Below are the highlights for the City Council meeting held March 8 2021:
Delegations
The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta presented as a delegate to request funding for Northwestern Alberta’s Vital Signs 2021 Project. Council approved funding in the amount of $20,000.
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) presented on their work plan for 2021. Learn more about YAC at cityofgp.com/youthcouncil or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Public Member Appointments
Council appointed public member Linda Murphy to the Subdivision and Appeal Board for a period of 3 years.
Grant Funding
Council approved $50,000 in Large Scale Tourism Grant Funding to the 2021 Grande Prairie Buckwild Professional Bull Riding (PBR) event.
Council approved $10,000 in Arts Development Funding to the Centre for Creative Arts for Alberta Culture Days.
Vehicle for Hire Bylaw C-1394
Council had first and second reading of the Vehicle for Hire Bylaw and directed Administration to draft further amendments. Discussion of this item will come back to a future Committee meeting while third reading will occur at a future Council meeting.
Council amended the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw and the Vehicle for Hire License and Permitted Policy.
Correspondence
Council received a letter from the Grande Prairie Public Library expressing gratitude for stable funding through 2021, allowing them to continue to operate and serve the community with COVID-19 protocols in place.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs provided Council with information on the Government of Alberta’s Budget 2021, with details specific to the Municipal Affairs' Budget 2021.
Borrowing Bylaw C-1430
Council passed a Borrowing Bylaw for the Downtown Rehabilitation and Streetscapes Project. The bylaw outlines the regulations for borrowing up to $14 Million to fund phase 4 of the project.
2021 Business Improvement Area (BIA) Budget Review
Council approved the 2021 Business Improvement Area (BIA) Budget as presented.
Kensington Outline Plan Amendment Bylaw C-1344C and Land Use Bylaw Amendment Bylaw C-1260-134
Council amended the Kensington Outline Plan and Land Use Bylaw.
The amendments rezone one area that is currently designated RG – General Residential to RC – Combined Density Residential, and another area that is currently designated for RG – General Residential with a new DC –Direct Control district.