On behalf of City Council, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of former Mayor and City Councillor, Dwight Logan, on the announcement of his passing.

Mr. Logan was a dedicated resident and entrepreneur whose civic commitment left a lasting legacy in Grande Prairie.

From his time as an educator, to his vast volunteer roles at organizations like the United Way and DownTown Association, to his 18 years as a City Councillor, Grande Prairie was made brighter and stronger because of Mr. Logan.

Delegations

Susan Schneider presented to City Council regarding the cricket practice pitch in Head & Salmond Park. City Council directed administration to create a report outlining potential safety changes to the existing cricket facility and potential alternate locations.

The Grande Prairie Legion presented to City Council regarding beautification and construction of east 100 Street. City Council directed administration to explore potential options for the banner and flag request.

Municipal Police Service Budget

Delegations

Dionne Martin presented to advocate on behalf of concerned citizens.

Angie Saltman presented regarding proposed land use bylaw amendments in Scenic Ridge.

Board Appointments

Council appointed Mayor Clayton and Councillors O'Connor and Berg to the Regional Branding Committee.

Chief of Police

Council ratified the decision of the Grande Prairie Police Commission to appoint Dwayne Lakusta as Chief of Police of the Grande Prairie Police Service, effective August 28, 2023.

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – A collaborative trail project connecting the County of Grande Prairie and City of Grande Prairie is set to move forward this year with the support of federal grant funds.

This initiative will link two large existing trail systems, South Bear Creek Park in the City to the Dunes trails in the County.

Delegations

Rising Above Ministry Presented to City Council seeking approval of a 40-year lease and permission to build on property they lease from the City.

Council direct Administration to work with Rising Above on extending their current lease for up to 40 years.

Streetlight Illumination

City Administration presented a report on streetlight illumination. Council received this report for information.

ATCO Streetlight Proposal

International Pollinator Week & Bee City

Deputy Mayor Blackmore declared June 19-25 as International Pollinator Week and recognized our status as a Bee City.

This proclamation recognizes the integral part pollinators play in our ecosystem, and the importance of protecting and promoting their diversity in our community.

Lemonade Day

Deputy Mayor Blackmore declared June 17 as Lemonade Day in Grande Prairie.

The City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie have approved a joint purchase of a building owned by the Edmonton Humane Society that houses the Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association.

The purchase of the 9,184 square foot industrial building located at 12220 104 Avenue ensures continuity of the rehoming and adoption services provided by Bandaged Paws, the existing tenant, to the adjoining Grande Prairie Regional Animal Care Facility which is jointly owned and operated by the City of Grande Prairie and the County of Grande Prairie.

City Council Highlights for the meeting held on May 29, 2023:

Declaration of Petition

City Manager Robert Nicolay declared a petition related to municipal policing received by the City to be insufficient, as per the requirements of the Municipal Government Act.

Alberta Municipalities Resolutions

Council seconded the City of Edmonton's Alberta Municipalities resolution regarding affordable housing.

Today, we commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the RCMP.

The RCMP has a longstanding and complex history in our country and in our region.

On May 23, 1873, Canadian Parliament passed an act that allowed for the creation of the North-West Mounted Police. By the following summer, 300 recruits set out on the infamous “March West” to set up posts across the country.

Mayor Jackie Clayton is urging residents to act responsibly and take fire safety seriously as the region experiences higher than average temperatures and dry periods:

"The province is currently under a state of emergency and experiencing record levels of wildfire activity for this time of year. As a result, we are seeing significant evacuations, impacts to air quality, and major road closures that are affecting Albertans across the province.