The Municipal District offers a wide variety of camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, historical attractions, museums and scenic vistas.
The urban centres of Peace River, Grimshaw and Berwyn offer a selection of shopping, motel and restaurant establishments.
The District's current population (2006 census) is 1,487 people, which has remained stable over the last several years, and includes the Hamlet of Brownvale.
Location
The Municipal District of Peace is located along the north bank of the Peace River, approximately 500 km northwest of Edmonton, and approximately 150 km northeast of Grande Prairie.
Economic Base
The main economic base of the M.D. of Peace is agriculture. The total area of the M.D. is 92,610 hectares, most of which is used for grain farming, mixed farming, and some game farming (elk, buffalo). There is also a strong cattle farming and beekeeping presence in the District, as well as an expanding volume of oil and gas activity in the area.
Transportation
Air Services
Regularly scheduled air services are available from the Peace River Airport. Charter services are available from Canadian Helicopters, Ultra Helicopters, Highland Helicopters, Peace Helicopters and fixed wing charter from Northern Air Charter. Budget, Avis and National vehicle rentals are available at the airport.
Rail Services
The M.D. is served by Canadian National Railways as far west as Grimshaw.
Highways
Highway 2 runs through the M.D., along with 4 secondary highways, 3 of which are paved. The M.D. has a well-developed and maintained local road network.
Trucking Firms
Numerous local and regional trucking firms serve the M.D.
Bus Services
Regularly scheduled Greyhound bus service is available, with stops in Berwyn, Grimshaw and Peace River.
Couriers and Taxis
Greyhound Courier Express, DHL Express (Loomis), UPS, and Purolator Courier service the area. Peace River Taxi and Grimshaw Taxi are available for those without local transportation.
Financial Institutions
While there are no financial institutions in the M.D. itself, Scotiabank, CIBC, Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, Servus Credit Union, and ATB Financial have offices in the Towns of Peace River and Grimshaw, and the Village of Berwyn.
Community Lifestyle
Recreation
Nearby recreation facilities include an 88-acre recreational lease adjacent to Lac Cardinal and Queen Elizabeth Park (large hall, corrals, grandstand and race track, historical village, camping facilities), Strong Creek Park (20 acre municipal park adjacent to the Peace River, free camping, playground), Elk Island Campsite (leased 15 acre site adjacent to the Peace River, free camping, playground), Brownvale Ball Diamonds west of Brownvale (free camping), an 18-hole golf course near Grimshaw, privately owned riding arena and stable, and a curling rink, playground/picnic area, library and rec. centre in the Hamlet of Brownvale.
Community Organizations
Various community organizations, sports clubs and service groups are active throughout the M.D.
Religious Services
Several religious denominations are available to M.D. residents. These include the Alliance Church, Anglican Church of Canada, Baptist Church, Catholic Church, Christian Life Assembly, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Evangelical Missionary Church, Lutheran Church, Pentecostal Tabernacle, Salvation Army Church and the United Church of Canada, which are located within the urban communities in the M.D.
Education
Although there are no schools within the M.D., the Village of Berwyn, Town of Grimshaw and Town of Peace have public schools, with separate school systems in Grimshaw and Peace River as well.
Post-secondary Education
A number of post-secondary and upgrading programs are available through Northern Lakes College in the Town of Peace River and Grande Prairie Regional College in Fairview. Several of Alberta's universities offer credit courses in the region through various delivery modes, including teleconferencing. The University of Calgary, University of Lethbridge, Northern Lakes College and Athabasca University offer a wide range of courses to meet the interests of Peace Region residents.
Health Care
The M.D. is part of the Peace Health Region. Hospitals and other medical services are available at Grimshaw, Peace River and Fairview. There is a senior's lodge and self-contained units at Berwyn, as well as seniors' apartments and long term care facilities in Grimshaw and Peace River.
Emergency Services
Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided by 3 volunteer services, with M.D. of Peace equipment at Brownvale, Berwyn and Strong Creek Fire Halls.
Police Services
The M.D. is served by detachments of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at Grimshaw, Peace River and Fairview.
Ambulance Services
Peace Country Health provides ground and air ambulance service to the M.D. Ambulance services can be accessed by dialing 911.
Emergency 911 services are available throughout the Municipal District.
