Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

Town of Peace River has purchased a building to move its official municipal operations to a facility that is going to improve accessibility and functionality.

Mayor Elaine Manzer says that the current building wasn’t accessible to differently abled residents and did not have sufficient room to operate the municipality efficiently.

“Renovations could have been completed in the current space for an estimated cost equivalent to the entire purchase and minor renovations needed in the newer larger accessible building,” says Manzer.

“The new space is larger and the layout of two floors with an elevator also addresses many of the issues that could not all be addressed with renovations to the present building from the operational view of a municipal government with the various departments and staff that work within the office.”

The Town took possession of the new building on July 31. The new building was built in 1983 and is located just one block north from the current location on Main Street. It was originally built for the provincial government, so Manzer says it is well-suited to the needs of the Town of Peace River.

“The present town hall was previously used as a provincial building and a bank,” she explains.

“The opportunity came to buy the new building and council considered both the present and long-term needs, it was decided to move ahead with the purchase,” she adds.

Manzer continues by saying the town office has occupied the current building for approximately 50 years and the council felt the layout no longer accommodated visitors and staff as a municipal office.

“When residents or business owners wish to talk with staff in the various departments, finding the departments will be easier and with an elevator, make the ease of access better for all users of the building,” she notes.

“This includes council chambers, reception area, community services, planning, finance, and other services.”

The new building is located at 9715-100 St. Peace River and had a purchase price of $1.05 million.

Manzer says the tentative plans are to move operations to the new facility in early 2025.

“Over my terms on council, there have been discussions about the need for renovations for accessibility and effective use of the current building,” Manzer says.

“This council’s discussions became serious in the past few months knowing that the building that had previously been used by various provincial government offices was for sale and located downtown.”

Manzer says in order to get the current location up to accessibility standards and to provide staff with organized working spaces, the renovations would have cost well over $1 million. This estimate would not account for any contingency costs that may have arisen.

“Council will be looking at inviting proposals for the present building.”