Grande Prairie is finally frozen over, and after a long delay, temperatures are now the coldest they’ve been all winter.
Despite concerns surrounding the extreme temperatures, Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the winter conditions could be looked at in a more positive light for the city’s winter industries.
“It’s nice for many reasons, the industry sectors that require the ground to be frozen during winter are happy,” she says. “I’m seeing people out in the community skating, seeing the ski hill being able to make more snow right now and actually getting some natural snow is great to see.”
The Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park recently announced they will be closed through the weekend due to the extreme temperatures; however, officials say the facility’s snow-making crews are producing at a high rate thanks to the temperatures.
Mayor Clayton continues, saying the city is encouraging its residents to embrace the winter when temperatures go back to normal.
“Winter is something that we encourage people to embrace; however, when temperatures get to a certain level, they simply are just not safe for people,” she says. “Make sure you’re dressed appropriately, but also once the weather gets to a comfortable winter temperature, we encourage people to get outside and embrace what the opportunities are in a winter city such as ours.”
A series of winter-related events are scheduled in the city for the rest of the season, including the highly anticipated Alberta Winter Games in February.
