North Peace Regional Park improvement considerations deferred to 2025

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) continues to consider feasibility improvements for the North Peace Regional Park, and has deferred the latest report to 2025. 

A report was submitted by PRRD staff, providing an update on ongoing improvement research into the North Peace Regional Park, otherwise known as the North Peace Fall Fairgrounds. 

When the report was brought before the board however, Area C Director Brad Sperling moved to have reviewal of the report deferred to the new year, as per an earlier request by staff. 

Chief Administrative Officer Shawn Dahlen explained that staff required more time to finalize costing estimates and consider tender bids received for the work. 

A running list of improvement intentions include replacing and enhancing the park’s existing playground, upgrading the electrical system, improving camping facilities, accessible parking, and an expansion of services including public and agricultural programming and interpretive elements. 

Current staff estimates included in the report indicate the project could cost up to $7.2 million, a cost that Sperling highlighted was being recalibrated by staff. 

“We recognize this is a timely item, and so we’re going to continue to work hard to get that back in front of the board as soon as possible,” Dahlen stated. 

Following a unanimous vote by the board, the report and any recommendations from the board of directors regarding the project were deferred to January 2025, with a deadline that the report be returned to the board for review by the second meeting of the month.