Today, the County of Grande Prairie and the City of Grande Prairie begin constructing the Southeast Grande Prairie Firebreak following an announcement by Premier Danielle Smith. The Premier surveyed the damage caused by wildfires in northern Alberta, including the Dunes West wildfire.

Local contractors are creating a firebreak that, upon final completion, will reach widths of up to 200 metres in key locations, stretching 30 kilometres in length. The firebreak offers an additional measure of fire protection and fortification for our region.

Delegations

Jasmin Grosz attended to discuss proposed designs for a new roof-covered skating rink in Swanavon.

Proclamations

Council proclaimed May 21-27 as Paramedic Services Week in Grande Prairie to recognize the value and importance of this vital service and the care it provides.

Grant Funding

Council approved the following grant funding allocations:

Today, we recognize the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People in Canada.

The Red Dress is a symbol first introduced by Jaime Black’s art series, ‘The REDress Project,’ which was to raise awareness of the ongoing crisis and systemic issues around violence faced by an alarming number of Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people and the need for us all to take action to work toward efforts to address this ongoing issue.

Proclamations

Mayor Clayton proclaimed April 30 to May 6 as Goodwill Week in the City of Grande Prairie. The week recognizes the difference Goodwill Industries has made in the lives of Albertans for over 60 years.

Delegations

The Grande Prairie Pirates Fastball presented to City Council seeking sponsorship for a provincial tournament being held on July 7 to 9. City Council provided gift-in-kind use of the South Bear Creek facilities and $5000 in sponsorship.

Grande Prairie, AB - The City of Grande Prairie announced today the appointment of seven members to the new Grande Prairie Police Commission, a key milestone in establishing an independent and arms-length oversight body for the recently formed Grande Prairie Municipal Police Service. The commission will provide civilian oversight of the police service and ensure policing meets local needs, values, and priorities.

Today, on April 28, the National Day of Mourning, we pause to reflect and honour those who were killed, injured, or suffered illness because of work-related incidents.

In 2022, 161 Albertans lost their lives to workplace injury or illness.

Building prosperity and high quality of life in our community is made possible through people and companies who diligently strive to create safe work environments.

Proclamations

Council proclaimed April 22, 2023 as Earth Day.

Council proclaimed April 16 to 22, 2023 as National Volunteer Week.

Delegations

Various Smith division residents and the Grande Prairie Spirit Foundation presented to Council about their concerns with the proposed location of the recreation dome in the Smith subdivision. Council accepted the information as presented.

Delegations

The Grande Prairie Public School Division presented to City Council as a delegation to express their support for an indoor recreation facility in the Avondale neighbourhood.

Troy Smith presented to City Council to express concerns regarding the City bylaw that regulates the use of school bus flashing lights and arms. City Council directed administration to engage with school boards to identify any recommended changes to enhance school bus safety within the City and report back to the appropriate standing committee.

On Monday, March 20, the Grande Prairie City Council approved the Police Commission Bylaw, establishing an independent and arms-length oversight body for the Grande Prairie Municipal Police Service.

A local police commission is required for municipal police services, as per the Alberta Police Act.

The bylaw enables a police commission with appointees that provide local, civilian oversight of the police service. The commission’s responsibilities include:

For the meeting held on March 20, 2023

Delegations

Renee Charbonneau presented to Council about partnering with the City of Ortona, Italy in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Ortona. Council accepted the information as presented.

Alberta Community Partnership Grant Support

Council endorsed the Alberta Community Partnership grant application to fund the four phases of the Unlocking the Full Potential of Alberta’s Midsized Cities Initiative.