Environmental Programs and Initiatives
Since 1991, Trout Unlimited Canada’s award-winning Yellow Fish Road™ program has been Canada’s premier water education program targeted to reduce water pollution. The Yellow Fish Road™ program educates Canadians that storm drains are the doorways to our rivers, lakes and streams and anything other than rainwater can harm life in and around the water, as well as us as Canadians who need clean water. Participants learn that together we can prevent pollutants such as soap, fertilizer, litter, dirt, oil, pet feces and construction materials from entering storm drains and protect Canada’s water.
In Grande Prairie, groups can contact the City to obtain the supplies needed to make storm drains with the yellow fish. The program is free of charge and is done through the months of May to September when the snow has cleared.
What Do I Need to Install Solar Panels?
You will require a building and electrical permit. Due to the complexity, a certified, Master Electrician is required to obtain the electrical permit.
Building Permit
To make application for a building permit to install Solar Panels, you will be required to provide:
1. A complete Permit Application
2. Roof Plan indicating Panel Layout
3. Engineered Truss Layout OR Engineered Letter
4. Site Plan
5. Manufacturer Specifications
6. Mounting Detail
7. Single Line Drawing
Development Permit
Depending on the size and display of the proposed array, a development permit may be required. Consult with a Development Officer at dev_officers@cityofgp.com for further information regarding setbacks and height restrictions.
How to Complete your Application
Submit all the required documentation outlined above to inspections@cityofgp.com
The fee for both permits is waived by the City, however, a $4.50 Safety Codes Levey is required.
Get the Building Permit Application (PDF 749KB) here.
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting (indoor composting with red wiggler worms) workshops for the public are held during the spring, summer, and fall. Indoor composting is great for people who want to compost year round. Dates can be found here when available.
If you are a teacher or a community group, you can request to have a presentation done in your classroom. There is no fee for this classroom program.
Community Mobility
What is Community Mobility?
Community Mobility is one of Council's priorities. Our definition refers to all human powered forms of transportation. This can include walking, cycling, skateboarding, mobility aids (wheel chairs, scooters) and is frequently combined with public transportation.
Our Community Mobility Goal
Our goal is to make riding your bike, walking, skateboarding or taking the bus an easy and effective alternative choice to driving your car. The city is full of well maintained trails that can be used year round.
The Community Growth Committee recommended that Council formally adopt a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2009 baseline levels by 2019 for municipal operations, as per the Partners for Climate Protection recommended target, and to further this direct Administration to:
- Develop adequate processes to support timely, accurate and comprehensive data collection for greenhouse gas emissions inventories
- Develop a baseline community greenhouse gas emissions inventory for 2009 and set a reduction target
- Develop a project team to gather information about energy efficiency and emission reduction measures that have been put in place, are planned or could be implemented to reduce future greenhouse gas emissions for municipal operations
- Develop a local action plan for energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve reduction targets
The City of Grande Prairie is one of over 240 municipalities who have joined PCP, making a public commitment to reduce emissions. These members cover all provinces and territories, and account for more than 80% of the Canadian population. The PCP program has five milestones:
- Create a GHG emissions inventory and forecast
- Set an emissions reductions target
- Develop a local climate action plan
- Implement the local climate action plan
- Monitor progress and report results
What types of GHG emissions are measured?
The inventory tracks three principal GHGs: carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O) and
methane (CH4), expressed as a CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
Typically, these GHGs are generated from:- the use of fossil fuels to light, heat, cool and ventilate buildings (including homes and offices) and to power municipal operations, industrial processes and vehicles
- the decomposition of organic waste in landfills.
Did you know...
FCM’s Green Municipal Fund™ (GMF) provides grants of up to 50 per cent of costs to
a maximum of $350,000 toward the completion of PCP Milestones Two and Three? GMF also
offers grants for feasibility studies and grants and low-interest loans for capital projects to
implement measures identified in the local action plan.The importance of healthy riparian areas, found next to water bodies, is described within Provincial strategies such as Stepping Back from the Water. This natural vegetation at the water’s edge performs a number of ecosystem services including:
- Retaining pollutants from entering the water
- Stabilizing the slopes of the facility from erosion
- Absorbing excess nutrients that otherwise may result in algal blooms
- Providing habitat for water fowl and other organisms
The Grande Prairie Energy Strategy creates the foundation for a profound shift towards efficient energy generation, conscious energy consumption, and reduction of Greenhouse Gas ("GHG") emissions Community-wide and within the Corporation of the City of Grande Prairie (the City). It will initiate actions to transition to more sustainable energy systems, resulting in an economic advantage to attract significant industrial, commercial, and residential developments and improve city residents' quality of life. The Grande Prairie Energy Strategy is consistent and complementary to Canada's Climate Action Plan. The Grande Prairie Energy Strategy goals are to reduce GHG emissions, develop renewable energy (and replace base-load coal generating capacity with natural gas-fired capacity), and create a positive economic impact.
Energy Strategy Report