Delegations

The Prairie Gallery Society presented to Council regarding the Montrose Cultural Centre Remediation project.

Brooks Hoffos presented to Council regarding rabbits in neighbourhoods.

Declaration of Insufficiency of Petition 

Council received the Declaration of Insufficiency of Petition for information related to a petition on feral rabbits in Swanavon.

Alberta Municipalities Resolution – Electricity Distribution

Council received an update that the Town of Drumheller endorsed the City of Grande Prairie’s AB Municipalities resolution on electricity distribution charges. 

Grande Prairie Airport Economic Framework 

Council directed Administration to enter into discussions for a Memorandum of Understanding with Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to advance an alliance between the City and YEG in consultation with the Grande Prairie Airport Commission in accordance with the following principles and expectations:

City retains full ownership of the Grande Prairie Airport and the Alliance is mandated to:

• Improve the passenger experience by exploring opportunities for economic corridor development; 
• Maximize the economic potential of the GPA by optimizing potential development and real estate opportunities; 
• Collaborate on regional economic development initiatives, supporting the City’s efforts to grow and expand a diversified commercial and industrial base;
• Explore new and emerging technologies and processes to improve and streamline GPA operations; and 
• Liaise with key community and business stakeholders to understand market demands and potential growth opportunities.

Community Enhancement Funding - Project Feasibility Review 

Council approved the following projects for Community Enhancement Funding:

• Tree grove installations
• Beautification of the triangle median, bioswaled median
• 100 Avenue/100 Street parkette, in the amount of up to $35,000
• Muskoseepi Pavilion dock and fence

Canada Day Parade Marshall 

Council appointed Doug Edey as the Canada Day Parade Marshall.

South Bear Creek Driving Range 

Council approved $30,000 from the Future Expenditures Reserve to execute an environmental, geotechnical, and geophysical assessment at the Bear Paw Driving Range.

Municipal Fee Rebate Program 

Council approved the following amendments to the Municipal Fee Rebate Program: 

• Increase the total funds available for the Municipal Fee Rebate from $1 million to $1.6 million;
• Reallocate the following funds to the Municipal Fee Rebate program:
  • The remaining $139,300 in unallocated funds from the Economic Recovery Fund 
  • The $51,358 from the disbanded Training and Marketing Grant programs 
  • The remaining $172,380 in unallocated funds from the Development Incentives and Grants (DIG) program
• Allocate $236,962 to the Municipal Fee Rebate program from the Financial Stabilization Reserve.

Fibre Optics: Broadband Analysis Update

Council directed Administration to implement the identified priorities, including: 

• Adopting a minimum service level objective of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload; 
• Continuing the Fibre Optics Fee Rebate Program;
• Finalizing the Municipal Access Agreement template with improved clarity and transparency;
• Establishing clear points of contact for service provider communication; and
• Reviewing municipal policies to support future broadband and wireless infrastructure development.

Council allocated the remaining $47,000 from the Richmond Industrial Strategy capital project to support the assessment and potential advancement of fibre infrastructure improvements within the area.

Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Funding Request 

Council supported the funding request from the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association for development of an International Business Events Attraction Strategy and allocated $20,000 from Council's Strategic Initiatives Fund.

Traffic Bylaw Amendment C-1166M 

Council passed an amendment to the Traffic Bylaw to address City-owned lots leased to third party operators.

Alberta Forestry and Parks 

Mayor Clayton received a letter from the Minister of Forestry and Parks regarding the Government of Alberta’s commitment to trade efforts and Alberta’s forest industry.