To become a candidate for any office in the Election, you must be: 

• at least 18 years of age
•  a Canadian citizen
• a resident of the City of Grande Prairie since March 22, 2025
• not otherwise ineligible or disqualified

The Candidate Information Package provides detailed information that applies to all candidates:

• Mayor & Councillor Candidate Information Package
• Candidate Information Package & Forms for Mayor or City Councillor 

Note: Packages containing the Candidate Information Package and printed forms are available at City Hall.

Section 147.22 of the Local Authorities Election Act requires an individual who intends to be nominated or has been nominated to run for election in a local jurisdiction as a candidate to give written notice to the local jurisdiction before accepting a campaign contribution or incurring a campaign expense.  

Please Note: A notice of intent is separate from nomination forms and must be submitted for anyone intending to run as a candidate in the election. Once a candidate has submitted their notice of intent they are added to the Register of Candidates and can accept campaign contributions and incur campaign expenses. To become a nominated candidate and appear on the ballot, the candidate must complete the nomination process.

Please refer to the Local Authorities Election Act for further information.

 Notice of Intent Form

Once completed you can submit your notice of intent via:

Legislative & Executive Services will confirm receipt of the notice of intent and advise the potential candidate if additional information or amendments are necessary to deem it complete. 

Once complete and confirmed, the candidate will be added to the register at cityofgp.com/election

Note: If changes are made to your notice of intent after it has been submitted, please provide a written update.

Please note, candidate are now required to also submit a Notice of Intent in addition to their nomination papers. Please see the Notice of Intent section above.

Nomination  Submission Requirements

Nomination Papers must be completed and submitted in person by noon on September 22, 2025. Papers are to be signed by and submitted to the City's Returning Officer or Substitute Returning Officer.

A completed Nomination Paper must be: 

• printed on legal size paper 8.5 inches x 14 inches
• signed by a minimum of 25 eligible electors to vote in the Election and that reside in the City of Grande Prairie on the date of signing the Nomination Paper; 
• sworn (or affirm) the candidate’s acceptance on the Nomination Paper in the presence of the Returning Officer; and 
• accompanied by a deposit of one hundred dollars ($100.00). This deposit is payable by cash, by certified cheque, by money order, or by debit card or credit card to the “City of Grande Prairie”.  
• A completed Candidate Financial Information Form

In addition, candidates will be asked to complete a Consent for Disclosure of Personal Information Form to allow posting their contact information to the City’s website. This form is optional.

Nomination Papers 

• FORM 4 – Nomination Papers
• FORM 5 - Candidate Financial Information Form 

As per the Local Authorities Election Act, Part 1, Section 27, both Form 4 &  Form 5 must be submitted together.
Note: Packages containing the Candidate Information Package and printed forms are available at City Hall.

• Prior to September 22 - please book an in-person appointment by emailing elections@cityofgp.com or calling 780-357-4954.
• On September 22 - drop-by City Hall in the North Conference Room between 8:30 a.m. and noon.

Note: To facilitate a smooth submission, please review and confirm that:

• You are using the prescribed forms linked above
• All applicable fields are completed
• You have at least 25 signatures from eligible electors for the City of Grande Prairie
• All electors signing your nomination paper have provided:
  • Their full name
  • Their complete address (unit number (if applicable), house number, street name, City) and their postal code
  • A wet signature (not a digital signature)

Note: Prior to Nomination Day, the Returning Officer will confirm receipt of the Nomination Paper and witness your oath at the appointment. If time permits, the Returning Officer may also verify your Nomination Paper and confirm if it is complete and accepted. If the Returning Officer cannot confirm acceptance when you submit your papers, you will be informed within 3 business days of the status of your nomination. 

Note: On Nomination Day, the Returning Officer will confirm receipt of the Nomination Paper, witness your oath and confirm if your nomination paper is complete and accepted. You will be required to wait until verification and confirmation is completed.

In accordance with the Use of Public Lands Bylaw, election signs cannot be displayed or placed earlier than six (6) weeks prior to the day for the municipal election (September 8th). 
Election signs may only be displayed in designated locations.

To view locations on public land where candidates can post signs you can check Public Election Sign Locations.

For full requirements and considerations please refer to:

• Land Use Bylaw C-1260
• Use of Public Lands C-1078

To request identification forms for Campaign Workers or Scrutineers, please email elections@cityofgp.com.

The City held two public information sessions for candidates earlier in the year. If you wish to review what was presented or missed the sessions you can view the slide decks below:

Session 1: Municipal Governance

Session 2: Municipal Finance/Budget

Onboarding, Orientation and Training for Newly Elected Officials
October 24–31, 2025

All newly elected officials are required to attend mandatory onboarding, orientation, and training sessions as per Municipal Affairs and the Municipal Government Act.

Schedule
Training begins the afternoon of October 24, following the official election results, with additional sessions scheduled throughout the week of October 27–31. Sessions will range in length from one hour to full days. A detailed schedule will be provided.

Mandatory Training Content
Before being sworn in, all officials (including the Mayor) must complete orientation on:

• The role of municipalities in Alberta
• Municipal organization and functions
• Roles and responsibilities of Council, the Mayor, and Administration
• The City’s Code of Conduct
• Council meeting protocols and use of technology in Council Chambers

Additional training before the first regular Council meeting will include:

• Municipal plans, policies, and priority projects
• Budgeting and financial administration
• Public participation

Organizational Orientation
These sessions provide a deeper understanding of municipal operations, services, and administration. Training may include department overviews and facility tours.

View the current Schedule of Council Meetings

Council attends meetings regularly throughout the year. All elected officials are expected and required to read, understand and discuss all Agenda items listed for debate at each of these meetings.
For previous Council Meetings, Agenda & Minutes, please click here. 
Please Note:  On average, each scheduled meeting averages 3 to 4 hours per meeting, however, meetings may run longer if required.

For a list of additional Meetings and Time Commitments required from elected officials, please refer to the Candidate Information Package.

City Council is responsible for advocating the needs and desires of City residents and stakeholders to both the Province of Alberta and the Federal Government. 

For the current City Council, Advocacy Priorities click here. 

Understanding municipal finances is fundamental to the job of an elected official. 

Council members (elected officials) are expected to plan, govern, and set policy for the best interests of their community. The City of Grande Prairie administration works diligently every year in creating budgets.  View the City's current Capital and Operating Budget.

Financial planning and management are key to supporting a healthy municipality that can ensure that its current and future service commitments are funded in a sustainable manner. For further details on Strategic Planning and to view the current City Council Strategic Plan click here. 

Please refer to the Council Remuneration and Expense Reimbursement Policy 100. 

On December 16, 2024 Council passed the Council Parental Leave Bylaw C-1481 and the amended Policy 100, which will be effective October 27, 2025.