a more sustainable and resilient future for the region by providing clear direction for staff and elected officials on areas of key importance to residents.
Quote
” The launch of the public engagement component of the Regional Climate Resiliency Plan reflects our commitment to enhancing resilience to extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods and droughts. We are excited to invite residents in the region to participate in the first round of public engagement happening from June 8 to June 11. Collectively, we can shape a future for our region that is more prepared.” – Brad Sperling, Chair, Peace River Regional District
