The Peace River region of northeast B.C. hosts a mix of energy, agriculture, forestry and mining initiatives.
Agriculture
In agriculture, the focus is on supporting farms (irrigation, research, value‐added) rather than large single “buildings”. For example, the B.C. Hydro backed Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund granted $383,714 in 2023 to 12 local farming projects. Recipients ranged from the BC Grain Producers Association (a $100,000 research grant) to individual farms (e.g. $50,000 to build an alfalfa pellet mill supplying livestock feed). These investments improve farm infrastructure (e.g. fencing, greenhouse, pest monitoring) and agrifood research, enhancing regional productivity and food security. Ag projects in PRRD are mainly small grants and infrastructure improvements; no new large commercial farms or processing plants have been announced recently.
Energy Projects
Hydroelectric – Site C Clean Energy Project
Type: Dams & Hydro. Developer: BC Hydro (provincial utility). Description: Site C is a large dam (1,100 MW capacity) under construction on the Peace River near Fort St. John. It will create a 9,330 ha reservoir and 1100 MW generating station, producing roughly 5,100 GWh/yr (enough for ~450,000 homes). Status: Under construction since 2015. As of late 2023 it was ~84% complete and on track to meet its in‐service date in 2025. Investment: Originally budgeted $8.8B, cost forecasts ~C$16 B (2021 estimate). Impacts: Will supply long-term clean power, but floods productive farmland and wildlife habitat. (Site C’s environmental approvals were issued in 2014, and it is the subject of ongoing monitoring and Indigenous agreements.)
Oil & Gas Pipelines
Coastal GasLink Pipeline (Dawson Creek→Kitimat). Type: Natural gas export pipeline. Developer: TC Energy (TransCanada) with international investors. Description: A 670 km buried pipeline carrying Montney gas west from Dawson Creek to LNG Canada’s Kitimat terminal. Status: Construction mostly complete; reached mechanical completion on Nov. 6, 2023. TC Energy plans final commissioning immediately after (gas delivery to LNG Canada by late 2023). Officially it is in commercial service as of early 2024. Timeline & Cost: Construction began ~2019, finished 2023. Capital cost ≈$6.6 B to $10 B (TC Energy). Stakeholders: TC Energy (57%), Shell, PetroChina, Petronas, Kogas, Mitsubishi, other LNG Canada partners. Impacts: Enables new LNG export industry (supporting emissions-reduction claims by replacing coal usage globally). Regulatory and First Nations approvals were secured (including 20 Indigenous agreements along the route). The project brought ~2,000–2,500 construction jobs and ~$1 B in local contracts, and will yield ongoing tax and royalty revenues.
Enbridge Westcoast Pipeline Expansions (T‑North / T‑South). Type: Gas transmission capacity expansion. Developer: Enbridge. Description: Three coordinated expansion programs to add compression and loops on Enbridge’s northern B.C. gas trunk lines. Projects: (1) Aspen Point (T‑North section) – 18 km of looped 36″ pipe and three new electric compressors, adding ~535 MMcf/d capacity south of Taylor. (2) Birch Grove (T‑North) – 32 km looping near Taylor (adding ~178 MMcf/d) plus ancillary upgrades. (3) Sunrise (T‑South) – new compressor east of Mackenzie and an 18 km loop north of Kennedy/McLeod Lake, extending from Chetwynd south toward the U.S. border. Status: Aspen Point was federally approved Dec 2024 and is already under construction; slated in-service end‐2026. Sunrise is proposed to begin mid-2026 and wrap up by 2028. Birch Grove is in planning (no firm timeline yet). Stakeholders: Enbridge. Impacts: These upgrades will significantly increase gas throughput to Alberta and U.S. markets (hundreds of MMcf/d added). They involve major construction in the PRRD and will require ~700 workers during peak construction.
NorthRiver Midstream NEBC Connector. Type: Condensate/NGL pipeline. Developer: NorthRiver Midstream. Description: Dual 8–12″ lines (~213 km total: 190 km in BC, 23 km in AB) running from a Wonowon (BC) liquids hub to Gordondale, Alberta. The pipeline will move condensate (C5+) and lighter NGLs (C3+) from Peace Region gas plants to Alberta markets or export. Status: Regulatory approvals granted: CER certificate Dec. 2023; provincial approvals Jan–Feb 2025. A Final Investment Decision is expected soon. Timeline: Projected in-service by Q2 2027 if approved. Stakeholders: NorthRiver Midstream (BC‐based). Impacts: Provides new transport for Montney liquids, supporting the regional gas processing industry. Capital cost unknown (likely a few hundred million). Environmental permitting is complete; the project includes stakeholder and Indigenous consultation.
