Business View Magazine | April 2020

279 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE APRIL 2020 the years, with its strong economy attracting many young, energetic residents. Diverse economic drivers include industries such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, oil and gas, hydro-electric power generation, forestry, and mining. This vibrant economy combined with affordable housing allows younger residents to become homeowners – an opportunity they might not have available in the lower mainland and Vancouver. Many people come to the Peace River Region for short-term employment but become long-term residents due to the vast amount of economic and recreational offerings in the region. Its vast, abundant landscape attracts locals and tourists, alike, for a variety of outdoor pursuits. The PRRD has strong partnerships with industry and believes in balancing economic activities with environmental protection. The Farmington Working Group of residents, the BC Oil & Gas Commission, and industry partners exists to ensure residents in the area are able to live and work with industrial partners. In that regard, they are focusing on building strong relationships with First Nations partners to move forward together as they work towards the betterment of the region for everyone. Collaboration and sharing solutions is vital for remote and rural communities and includes looking outside regional borders, as well. Establishing key intergovernmental and interprovincial partnerships with communities in Alberta and beyond can help further ensure sustainability for everyone in the PRRD region. While many people choose to live in the Peace River RD due to the vast, beautiful landscapes and peaceful, remote communities, the region faces many unique issues that those in southern urban settings have difficulty comprehending. One of the district’s strategic focus areas is to advocate at the provincial and federal level to PEACE R I VER REGIONAL DI STR I CT , BC Chair of the PRRD Board, Brad Sperling Core Lodge - Courtesy of Megan Kruse