PRRD to begin regional risk assessment and mapping project

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district has begun extensively mapping environmental risks for almost a million dollars. 

In the September 18th Peace River Regional District (PRRD) board of directors meeting, the district began an ambitious plan to create a comprehensive map of the region’s risks. 

The project proposal was awarded to Associated Engineering, a Canadian consulting company, at a cost of $920,470.10 – excluding tax – for 18 months of work. 

The PRRD closed the request for proposal on the project in August with seven qualified bids, all of which came through under the project’s budget of $1,050,000. 

Specifically, the company will develop a regional risk map, risk and resilience assessments and planning that will include natural and climate-related hazards. 

The project is being fully funded by a grant from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation Grant, which was awarded in May. 

No information was provided on when updates would be available, but according to staff, updates will be shared with project partners and the public when appropriate. 

The project aligns with regional efforts to participate with the province’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act.