Shaping the Peace: Balancing Energy, Environment, and Equity in Northeast BC's Peace River Region

Northeast BC is more than a resource hub — it’s a driver of provincial prosperity.

Northeast British Columbia (NEBC) is a vital economic powerhouse, generating substantial contributions to British Columbia’s prosperity through its resource-rich industries: natural gas, hydroelectric power, forestry, agriculture, and mining. Despite comprising just over 1% of BC’s population, NEBC produces nearly all of the province’s natural gas and more than 30% of its hydroelectric power, underpinning provincial energy security and economic stability.

However, NEBC is at a critical juncture. Shifting global markets, ambitious climate targets, infrastructure challenges, and essential reconciliation efforts with Indigenous communities are reshaping the region. The landmark 2023 Blueberry River First Nations accord exemplifies a new era of shared resource management and benefits, balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth.

The Resource Works report, Shaping the Peace, provides essential insights and recommendations to ensure regional resilience and prosperity. It advocates for aligning environmental goals realistically with economic needs, expanding community revenue-sharing models like the Peace River Agreement, enhancing energy security in remote communities, and investing in economic diversification and skills training to prepare residents for emerging opportunities. Furthermore, the report calls for sustained support of independent geoscience research to bolster environmental accountability and public confidence.

Ultimately, the prosperity and resilience of NEBC rely on strategic policy actions, transparent collaboration with Indigenous nations, and a balanced approach to resource development. Supporting NEBC’s diverse communities through targeted investments in infrastructure, skills training, and sustainable resource practices will ensure lasting benefits that ripple positively throughout British Columbia.