Bylaws & Policies

The Municipal Government Act grants Council the authority to adopt bylaws and a variety of documents as the elected governing body of the Town of Peace River.

Bylaws provide standard practices to protect the environment, public health, public safety, or to maintain order within the municipality.

All bylaws require three readings by the Town Council before they take effect.  Many bylaws, particularly land use bylaws, require advertising and a public hearing before Council may approve them.  These are referred to as statutory public hearings and are typically scheduled during regular meetings of Council. Notice of a public hearing is posted on this website and advertised in accordance with the Town's Advertising Bylaw.

The Town's Bylaws are divided into the following categories, to make locating current bylaws in effect a little easier to find.

• Active Bylaws: These are current bylaws in effect and their amendments, if applicable.
• Repealing Bylaws: These are active bylaws that only repeal other bylaws. They didn’t add any additional regulations so there isn’t anything to enforce.
• Expired Bylaws: These are active bylaws, but they are tied to specific timeframes, terms, or transactions. As a result, there is no longer any action to take or anything to enforce. Examples can include old tax rate bylaws, debenture bylaws, road closures, and authorizations to enter agreements.
• Repealed Bylaws: These are bylaws that have been repealed by other bylaws. They are no longer in effect.
• Defeated Bylaws: These are bylaws that are defeated during readings. They are not in effect.
• Withdrawn/Abandoned Bylaws: These are bylaws that were withdrawn, did not receive third reading, or had their readings rescinded. They are not in effect.
• *Bylaws Being Reviewed*: These are bylaws that departments are currently reviewing to determine if they are still current (i.e., active) or if they need to be repealed. Some of these may still be in effect.

Policies are approved by Council and provide a framework for decision making and to guide municipal operations, ensuring consistency throughout the municipality.

Unlike bylaws, Town policies do not require three readings by Council and are simply adopted by a motion of Council. 

Please note that it does take time after a bylaw or policy is adopted for it to be signed and uploaded to the web.

If you have questions or cannot find a bylaw or policy you are looking for, please email us at info@peaceriver.ca.