(Grande Prairie, Alta. – December 23, 2025) – “As 2025 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the year we have shared as a community and to thank residents for the role you continue to play in shaping Grande Prairie.

We listened closely to what residents told us mattered most. Access to recreation, feeling safe in our neighbourhoods, having a place to call home, and being able to rely on local healthcare services all remained priorities. Progress in these areas did not come from a single project or announcement, but from steady work and collaboration across our community.

Moments of connection throughout the year reminded us why this work matters. From community events like Grande North Winterfest, Canada Day, Experience GP and local sport tournaments, to welcoming athletes and families from across Alberta during the Special Olympics Summer Games, these shared experiences reinforced that Grande Prairie is at its strongest when people come together with generosity, pride, and care for one another.

That same sense of connection guided progress on the Multisport Dome. Residents told us clearly that access to year-round recreation matters for families, youth, and athletes. Moving this project forward was about responding to those voices and creating space for active lifestyles and community connection in all seasons. It reflects a long-term commitment to quality of life, while recognizing the importance of being thoughtful and responsible in how we invest.

Throughout the year, Council remained focused on safety, growth, and the essential services residents rely on every day. We saw encouraging signs of confidence in our community, including steady housing activity and continued progress in strengthening local policing as the Grande Prairie Police Service moves closer to becoming the police of primary jurisdiction. We also continued to focus on healthcare access through ongoing engagement with providers and important steps like the groundbreaking of the Maskwa Medical Centre. Each step forward was guided by the understanding that progress must be measured, responsible, and reflective of the trust residents place in us.

As we look ahead to 2026, my hope is that we continue to move forward with empathy, respect, and openness. The work ahead will require care, collaboration, and continued dialogue, and Council remains committed to listening, learning, and making decisions with the community at the centre.

Thank you for your engagement, your honesty, and your community spirit in Grande Prairie. From all of Council, we wish you peace, joy, and a wonderful start to 2026.”