FireSmart vegetation management work in the city is scheduled to start on Friday thanks to grant funding received last year.
According to City of Grande Prairie officials, the work will be done on city-owned land to reduce the risk of wildfire and improve community resilience. The work is anticipated to take roughly 10 days to complete, weather permitting, and will be done from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The work includes thinning dense areas, removing dead or hazardous trees, pruning lower branches, clearing underbrush and debris, and chipping cleared material near South Bear Creek ball diamonds, Country Club West and Wedgewood, with trail impacts expected between the east ball diamonds and Country Club West.
Mayor Jackie Clayton says this work is an important investment in the community’s safety.
“By taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire risks near our neighbourhoods, we’re protecting homes, natural spaces and vital community infrastructure for generations to come. We are grateful to FRIAA for their support in helping us advance this important work,” Clayton says.
In February of 2024, the City of Grande Prairie received a grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta for $101,205 for a Vegetation Management Program, which needed to be put in place by December of this year.
