PEACE RIVER

Located 200 km north of Grande Prairie, Alberta, on Highway 2 is the Town of Peace River, with a population of 6240 people. (2006 stats) It serves a trading area of over 15,000 people.

Main street Peace River. (May 2005)

The 1st settlements date back to the 1700's when the 1st Hudson's Bay Company Fur traders arrived in the region along the Peace River. Fort Fork was established by the Northwest Company when Sir Alexander Mackenzie made his journey along the Peace River. When the rail line reached the area, also came the settlers and the first settlement began 1906-1916. about the same time the first post office opened. Before 1919, this community was known as "The Peace River Crossing". The settlement on the east bank of the river was known for many years as the "Peace River Landing Settlement".

A Beaver Indian legend says "Drink the waters of the Peace River and you will return".

	A Provincial Historic Monument honors the gravesite of Henry "Twelve Foot" Davis, located on the Grouard hill that overlooks the confluence of the Peace River, the Smoky River and the Peace River. As history puts it, it was a memorable day in 1862 when Henry Fuller Davis, a prospector made a 12 foot claim, between two much larger claims and struck it rich with gold.
	The scenic drive along the Shaftesbury Trail on Highway 684 takes you along the west side of the river. You can see SGT. Anderson's Cabin (1899), St. Mary's Fort #2, St. Agustine's Mission (1888) (located at Peace River Correctional Centre), located 17 km from town is Mackenzie Cairn (1929) Shaftesbury Ferry (27 km from town) plus many other historical sites.

The top five industries of Peace River is Retail Trade at number one, followed by Agriculture, Health/Social Services, Construction and then Manufacturing. The Peace River Pulp Mill is located 25 km from the town of Peace River. (Daishowa-Marubeni International) Employs over 350 employees. It was in October of 1996 that Daishowa announced plans to build the $900 million light-weight coated paper mill.

The highest population sector are under 14. 65 and over is the lowest populated sector.

Peace River Record-Gazette, established in 1914, is a weekly newspaper with a circulation of 3216. In January 2007 the newspaper moved to a new location, 10002-100 Street.
Newspaper website.

Events: Some of the annual events held in Peace River each year are: The Peace River Trade Fair- 3 day event held each spring. Peace Regional Air Show - event takes place every two years at the Peace River Airport. Canada Day Celebrations - July 1, parade, festivities at River Front Park. Peace Festival- takes place mid-July, 2 days of rock concerts and street performers. Rock Fest - takes place mid-September, outdoor music, one day event. Christmas Festival - Santa Claus parade through downtown, midnight madness, skating, held last weekend of November.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Home of the Peace River Stampeders (senior hockey team) NPHL , that challenges other teams in the Peace Country including the Fairview Kings, High Prairie Regals, Lakeland Eagles (from McLennan) , Valleyview Jets, Grande Prairie Athletics, Spirit River Rangers, Hythe Mustangs, Fort St John Flyers, and Falher Pirates. 2008-2009 NPHL Hockey Schedule

Town of Peace River. (780) 624-2574.
For more information on Peace River visit the Town of Peace River Website
Peace River and District Chamber of Commerce.

From Grouard Hill looking down at the valley and the Town of Peace River. (May 2005)

Schools:
-McGrath Elementary School. Grades 4 to 6 with approximately 230 students attending. (780) 624-3142.
-Peace River High School. Grades 10 to 12 with over 280 students. (780) 624-4221,
-Glenmary Catholic High School. 8801-96 Street. Grade 7-12 with approximately 410 students. (780) 624-5656.
-Springfield Elementary School. Kindergarten to Grade 3, over 260 students attending. (780) 624-2143.
-TA Norris Jr High School. Grades 7 to 9 with approximately 317 students. (780) 624-3144.
-Good Shepherd School. ECS to Grade 6. 9810-71 Avenue (780) 624-3432.
-Ecole Quatre-Vents. Grades K-6, 7701-99 Street (780) 624-3015,
-Peace River Adventist Junior Academy (780) 624-4480.

Jan 2008- Peace River and Grimshaw will jointly host the 2010 Alberta Summer Games. The Games are held every 2 years and is Alberta's largest sporting event that features approximately 3000 athletes.

Welcome to the Peace River, Land of Twelve Foot Davis.

The bridge crossing the Peace River was built in 1968.

Peace River Airport located 6 km from Peace River. 5,000 foot paved runway, provides flights to other centres in Alberta and British Columbia plus charter services. Includes full service cafe. (780) 624-2867.

Riverdrive Mall for your shopping needs. Clothing, footwear, jewellery, music, books, toys and more. 10122 - 100 Street. (780) 624-3212.

Peace River Centennial Museum and Archives display Native culture and history of the area with themes depicting the Fur Trade, Sir Alexander Mackenzie and Twelve Foot Davis. Open year round. 10302 - 99 Street. (780) 624-4261.

McNamara Hotel. Originally built in 1921. Since then has burnt down twice. Rebuilt in 1932 and 1994. Has 8 rooms, quiet bar and liquor store. 10022 - 100 Street. (780) 624-2545.

Peace River Radio stations, includes 610 CKYL Country on AM and 106.1 Kix rock on FM. Al (Boomer) Adair was a well known radio personality before entering politics in 1971 and serving as a Conservative Cabinet Minister until his retirement in 1993. He died at the age of 67, December 24, 1996.

Ski Hill:

Peace River Misery Mountain Ski Hill offers hours of fun for the whole family. Located on the west side of the river. (780) 624-4881.
Ski Hill Website

Peace River Kinsmen Sports Centre 9810-73 Avenue (780) 624-3204.

Peace River Minor Hockey. (780) 624-5666.

Peace River Curling Club. 9718-102 Street. (780) 624-2861.

Peace River Public Library. 9807-97 Ave. (780)624-4076.
Library Website

Peace River Community Health Centre. 10101-68 Street. (780) 624-7500.