The government of British Columbia is extending its financial contribution for a Farmers Advocacy Office (FAO) so landowners can continue to receive information and support in northeast B.C. for compensation and mitigation discussions related to proposed oil and gas activities on residential land.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong is inviting Peace River residents to participate in a regional telephone town hall on balancing the 2013-14 provincial budget and supporting affordability for B.C. families.

The parking lots at Dawson Creek and District Hospital and Rotary Manor are being resurfaced and upgraded to add more space and improve access for visitors as well as emergency and delivery vehicles.

A $3-million upgrade to Coleman Creek Road near Dawson Creek is underway and, when complete, will improve safety for families and industrial users in the region.

Natural resource officers from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations visited a series of recreational spots in the Northeast region to help ensure that residents and visitors enjoyed a safe B.C. Day long weekend.

Many waterways in British Columbia's Peace Region are experiencing very low stream flow conditions, so the government is encouraging residents to conserve water and learn more about dealing with current drought conditions.

Two improvement projects on Highway 2 and Highway 97 in the Peace River area will improve safety for families, visitors and commercial traffic.

Work is set to begin on $5.4 million in improvements to Stewart Lake Road, making this heavily travelled road safer for families and more efficient for the oil and gas industry.