The County of Grande Prairie have reached a cost-sharing agreement with two different municipalities.
The first agreement is with the Town of Sexsmith, where the two will share costs to help maintain and operate different facilities in the Sexsmith area, such as the arena, curling rink, public parks and more, this agreement will take place on January 1st, 2026.
Under this agreement the County will provide $147,702 in funding towards the Town during 2026, with a 2.5 percent increase each year for the term of the agreement.
County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall says that agreement’s like this one adds onto the long list of agreements between the two municipalities over the years.
“The Town of Sexsmith and the County have a long history of working together. This renewed agreement keeps that cooperation going. When we share costs, we make sure residents have access to local facilities without duplicating what already works.”
The other agreement is with the Town of Beaverlodge, which is a five-year recreation services agreement to support different recreation activities and services around the town, including the arena, fitness centre, community centre, and playing fields.
Under this agreement, the County will provide $578,688 in funding towards recreation in 2026, with a 2.5 percent increase each year for the term of the agreement. The County will also contribute half of the cost, up to $175,000, towards the arena roof to be repaired, and would continue to support maintenance and renewal through annual capital contributions.
Marshall says that cost-sharing is the most logical way to keep things fair.
“This agreement is a practical way for us to work together so residents in both communities can keep enjoying these important facilities. We know people cross municipal lines every day to use the pool, arena, and fitness spaces. Sharing the costs just makes sense.”
Both of these agreements aligns with the Alberta’s Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework legislation, to help the neighbouring municipalities work together to provide residents with services both efficiently and fairly.
