PRRD expands regional parks and recreation legislation

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is modifying legislation around regional parks and recreational amenities.

On March 19th, the PRRD’s regional directors gave the Regional Parks Conversion and Service Establishment Bylaw its first three readings. 

The bylaw amends the Regional Parks Service by giving it the authority to remove aquatic vegetation, as well as expanding the scope of regional parks to include trails and “other recreational amenities and infrastructure.” 

The service was established in 1976 to cover all member municipalities and electoral areas. 

Following the final approval of this bylaw, the service will have the authority to manage noxious weeds and other growths within designated regional parks. For example, the PRRD’s regional parks include Montney Centennial Park by Charlie Lake and North Peace Park, otherwise known as the North Peace Fall Fair Grounds.

Outside this, the service will continue to hold the full authority to “acquire, develop, operate and maintain regional parks.” 

“The bylaw also provides the authority for the regional board to designate, by way of resolution or bylaw, properties and locations as regionally significant parks and trails, thereby making such locations eligible for funding and management by the regional district, through direct or indirect (contracted) means,” the report stated. 

The report also noted the Regional Parks Service has proposed a maximum 2026 budget of approximately $1.30 million, or approximately $0.07 per $1,000 of taxable value.