Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River town council has decided to redistrict an area of the community from Light Industrial District to Highway Commercial District to help promote commercial business opportunities in the community.
“As part of the Land-Use Bylaw Refresh, this redistricting was already planned,” explains Mayor Elaine Manzer of the decision made on March 24.
“However, a proposed retail development requires that this change goes into effect before the refresh project is completed. So the council directed administration to initiate the redistricting bylaw to bring this change into effect as soon as possible,” she adds.
The area includes Plan 9221058, Block 1, Lot 18 and Plan 1121857.
“The area includes the lots where Modern Paint and United Flooring are located as well as the lots containing the strip mall to the east of those businesses,” says Manzer.
“This change will provide the opportunity for a new business to be established.
“Economic development is a key component of the Town’s strategic plan and providing this opportunity for a new business helps reach the goal.”
Manzer says council has been proactive in recent years to attract new businesses and to help the community grow.
“Growth of the town maintains the vibrancy and viability of the town and also helps provide the town and area with more amenities,” she says.
“The Town is happy to attract all types of businesses and help them with any permits or other information that they need in order to establish the business.”
Manzer says the Town’s long-term goal for the community is to promote a steady rate of positive growth to help with planning, infrastructure, and other amenities.
“There is a basic level of services that Peace River residents and businesses expect and at times a need to improve and increase these services and infrastructure,” she concludes.
“The idea is that the more that can share in the cost, the less cost increases to everyone,” Manzur concludes.