Renewable Energy (Wind & Geothermal)
Stewart Creek Wind Project. Type: Wind farm. Developers: West Moberly First Nations (WMFN, 51%) & Innergex (49%). Description: ~200 MW wind project (approx. 40–50 turbines) in the Moberly Lake area, approved under BC Hydro’s Call for Power. WMFN holds a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement for 51% of output. Status: In development. Construction has not started; planned online by 2030. Impacts: Will supply clean power to the grid. WMFN’s majority ownership and the PPA provide long-term revenue to the First Nation. Capital: Likely on order of $500M (typical for 200 MW).
Taylor Wind Energy Project. Type: Wind farm. Developers: EDF Renewables (49%) and Saulteau First Nations (51%). Description: 200 MW wind farm with ~40 turbines near Fort St. John. A 30-year PPA with BC Hydro is signed. Status: In development; slated to energize by 2031. Impacts: Similar to Stewart Creek – 51% First Nation ownership provides equity for SFN, and power sales support provincial clean energy goals.
Geothermal: No major commercial geothermal projects in PRRD are active/planned at present. (BC’s 2024 energy calls included geothermal potential, but no Peace projects have been announced yet.)
Forestry
The Peace Region has abundant forests, but in recent years no major new forestry mills or expansions have been announced. In fact, forestry has contracted: Canfor permanently closed its Chetwynd sawmill and pellet plant in early 2023, affecting about 180 direct workers and equal contractors. Aside from these closures, there are no large new wood-processing facilities under construction or planned in PRRD.
Public forestry programs continue to operate in the region (e.g. FESBC-funded fuel-reduction and restoration projects, wildfire mitigation, reforestation), but these are service programs rather than “development projects.” Overall, the major forestry news for PRRD has been mill shutdowns and industry downsizing, rather than new builds.
Mining and Mineral Exploration
Mining in the Peace Region is centered on coal and a few metal exploration projects:
Wolverine Coal Mine (Tumbler Ridge, metallurgical coal). Operator: Conuma Resources (Toronto). Description: Open-pit metallurgical coal mine started by Western Canadian Coal in 2005. Conuma re-opened Wolverine in 2017 after a hiatus, ramping production to ~1.5 Mt/year by 2019. Status: Care and Maintenance as of April 2024. The Perry Creek pit became depleted, and mining was paused. Conuma has proposed an expansion – the Hermann Pit – which would extend operations by ~10 years, yielding ~1 Mt/yr additional coal. (That project would keep ~300 direct jobs and ~1,000 local jobs in the area, but requires a new Environmental Assessment.)
Quintette Coal (Tumbler Ridge, metallurgical coal). Formerly Teck Coal’s Quintette mine (shut in 2000), it was purchased by Conuma. Conuma announced in mid-2022 that it had restarted a small portion of Quintette under care and maintenance (intended to support Wolverine processing). Production volumes are modest, and like Wolverine it depends on coal prices. (No large expansion of Quintette is currently planned beyond Conuma’s limited restart.)
“Thor” Polymetallic Epithermal Project (Trout Lake area, ~40 km SW of Fort St. John). Developer: Taranis Resources Inc. (TSXV:TRO). Description: A gold–silver–copper epithermal deposit discovered in past decades, known as the Thor deposit. Taranis holds 100% of the mineral rights. Status: Exploration and permitting. After a regulatory/legal delay, B.C. granted Taranis a 5-year bulk-sample/exploration permit in 2024. The company is preparing to mine and process ~10,000 tonne bulk sample to verify resource grade. Timeline: Drilling and bulk sampling planned through 2025–26. Impacts: If advanced, Thor could become a regional hard-rock gold/Ag mine. At present it is an exploration project; no production schedule or financing is finalized beyond the bulk sample.
Other minerals: The region has seen limited new exploration. (For instance, there are minor geological targets for copper or rare metals, but none are at the development stage.) No new large-scale mining developments (e.g. major metal mines) are underway in PRRD. The coal sector is the dominant mining industry here, and its fortunes have largely determined local mining activity.
