Housing needs report predicts population growth in PRRD

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) received an interim housing needs report during the final regional board meeting of 2025.

The housing needs assessment outlined future housing needs based on historical data regarding population growth, and set five and 20-year estimates for the individual regions across the Peace River region. 

When studying the PRRD population, the report identified that 29 per cent of the households made less than $60,000 a year, which is below the provincial average of 33 per cent. Data also showed that 52 per cent of the population had a total household income of less than $100,000 a year. 

The report also studies census data to accurately predict population growth in the coming years. In 2021, the region had an estimated population of around 65,000. The report predicts that this population will grow to approximately 71,000 by 2046. 

These estimates included predictions of likely migration, information about building permits, and community plans. 

The report indicated that total projected housing needs for the entire Peace River Region in the next five years is 1,045 units. A total of 3,991 units are predicted to be necessary in the next 20 years. 

Area B is expected to need 125 units in the next five years, and 475 units in 20 years. In Area C, 151 units are predicted to be needed in five years, and 575 in the next 20, and in Area D, 143 units are projected to be needed in five years, and 549 within the next 20.

Estimates for Area E show 72 units of housing will be necessary in the next five years and 277 in the next 20, and in Chetwynd, 66 units are predicted to be essential in five years, and 243 within the next 20 years. 

The report estimates a substantial need for housing in Dawson Creek in the coming years, estimating Dawson Creek will need 392 units within the next five years and 1,544 in the next 20 years. 

In Hudson’s Hope, the report estimates that 45 units will be needed within the next five years, and within the next 20 years the region will need 142.

In Pouce Coupe, the report projected that 51 units would be needed within the next five years, and a total of 186 in the next 20 years. 

The report also studied house ownership, which identified the PRRD as having a homeownership rate of 67 per cent in 2021, a decrease from 2006, when the rate was 74 per cent.