Submit applications and inquiries to development@peaceriver.ca.
Subdivision and development-related decisions are made by a number of different officers and committees.
The Development Officer (DO) is a member of the Town’s administrative staff. The DO is responsible for reviewing and making decisions on permitted use development applications, and advising the Municipal Planning Commission on decisions on discretionary use development applications.
The Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) a municipal board established by a bylaw that is responsible for reviewing and making decisions on discretionary use development applications, and may also provide advice and input on strategic planning processes. The Municipal Planning Commission is established by Bylaw No. 1993.
MPC Meetings
MPC meetings are held in Council Chambers at the Town Office, on Tuesdays at 4:15 pm, on an as-needed basis (typically the MPC meets between 6 and 12 times per year). MPC meetings are confirmed on the Friday prior to the MPC meeting being held on Tuesday. The MPC may also hold special meetings as needed to accommodate strategic planning processes. The quorum for an MPC meeting is five members.
MPC Agendas and Minutes
MPC meetings agendas are posted when the MPC meeting has been confirmed. Typically this occurs on the Friday prior to the MPC meeting being held.
MPC meeting minutes are posted after they have been approved. Typically the minutes of one meeting are approved at the subsequent meeting. Therefore, minutes are typically posted two to four weeks after the meeting.
Public Participation
MPC meetings are public. Anyone is able to attend and listen to the discussion or to speak directly to the MPC members who make the decision on planning applications. To inquire about bringing an item before the MPC either as a presentation or as a request for discussion, please contact the Planning Department at 780-624-2574 or via the form below.
MPC Membership
The MPC membership consists of nine persons, including both Council (up to three) and Public-at-large members. Council members may change on an annual basis. Public-at-large members are appointed to three-year terms.
Current MPC Members
- Terry Sawchuk, Public-at-Large
- Roger Ashfield, Public-at-Large
- Tyrell Kehler, Public-at-Large
- Channing Stenhouse, Public-at-Large
- Richard McIntosh, Public-at-Large
- Brad Carr, Councillor
- Don Good, Councillor
- Byron Schamehorn, Councillor
The Subdivision Authority (SA) for the Town of Peace River is the Subdivision Officer. The Subdivision Officer (SO) is a member of the Town’s administrative staff.
The SO is responsible for reviewing and making decisions on subdivision applications, based on the requirements of the Town’s Municipal Development Plan, relevant Town policies, the Town’s Land Use Bylaw, the Municipal Government Act, and the Subdivision and Development Regulation.
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) is a quasi-judicial board established by bylaw pursuant to the Municipal Government Act. The SDAB is responsible for reviewing and ruling on appeals of development permit decisions, stop orders and subdivision decisions. The Town of Peace River is a member of the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, in partnership with many other municipalities from around the region
Decisions of the Development Authority and Subdivision Authority may be appealed to the Peace Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (PRSDAB), excluding subdivision appeals that are heard by the Municipal Government Board (MGB) pursuant to section 678(2) of the MGA. The Subdivision Authority’s decision letter will state whether an appeal lies with the PRSDAB or the MGB.
The PRSDAB is an independent, intermunicipal Subdivision and Development Appeal Board established by Bylaw No. 2053. More information about the PRSDAB, including the process for filing an appeal, is available at the PRSDAB webpage.
Please contact the Development Officer if you have any questions about the appeal process.
Vacancies on the MPC and SDAB are posted here on our Municipal Advisory Boards and Committees page. If you are interested in sitting on the Municipal Planning Commission or the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board as a Public-at-Large member please fill in the application form.