Parks & Recreation Special Projects

Current Parks & Recreation Projects

Buick Creek Arena

November 12, 2009 Announcement

On behalf of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification (WED), the Honourable Jay Hill, MP Prince George – Peace River, announced today that, under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC), he had the privilege to offer financial assistance and present a cheque in the amount of $939,267 to the Peace River Regional District to assist in constructing the indoor ice arena at Buick Creek.

Funding for the arena is being provided through:

Western Economic Diversification in the amount of $939,267 through the RInC program;
Joint funding from the Province of BC and Government of Canada in the amount of $400,000 from the Towns for Tomorrow program;
Peace River Regional District Electoral Area B Fair Share funds to a maximum of $1,110,000.

The remainder of the funding will be borrowed and repaid over 20 years through the newly formed Buick Creek Arena service area.

Project Description:

In 2005 the residents of Buick Creek approached the Peace River Regional District about the possibility of constructing an indoor ice arena. After many years of hard work the project broke ground on May 25, 2009. The anticipated completion date for the arena is January 19, 2010.

Once completed the arena will provide the community with an indoor, NHL size (85' x 200'), artificial ice arena housed within a 149' by 236.5' facility. The arena will include permanent bleacher seating for 200, heated change rooms, service and storage rooms, a concession space, and a handicapped access including automatic doors, washrooms, and a viewing area. During the winter months (November to April) the facility will be used for indoor ice related recreation like hockey, figure skating, broom ball and public skating. From April to November the facility may be used for volleyball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, community gatherings, etc. with the installation of a temporary plywood floor.

May 2009 - removal of the outdoor ice rink		July 2009
July 2009		August 2009
August 2009		September 2009
September 2009		September 2009
September 2009		September 2009
October 2009		October 2009
November 2009		December 2009
December 2009		December 2009
December 2009		January 2010
January 2010		January 2010
February 2010		February 2010

Parks & Trails Strategies

Regional Parks Strategy

This project will include the development of an inventory of all relevant Regional District parks and their history. The final phase of the project will include the preparation of a guide that will enable the implementation of consistent park operations and future development of regional parks within the Regional District. Parks to be examined include Blackfoot Park, Montney Centennial Park, Spencer Tuck Park, Minaker River Park, Tomslake Recreation Grounds and Bear Mountain Park.

Regional Trails Strategy

This project will include an inventory of recreational motorized and non-motorized trails within the Regional District. The final phase of the project will include the preparation of a strategy plan for future development, enhancements or closures of trails with maps and written descriptions where feasible.

Funding for these projects has been provided by the Union of BC Municipalities through the Community Tourism Program.

Peace Valley Lookout Feasibility Study

Community Check-In Wednesday, February 17th

The PRRD hosted a second Community Check-In Event on Wednesday, February 17th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the North Peace Leisure Pool. To provide feedback to us by March 3, 2010 please complete the attached survey. We need your feedback on whether you think the preliminary concept plan will address:

current and potential future uses;
promotion of the history of the site;
safety & waste concerns; and,
economic and tourism benefits

For more information on the consultation meeting please contact us at (250) 784-3200 or prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca

Project Description:

The Peace Valley Lookout Feasibility Study will examine the feasibility of converting the Peace River Lookout, located on Crown land just outside of Fort St. John, into a Regional Park. The Lookout is located approximately 3 km south on 100th Street from the intersection of 100th Street and Highway 97. The study will outline: