Reports

Council approved the land transfer of 9702 – 99 Avenue to Metis Local 1990. To ensure the continued success of our programs, support services, and housing options, owning the land and building would enable sustainability and allow for potential future expansion. 

Committee Business

Grande Prairie Storm Support Request

Council will continue their support with the Grande Prairie Junior A Storm. Council will be supporting the league by offering ice at City rinks for the youth hockey development programming. 

This includes summer camps, fall and winter skill sessions and junior storm spring hockey at 50% cost. Council will waive the Bonnetts Energy Centre facility fee for the 2024-2025 season. The City will partner with the Storm on large events, such as the Home Opener, Indigenous Night, Playoff Fan Festival, and Prospects Camp.

Health Care Attraction and Retention Strategy

Council accepted the Health Care Attraction and Retention Strategy and the Health Care Strategy 2024-2026 Action Plan. This plan identifies activities throughout 2024 that will be funded by the 2024 Health Care Strategy Capital Account and Economic Development Operating Budgets.

Policy 357 Amendments – Multi-Unit Residential Fee Rebate Incentive 

City Council approved amendments to Policy 357, which now includes a sunset clause ending the program on December 31, 2025. Key changes include the addition of Secondary Suites and Duplexes, removal of the Business Revitalization Grant and Residential Infill Grant, elimination of the $10,000 maximum, and new definitions for Apartment Building, Mixed-Use Apartment Building, and Multi-Unit Residential.

Council directed administration to consolidate all unallocated funding from the Economic Recovery Fund into the Development Grants and Incentives Fund. This includes allocating $700,000 to the Municipal Fee Rebate Program, with the remainder left unallocated within the DIG Program.

Bylaw C-1469

Council gave three readings to Bylaw C-1469, the General Appeal Board Bylaw. This allows for improved processes, procedures, and future amendments to be set out in one bylaw instead of multiple City bylaws that currently have varying requirements to request and administer appeals.

Community Group Enhancement Funding

City Council approved Community Group Enhancement Funding for 18 community groups for the year 2025. Additionally, there will be supplemental funding increases for 5 groups in 2024. Two sports teams have also been awarded Sport Hosting Grants. Council directed Administration to support Council through a strategic plan to examine future community funding. 

Unfinished Business

Bylaw C-1260-180, Land Use Bylaw, returned to Council. Council removed Backyard Suites from Bylaw C-1260-180 and gave third reading to Bylaw C-1260-180, being an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw as amended.

Council directed Administration to bring a report back to the appropriate Standing Committee regarding garden suites, including details on sizes, design, and engagement plans.