Recreation and Leisure Facilities
North Peace Leisure Facility Replacement (Fort St. John/Taylor) – PRRD (Areas B&C), City of Fort St. John and District of Taylor are jointly planning to replace the aging North Peace Leisure Pool. The existing pool is “aging and its infrastructure is failing,” causing service interruptions Three design options (two aquatics-only, one multi-use with indoor amenities) were developed based on public input. Estimated costs were higher than anticipated, so the PRRD Board is now exploring additional partnerships/funding before proceeding to referendum. Status: Phase‑3 community engagement (April–May 2023) is complete; next steps will be determined. Stakeholders: PRRD (Areas B/C), City of FSJ, District of Taylor, local residents. Timeline & Budget: Planning only (no construction yet); costs are under review (community concerned about tax impact). Impact: A new facility will restore reliable aquatics services and expand recreation opportunities, addressing a key regional need.
Taylor Ice Centre & Curling Club Upgrades (Taylor) – The District of Taylor is applying for provincial funding (Northern Development Initiative Trust) to upgrade its recreation facilities. In the 2025 Budget the District set aside $50K each (total $100K) for two projects: (1) District Ice Centre – new tiles in the kitchen, and upgraded showers in dressing and referee rooms; (2) Curling Club – new boiler, dehumidifier, roof repairs, and future accessibility improvements (e.g. elevator consideration). Status: Staff approved grant applications; if funded, work will begin in 2025. Stakeholders: District of Taylor, Taylor Curling Club, NDIT. Timeline & Budget: Construction likely in 2025; District share ~$50K per project (70% covered by grant if successful). Impact: These upgrades will improve safety, comfort and accessibility in Taylor’s key recreation buildings.
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Regional PRRD Systems – The PRRD Environmental Services webpage currently lists no active water/sewer projects.
Emergency Services & Disaster Preparedness
Structure Protection Unit (Charlie Lake Fire Department) – In late 2024 the Charlie Lake Fire Dept. acquired a new structure protection unit (trailer with sprinkler arrays) at the PRRD-funded Charlie Lake fire hall. This mobile unit can “protect approximately 30 houses at the same time” by laying out sprinklers across high-density areas. It cost about $290,000 (funded from Area C’s Peace River Agreement funds and Gas Tax grants), and is BC Wildfire Service–certified for provincial deployment. Status: Completed and operational. Stakeholders: PRRD (Area C), Charlie Lake Fire Dept., BC Wildfire Service. Timeline & Budget: Delivered 2024; budget $290K. Impact: Adds wildfire structure-protection capacity locally and regionally. The PRRD also plans a second unit (for use within the district) and is saving to replace a fire engine by 2030, further strengthening local fire response.
Fire Protection Services Study (PRRD) – The PRRD has launched a feasibility study (with public engagement) on creating or expanding regional fire protection services (e.g. extending fire coverage in rural areas). Status: Underway (working with FireWise Consulting). Stakeholders: PRRD, Rural Fire Departments, Indigenous governments, residents. Timeline: Town halls held in Fall 2024; decisions pending study results. Impact: May lead to improved fire service in unincorporated areas.
Emergency Climate Preparedness – Regional Climate Resiliency Plan (RCRP) – In May 2024 the PRRD announced its first-ever Regional Climate Resiliency Plan, a strategic roadmap to assess and address climate disaster risks (wildfires, floods, droughts, etc.) across all four electoral areas. The Plan’s purpose is “enhancing resilience to extreme weather events” by guiding staff and councils on priorities. Status: Public engagement held June 2024 (open houses in Dawson Creek, FSJ, Chetwynd, etc.); analysis ongoing. Stakeholders: PRRD (Regional Board), rural residents, community groups. Timeline: Engagement Summer 2024; draft plan expected by late 2024/early 2025. Budget: Not specified. Impact: Will inform future emergency response, infrastructure upgrades and mitigation efforts (e.g. improved firefighting and flood mitigation planning) across the region.
