After years of planning, perseverance and community commitment, the Dawson Creek Sportsman’s Club is celebrating the completion of its new indoor shooting range, a significant addition to year-round recreation infrastructure in the Peace region.
Located at the Club’s Riley Crossing property in Electoral Area D of the Peace River Regional District, the new facility replaces the indoor shooting range that once operated at Kin Park in Dawson Creek and was demolished approximately 30 years ago. With this project now complete, the community again has access to a modern, fully serviced indoor range designed to support safe, inclusive and weather-independent recreation.
Funded in part through Northern Development’s Recreation Infrastructure program, which committed and disbursed $300,000 toward the project, the $1.2 million facility supports pistol, archery and .22 rifle sports and is certified by the BC Chief Firearms Officer. This certification is a major milestone, making the Riley Crossing facility the only year-round certified shooting range in the area and opening the door to expanded programming, training and events.
The benefits of this new amenity extend well beyond club members. Year-round access significantly increases training capacity for a wide range of users, including the RCMP, conservation and natural resource officers and Canadian Rangers. The Club also supports archery programs delivered through local high schools and First Nations students through the Nawican Friendship Centre, strengthening pathways for youth engagement and skill development.
In a region known for long, cold and dark winters, the ability to offer consistent indoor recreation is especially meaningful. The new range provides community members with a reliable activity that is not subject to weather conditions, helping support physical activity, social connection and well-being throughout the year.
The facility is also expected to boost sport tourism to Dawson Creek by creating infrastructure capable of hosting competitions and regional events, positioning the Sportsman’s Club as a go-to destination for northeast B.C. and northwest Alberta.
Above all, the project reflects the Dawson Creek Sportsman’s Club’s long-term vision and dedication to serving its broader community. From replacing a long-lost facility to creating a modern, certified range that meets diverse needs, the Club’s efforts demonstrate how locally-driven initiatives can deliver lasting community benefits.
The NDIT team had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the facility this past weekend and the excitement of the community was palpable. The new indoor shooting range stands as a strong example of how recreation infrastructure investments can support community vitality, economic activity and year-round quality of life in Northern BC.
