PRRD launches survey to determine public’s interest in Agricultural Advisory Committee

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) launched a survey on Wednesday, April 10th, to determine the public’s interest in developing an Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC). 

The survey will be available until May 3rd, at 4 p.m. Staff will review the feedback and present it to the regional board at a later date.

The survey takes around five minutes to complete and asks questions such as whether you are interested in joining an AAC, which electoral area or community you live in, whether you are an agricultural producer and more. 

Another question in the survey asks participants to rank agriculture topics like access to farm land, weather impacts, and water management in order of importance.

From 2002 until 2018, the PRRD had a committee that provided input on agriculture matters such as Official Community Plans (OCP), agricultural plans, and other projects. However, the committee was shut down due to a lack of participation. 

“AACs do not make decisions on agricultural matters, rather they provide advice and recommendations to local governments as requested by the local government,” said the PRRD in a statement.

Electoral Area C Director Brad Sperling said back in September 2023 that a lot has changed in the five years since the AAC was dissolved and that it may be time for a second look, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires fuelled by drought.

Residents who have questions about the initiative can visit the B.C. government website or contact Ashley Murphey, general manager of development services, at ashley.murphey@prrd.bc.ca or 250-784-3204.