The Town of Peace River is in the primary stages of creating a business recognition policy to support and celebrate its deserving business community.
“Peace River has a fair number of generational businesses, as well as businesses that have thrived here for decades,” says Peace River Mayor Shelly Shannon.
“There are many challenges facing commerce, including rising prices in inventory, utilities and taxes. It is crucial that as a community we recognize and reward the tenacity and dedication of our business community.”
Shannon explains as the economic development portfolio is grown, it is important to recognize and celebrate local businesses and their commitment to staying in Peace River to grow the local economy.
She adds they are still ironing out how the businesses will be recognized.
“This may be in the form of a plaque, a gift of art, we have not firmly decided on that portion of the policy,” says Shannon.
“It creates community pride and builds on resident and business relations, something that has become rather disconnected in recent years, particularly since COVID,” she adds.
The policy is in the beginning stages of being created, with administration expected to bring it back to council for further consideration in a meeting before the new year.
The policy will provide a clear understanding toadministration of how and when council would like to recognize businesses.
“This award idea has circulated for some time,” Shannon explains. “We noticed that several businesses had 70, 90 and even 100 years of existence in our community. This is to be celebrated. It demonstrates the longevity and perseverance of Peace River.”
Shelly says her new council is enjoying building policy that reflects their intentions on improving and growing Peace River.
“Council is having a retreat in the next few weeks, emerging from that will be an aggressive six-month plan followed by a more robust strategic plan, as well as a 20-year plan,” Shannon says.
“Peace River does not currently have a long-term plan, something I personally campaigned on and aim to see to fruition. I look forward to sharing those plans with the community.”
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter