(Peace River) – Town of Peace River has elected its new council, with new Mayor Shelly Shannon leading the way for the next four years.
This term’s town council includes only two incumbents in Brad Carr and Orren Ford, and new councillors Olayemi Babalola, Brandon Dous, Robin Dale Erickson, and Jeffrey Forsythe.
Shannon says her immediate priorities are practical and focused on visible progress.
“First, we need to modernize and streamline our policies to attract new investment and development,” says Shannon.
“That means making it easier for people to do business here by simplifying procedures, offering creative incentives, and ensuring our processes are clear and efficient,” she adds.
It is also time to address long-standing issues like the burned-out buildings and other legacy sites that have lingered for years. Shannon says cleaning these up not only improves safety and aesthetics but also restores pride in community spaces.
“Completing the 101 Street slide project is critical,” Shannon says. “We must stabilize and finish that area before it worsens and becomes a greater safety or financial burden. Alongside that, public safety and crime prevention, particularly downtown, will be an ongoing focus.”
Shannon adds her vision for the term is about fiscal accountability, sustainable growth and revitalization. She adds it is vital to create conditions to welcome new forms of housing development, from affordable options to higher-end builds.
“We’ll also take strong action to keep our downtown thriving by bringing life, activity, and investment back into the core,” she adds.
“We’ll focus on business attraction, marketing Peace River as a place where entrepreneurs, industry, and families all want to plant roots.”
Shannon says the success of council in the next four years will be measured by tangible outcomes, tracking through milestones like the number of policies modernized, developments approved and projects completed.
She’s also hoping to measure through results that residents can see and feel, like cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, new housing, and other items. She’s aiming to ensure public satisfaction, increased engagement, and positive economic growth.
“Peace River needs a vision that looks decades ahead,” she explains.
“We currently lack a true long-range strategy, so one of our early goals will be to create a comprehensive 20-year plan that integrates asset management, infrastructure renewal, growth, and sustainability. This kind of planning ensures we’re not patching problems temporarily but investing in solutions that protect our future.”
Shannon says she will maintain an open-door policy, hosting casual community coffee sessions for open dialogue and updates. She adds she also enjoys doorknocking, so she will continue to visit community residents throughout the term when time allows. She believes the more accessible council is, the more trust can be earned.
“This new council brings a fresh outlook and renewed energy, with a diverse mix of perspectives and experiences, which will lead to healthy debate and creative solutions,” she says.
“What matters most is that everyone is here for the right reason: to serve our residents and make meaningful progress. Together, we can re-energize the community and set a positive tone for the term.
“I am very excited to see this group get going.”
Shelly has an ambitious goal to complete prior to year-end, with a goal to see a six-month work plan developed and presented to administration.
“That plan will give clear direction, set expectations, and get everyone aligned on the immediate priorities,” Shannon says.
“It’s about momentum, starting strong and showing residents we’re ready to work from day one. Be patient with us as we get started as this is a new team finding its rhythm. But please, stay engaged, with all of us. Reach out, share your thoughts, and help shape the future of Peace River.”
Shannon says her council must prioritize infrastructure that affects safety, accessibility, and growth, including the 101 Street slide area, aging utilities, and roadway rehabilitation.
“Long-term maintenance of essential assets like water and wastewater systems will also be key to preventing future costly repairs,” she says.
“We’ll move beyond traditional public meetings and try creative ways to capture residents’ attention and participation. That could include interactive digital tools, community pop-ups, and better promotion of engagement opportunities. Historically, we have struggled to get satisfactory attendance. We want residents to feel connected to the decisions being made and confident their voices matter.”
Shannon says Peace River is also focused on reducing its environmental impact with the grant-funded energy manager. They will be assessing municipal facilities, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending practical improvements to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
“Be proud of your town and take part in it: volunteer, attend events, and support local initiatives,” concludes Shannon.
“Let’s write the next chapter of Peace River’s story, one of growth, pride, and progress. We’ve all seen where we’ve been and now it’s time to move forward, side by side.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter