CHETWYND

The Town of Chetwynd is located at the junction of Highway 97 and 29, 310 km north of Prince George, British Columbia or 102 km west of Dawson Creek. It has a population of approximately 3000 people and a trading area of about 7000 people. Situated in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Chetywnd was first known as Little Prairie when the first settlers arrived in the early 1900's. Indians who travelled from Moberly Lake to hunt in the Sukunka Valley called it "Little Prairie". It was later changed to "Chetwynd" named after one of the early settlers, Ralph Chetwynd, around the same time the Pacific Great East Railway first came to the community. Ralph Chetwynd was a Provincial Highways Minister. In 1952, the first Highway was built between Prince George and Dawson Creek. Chetwynd was incorporated as a Village in 1962. In 1983 the municipality was reincorporated as a District Municipality.

Chetwynd is economically strong in oil, gas, coal and forestry. The largest employers in the area are Tembec Pulp Mill, Canadian Forest Industries, West Fraser Mills, and Duke Energy (Pine River Gas Plant).
Dec 2007- Canfor announced it will close its Chetwynd Mill effective December 20 affecting 150 employees.

There is plenty of fishing in the region. Trout, Pickerel, Grayling, Northern Pike and Dolly Varden. Hiking and biking is popular. During the winter months there is speed skating at the Rotary Park, snowmobiling in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains plus ice fishing and hunting. Cross country skiing or down hill skiing is available at Powder King.

Over 60 Wooden Sculptures made with chainsaws are displayed throughout Chetwynd. This was done to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway in 1992. The "Welcome to Chetwynd" display is located next to the Visitors Booth and the Beaver Sculpture is in the centre of town next to the IGA store. As well you will see "The Little Giant of the Mighty Peace" located along the highway. The 1200 pound 9 foot statue has been here since 1967 and depicts the spirit of the residents of Chetwynd who have the initiative to stride proudly into the future.

94.5 CHET FM, 55 CHET TV located at 102-4612 North Access Road. (250) 788-9452. The Art Gallery is also located here. Peace FM Website	Chetwynd Public Library is a resource of information. Located at 5012-46 Street. (250) 788-2559. Chetwynd Public Library	Chetwynd and District, Recreation Centre features an ice arena and curling rink. Located next to leisure pool, tennis courts and ball diamonds. 4552 North Access Road.

Chetwynd Echo/ Pioneer Newspaper. Located at 5208 North Access Road. (250) 788-2246. Also Coffee Talk Express, 3431 Hawyard Road West. (250) 788-3422.

Special Events: There are a number of events each year that brings the community together. The Chainsaw Carving Championships on one of the largest events held on the second weekend of June. Each year the July 1st Canada Day Celebrations take place. For more information on the hiking trails and the best snowmobiling areas, drop by the Visitor Centre for the most recent maps of the trails. The Visitor Centre is open year round.

2008 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Skiing: Powder King Ski Village, located 110km southwest of Chetwynd on highway 97 in the Pine Pass. Powder skiing, 18 runs, chairlift, 2 T-bars and platter tow. Slopes to 2,100 feet. Powder King Ski Website

Golf: Moberly Lake & District Golf Club. Located north of Chetwynd just past Moberly Lake. 9 holes, club and cart rentals. (250) 788-3880

Natural Springs Golf Resort. Located 15km south of Chetwynd along Highway 29. 9 holes, par 36, driving range, club and cart rentals, pro-shop, RV camping. (250) 788-3944.

Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce. 5200 North Access Road. (250) 788-3345.

For more information on Chetwynd visit the Town of Chetwynd website

Chetwynd Weather

Pomeroy Inn & Suites Now Open in Chetwynd. Heated pool with whirlpool and waterslide, fitness room. Business Centre with high speed Internet access. Banquet facilities. Microwave and fridge in all rooms, exclusive Hypnos bed systems. Complimentary deluxe breakfast. Opposite the Chetwynd Information Centre.

5200 N Access Chetwynd 250-788-4800 1-866-424-4800

pomeroygroup.ca pomeroyinnandsuites.com

The Chetwynd Visitor's Information Centre is located at 5400 North Access Road, along Highway 97. (250) 788-1943.

The Little Prairie Heritage Museum located in the 1949 General Store and Post Office building is open to the public. Located 2 km west of Chetwynd. Displays, antiques as well as an old Trappers Cabin from the 1920's. Open July and August. (250) 788-3358.

Also located at the Museum is the caboose from the last train through the area in 1990.

Chetwynd & District Hospital was opened in 1971. Provides 24 hour emergency service, with 3 full time doctors. 5500 Hospital Road. (250) 788-2236

Schools:

Little Prairie Elementary School, 4200-51 Street. (250) 788-1924.

Chetwynd Secondary School, 5000-46 Street. (250) 788-2267.

Don Titus Elementary School. 5304-47 Avenue. (250) 788-2531.

Windrem Elementary School, 5004-46 Street. (250) 788-2528.

Chetwynd Campus, 5132-50 Street . Chetwynd Phone: (250) 788-2248
Northern Lights College