Broadband and Digital Infrastructure
Regional Connectivity Strategy – The PRRD is working on a Broadband/Digital Connectivity Strategy. In 2024 Planetworks Consulting prepared a Regional Connectivity Strategy Report for the PRRD Broadband Internet and Mobility Committee (BIMC), documenting current coverage gaps and recommending improvements. The 2025 update (ongoing) is engaging ISPs, First Nations and agencies (CRTC, provincial “Connecting Communities” program) to outline next steps for high‑speed Internet access. Status: Consultant hired (May 2024); 2024 report completed and published (Oct. 2024); 2025 study underway. Stakeholders: PRRD (BIMC), local ISPs, Northwestel, federal/provincial telecom regulators. Timeline: Study 2024-25; strategy to be implemented thereafter. Impact: Aims for “100% of PRRD households” to have minimum 50 Mbps service, supporting rural internet access and economic connectivity.
Broadband Connectivity Services Bylaw – In late 2022 the PRRD approved Bylaw 2487 (2022), permitting the district to partner with internet and cellular providers. This enables PRRD to apply for grants and invest in broadband infrastructure projects. Status: Enacted (2022). Stakeholders: PRRD Board. Impact: Facilitates PRRD involvement in new telecom projects (e.g. fibre or cell towers) to improve rural connectivity.
Public Buildings and Community Halls
New Chetwynd Public Library – A brand-new 8,600 sq.ft. Chetwynd Public Library opened June 24, 2024. Constructed on North Access Road (4522), it replaces the 1959 facility. The modern library (built by Faction Projects and Celtic Construction) includes a children’s activity room, teen area, maker/VRed room, multipurpose room, café space and outdoor patio with park views. Purpose: To provide updated learning, literacy and community space. Status: Completed and operational (June 2024). Stakeholders: Chetwynd Public Library Association, District of Chetwynd, PRRD (Electoral Area E Director participated), funders. Timeline & Budget: Construction June 2022–June 2024; funded by local governments, library association, donors and grants. Impact: Expands public programming and services (e.g. storytelling, teen programs, VR learning) and serves as a community hub.
Taylor Community Hall Improvements – (Example of PRRD support) In 2024 the PRRD continued annual Fair Share grants to rural community halls. For instance, Tate Creek Community Hall (Area C) and McLeod School Hall (Area B) have received PRRD funding in recent years for upgrades. Status: Ongoing grant programs. Impact: Enhances local gathering spaces in rural areas. (No major new buildings announced at PRRD level beyond library.)
Transportation and Mobility Improvements
Active Transportation Projects (Provincial Grants) – Under BC’s 2024-25 Active Transportation Infrastructure program, the PRRD region secured funding for several local projects. Notably: a new sidewalk extension on 46 Street NE in Chetwynd (connecting an elementary school to a subdivision); trail lighting (2025) and a multi-use pathway through Kin Park in Fort St. John (improving ~1.6 km of trails with boardwalk, lighting, wayfinding); and downtown sidewalk replacement in Tumbler Ridge (improving walkability). Status: Design/construction planned 2025–26. Stakeholders: Municipalities (Chetwynd, FSJ, Tumbler Ridge), BC Ministry of Transportation, local builders. Budget: Joint provincial-municipal funding (e.g. grants up to $500K per project). Impact: Safer walking and cycling connections to schools, parks and downtowns across the region.
Transit and Road Upgrades – The City of Fort St. John is developing a long-term transit service plan (update in progress).
Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Initiatives
Yard Waste Composting Pilot (Bessborough Landfill) – Starting May 15, 2025, the PRRD began accepting yard and garden waste free of charge at its Bessborough Landfill (Arras). This is a 3‑year pilot program (2025–2027) to divert organics (grass clippings, leaves, trimmings) from landfill (currently ~30% of landfill waste) into compost. The PRRD will evaluate results in 2027 for possible permanent implementation. Stakeholders: PRRD Environmental Services. Timeline: Pilot runs May–Oct 2025, 2026, 2027. Impact: Reduces landfill burden and greenhouse emissions by recycling garden waste; promotes sustainability and waste reduction.
Regional Climate Resiliency Plan (RCRP) – (See Emergency Services above.) The PRRD’s RCRP also addresses sustainability by integrating climate impacts into regional planning.
FireSmart Program (Home Assessments) – The PRRD continues to support wildfire resiliency through its FireSmart™ program. In 2024/25 “free FireSmart home assessments” were promoted region-wide, helping homeowners identify and mitigate wildfire risk around their properties. Status: Ongoing annual service. Impact: Improves wildfire preparedness at the community level.