On Tuesday, March 14, the City of Grande Prairie’s Public and Protective Services Committee reviewed the Police Commission Bylaw and recommended it proceed to the next stage in the approval process.

If passed at City Council, the bylaw establishes the requirements for an independent, arms-length police commission that would oversee the municipal police service in Grande Prairie.

For the meeting held on March 6, 2023

Municipal Police Transition

Grande Prairie City Council approved a transition towards a municipal police service and away from the RCMP. Details are available in the press release.

Grande Prairie City Council has approved the establishment of a municipal police service and transition away from the RCMP.

The decision was made at a Grande Prairie City Council meeting on March 6 and follows a years-long assessment of policing in Grande Prairie. The assessment included a public consultation process, a review of existing policing methods, and the creation of a transition plan, led by the consultant MNP.

City Council Highlights for the meeting held on February 21, 2023:

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medals were presented to Janet MacEachern and Preben Bossen.

Delegations

Alberta Health Services Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provided an operations update including: event volumes, response performance, current challenges and mitigation strategies.

Grande Prairie City Council has advanced discussions on moving towards establishing a municipal police service to the March 6 City Council Meeting.

The decision to proceed to the next step in the process was made during a Council Committee of the Whole meeting on February 21.

The discussion on February 21 follows an intensive public consultation process, the completion of the Police Services Model Review (PSMR) and the creation of a detailed Policing Transition Report (PTR), led by the consultant MNP.

For the meeting held February 6, 2023

Delegations

• The Salvation Army presented information on the state of food insecurity in Grande Prairie. Council received the presentation for information and discussed that $200,000 in funding was allocated to the Salvation Army as part of the 2023 budget. 
• Jen England presented information on an event series. Council directed the Mayor to determine the appropriate support.

City Council has adopted a new City Events Strategy to guide the development and implementation of City-led and community-partnered events to best meet community needs.

The City Events Strategy is the first time that Council has endorsed priorities or objectives related to City-led and community-partnered events. The strategic objectives and action items are designed to align with Council’s Strategic Priorities, related City plans and strategies, and be flexible to adapt to evolving community needs.

City Council Highlights for the meeting held January 23, 2023:

Delegations

Hannah Luman presented as a delegate regarding the Urban Hen Program.

Council directed Administration to bring a report back to the appropriate Standing Committee with information regarding any complaints related to Urban Hens currently within the City.

Aquatera Dividend Declaration 2022

The Mayor signed the Unanimous Consent for discretionary dividends, as requested by Aquatera Utilities Inc., on behalf of the City of Grande Prairie.*

Proclamations

Mayor Jackie Clayton proclaimed January as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in Grande Prairie.

Delegations

Tax Penalties - A resident presented to City Council requesting a refund on tax penalties from 2021 and 2022. Administration resolved the concerns during recess.