- Baytex Energy Centre- Canadian Natural Field House ProjectCouncil heard a project at the Baytex Energy Centre-Canadian Natural Field House was completed in September. An aluminum-framed, tempered glass wall separating the field house from the changeroom hallway was installed by Lavergne Construction, which was awarded the contract after a successful tender. The project improved separation between the changeroom hallway and the field house, providing clear delineation between the spaces and assisting with operational conflicts between ice users and track/field house users. It also clearly identifies that the field house space is a pay for use area.
Taxi Pass Program & Transportation Services Options
- Director of Community Services Tanya Bell presented potential options for the existing taxi pass program and public transportation services, which would be more conducive to residents with accessibility needs. Consideration of different options was in response to a public inquiry from a person who is blind. Public Transit, volunteer drive programs, a Handibus system, and possible changes to the taxi pass program were discussed. Council directed administration to further investigate a Handibus system, including analysis of a Slave Lake Handibus, as well as an assessment of current community needs, eligibility criteria, staffing requirements, and potential grant or partnership opportunities. The issue will come back to council when more information is obtained.
Residential Development Incentive Grant Policy
- A grant incentive policy intended to encourage residential development will now move forward to council for formal consideration. Town of Peace River has identified the development of new housing as an important component of supporting community growth and providing additional residential opportunities. Interim Director of Infrastructure & Development Ron Cust presented the Proposed Housing Development Grant Program to council. Intended to support new residential development, accessory dwelling units, and the demolition and replacement of derelict buildings, the grant program would provide a consistent and accessible incentive for residential development in Peace River. This type of program aligns with the findings in the Enabling Housing Choice North Project Enabling Diverse Housing Development in Peace River.
Draft Residential Development Tax Incentive Bylaw
- Director Cust brought forward the proposed tax incentive bylaw, which is intended to facilitate development of new housing as an important component of supporting community growth. The residential tax incentive framework will provide a consistent incentive for eligible new residential development rather than considering individual requests on a case-by-case basis. It also aligns with the Enabling Housing Choice North Project Enabling Diverse Housing Development findings. Council directed administration to bring the bylaw back to council for formal consideration.
Preparation for October 26, 2026, Organizational Meeting
- Council accepted a briefing note in consideration of its upcoming organizational meeting, at which determination of councillor roles on committees as well as that of Deputy Mayor, will be determined.
2026 Northern and Regional Economic Development Grant
- The Town of Peace River will be discussing the potential for a joint application for this grant with its neighbouring municipalities. The program supports projects intended to advance economic development and diversification. Municipal applicants may receive between $10,000 and $300,000, with the province funding up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.