As the North Peace grew and changed, support services were needed to supply the expanding population and industrial base. Increased numbers of families with school aged children facilitated the opening of schools. Medical services increased. Social and recreational facilities and activities were augmented. Life for many became a little bit easier. The construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 was also of great economic benefit. The area was further opened up as better and more roads and bridges facilitated movement. Communication improved and residents were better able to keep in touch with events and people in the area and outside. The activity in the oilpatch brought many more people and improved services. When the railroad arrived in 1958, the economy was bolstered again as now there was easier access for delivering local products to markets outside of the area. The boom or bust nature of an oilfield related economy will likely always lead to periods of hard times in the North Peace. The smaller agriculture and forestry industries will continue to support the economy through those hard times and we will continue to grow.
1920's |
1930's |
1940's |
1950's |
1960's |
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