Economic Development Week May 6-10

Mayor Jackie Clayton proclaimed May 6-10 Economic Development Week in Grande Prairie.
For 50 years, Economic Development Alberta has been leading the industry in supporting communities’ economic well-being and quality of life through creation, retention and expansion of jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

Proposed Recreation Facility Site Selection

Council identified Site 4 (located north of the pickleball courts) as a preferred site for the proposed recreation facility and directed Administration to continue negotiations with the appropriate school division for the development of the selected site. 

Proposed Recreation Facility Update

Council directed Administration to prepare an RFX for both a 135,000 square foot dome structure and fabric structure, and that the results of the RFX will come back for Council review.

Council directed Administration to prepare a cost estimate to provide water, wastewater, proposed parking, and other necessary services to the preferred site.

Aquatera Appointments

Council authorized the Mayor to vote in favour of endorsing the recommendations of the Aquatera Board for the following appointments:

• Reappointment of Barb Feit, Mary Bulmer and Andy Fraser for an additional three-year term to the Board; and
• Appointment of Tracy Allard as the new Board Chair for a term of two years.  

Grant Recommendations

Council approved funding allocations for the Pursuit of Excellence Grants and Funding Festival Grants.

Fees, Rates & Charges Bylaw

Council passed an amendment to the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw to add an application fee for the Sidewalk Patio Program.

2024 Property Tax Bylaw

Council passed the 2024 Property Tax Bylaw.

Due to the cancellation of the Stormwater Utility Charge, the 2024 operating and capital budget require an increased tax amount of $874,000 which would equate to a 3.97% tax base increase versus the original 3.28%.

Special Recreational Services Tax Levy in Pinnacle Ridge

Council passed the Special Recreational Services Tax Levy in Pinnacle Ridge. A special tax levy is an appropriate funding source for the operation and maintenance of water features in Pinnacle Ridge as it supports the desire of the community residents to have specific neighbourhood enhancement features.

Service Club Signage

Council directed Administration to proceed with the redesign and reinstallation of three service club signs at the new city boundaries, with funding to come from the Transportation Department’s operating budget.

Public Engagement Policy

Council approved the Public Engagement Policy and rescinded the existing Citizen Engagement Policy.