Relocation Story
Meet Stewart Burnett, 35, Melody Teddy, 27, and their son Wilford Burnett, 2.
They moved from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, to Peace River in March of this year.
Stewart is the Town of Peace River’s Communication Coordinator.
Where did you live before arriving in Peace River?
Stewart: I’m from Vancouver, BC. Melody is from Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. Our son was born in Whitehorse, YT.
I’ve lived all over the northern territories—from Yellowknife to Inuvik to Iqaluit to Whitehorse to Rankin Inlet.
Coming to Peace River is something of a circle back as I got my journalism career started in Fort St. John, BC, at the Alaska Highway News in 2010.
How did you end up relocating here?
For the last two years, we lived in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
We love the North, but there was very little for my son to do. Where we lived there was no pool, few usable playgrounds, it’s cold all year, and there are a lack of opportunities.
On top of that, I was working from home while playing a large role in childcare, and the situation was becoming untenable.
After we fielded some job offers, we were almost on a plane to Iqaluit, but Peace River lured us.
Compared to where you came from, what’s different here?
It’s funny to us when people call this area rural. This is like a metropolis compared to much of the North. You’ve got Walmart, Starbucks, restaurants, paved roads, walking trails…we love it!
In general, there’s way more to do here for us and our son—there are parks, playgrounds, gymnastics, you name it.
Also, there are lots of bugs. I’m glad to be away from the spiders of my youth in Vancouver, but man, the centipedes and stuff here, haha.
In what ways have you integrated yourself into the community?
My son is involved in a lot of things. We even use him as a photography model in my work sometimes. We spend a lot of evenings at the big bouncy pillow at Cecil Thompson Park.
By nature of my job with the Town, I’m integrating in the community and meeting people.
However, the entirety of my life is work, then family time, then Rocket League, so, you won’t see me at bars.
Is anyone into Warhammer Age of Sigmar? I am, and I’d love to find a group.
I like gaming, so I’m glad to have good internet again. I couldn’t play online games without severe lag for the last two years.
What would you say to someone thinking of relocating here?
It’s a great place with affordable housing.
Have you enjoyed seeing the wildlife here?
That’s another surprising thing, the wildlife. Deer and moose are all around our townhouse all the time. There’s more wildlife here than anywhere I’ve lived.
What are some of your favourite outdoor activities?
We took our son kayaking on Leddy Lake for his first time. We like to run down the steep slopes of Misery Mountain together. His favourite park is either Cecil Thompson or Strong Creek Park.
What is unique about Northwestern Alberta?
Young men’s hairstyles. I’ve never seen so many mullets and mustaches. I fit right in.
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