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City reminding residents to check property lines before planting, removing trees

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Thinking the yard needs a bit of a spruce up? The city is asking you to check your property lines before making any big changes to trees near your home.

As the municipality owns the land which makes up boulevards, and due to that sometimes stretching to the the side of most properties, the trees growing in this area are on public land, and work on these trees, including pruning or removal, should only be carried out by city staff.

Parks Director Kase DeVries says caring for the urban forest is a shared responsibility, and with clarity for both property owners and the municipality helping both do their part.

“If you are unsure about a tree’s location or health, please reach out before taking any action. Our team is happy to help.”

However, trees on private land remain the responsibility of the property owner, as the city doesn’t provide pruning, removal or clean-up services. The city says an easy way to check your property lines is look through their Real Property Report or contact the city hall to confirm.

Stompede week set to kick off at annual Bust Out BBQ

The annual official kick off to Grande Prairie Stompede festivities will take place Tuesday, May 27th.

The Grande Prairie Stompede’s 2025 Bust Out BBQ will be held at Bonnetts Energy Centre starting at 11:30 a.m.

Along with being the annual event kick off, the free community BBQ is also where the Stompede’s Grande Prairie Stompede’s 2025 Wagon Master, Business of the Year, and Stomper of the Year awards will be handed out.

The Grande Prairie Stompede runs from Wednesday May 28th until Sunday June 1st at Evergreen Park.

County looking for election workers for fall vote

The County of Grande Prairie is looking to hire election workers for the upcoming municipal election this fall.

The municipality is looking for workers to work during advance vote days and on Election Day, and will responsible to support polling station operations, including opening and closing stations, supporting voters with voting instructions and identification verification, and ensuring the secrecy of the vote.

Those interested must be able to commit to work from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Election Day, and at least one advance voting date. between October 15th and October 18th.Training and compensation will be provided to all workers.

The County is seeking applicants who are interested in the democratic process, committed to helping others, and have good communication skills. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and eligible to work in Canada. The 2025 Municipal Election falls on October 20th.

TSB investigating powered paraglider crash near Grande Prairie

The Transportation Safety Board is investigating after a 46-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Edmonton following a powered paraglider crash near Grande Prairie on Friday.

The incident occurred near Highway 670 and Range Road 42 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., with witnesses first making the call out for emergency services, with EMS and County of Grande Prairie Fire Services teams first on scene shortly thereafter.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed a team of investigators to the site of an accident and will gather information. An update is expected to be released pending the investigation. There has been no update on the condition of the pilot of the aircraft.

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences.

Two accidental drug poisoning reported in Grande Prairie in January 2025

Two people are reported to have lost their lives to accidental fatal drug poisonings in Grande Prairie in the first month of 2025

According to the latest statistics from the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, which lags several months behind real time, there were two deaths reported in January, which was half the number reported in January 2024

Both deaths are reported to have been connected to non-pharmaceutical opioids. Throughout 2024 there were 23 deaths reported to have been caused by drug poisoning, all connected to non-pharmaceutical opioids.

AHS warns of possible measles exposure in Grande Prairie

A confirmed measles case has prompted an exposure warning in Grande Prairie.

AHS says if you were at the following locations during these times, you may have been exposed:

Real Canadian Superstore
12225 99 Street
Grande Prairie, AB

May 14: 10:55 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. (MDT)
May 15: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (MDT)
May 17: 7:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. (MDT)

Anyone who was at this locations at those times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of the measles vaccine may be at risk of developing the illness. Symptoms include a fever, a cough, a runny nose and/or red eyes and a rash that shows up three to seven days after the fever starts. The rash usually starts behind the ears and on the face, then spreads down to the body and to the arms and legs.

The Alberta government has also launched a measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 if you have any questions or concerns.

Two families displaced following Northgate fire

The fire displaced two families, but no serious injuries were reported following a townhouse fire in Northgate on Thursday morning.

The Grande Prairie Fire Department says they were called to the scene around 9 a.m. on May 22nd, and arrived to flames spreading up the rear of the two-storey home and into the attic.

Three crews initiated exterior fire suppression before entering multiple units to check for fire extension in the attic and ensure all residents had evacuated safely. Everyone made was accounted for, but two people were assessed on scene by EMS for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire was not disclosed.

Grande Pairie Photography Club celebrates 20 years of captured memories

The Grande Prairie Photography Club is celebrating two decades in the community, with a pair of events in the coming weeks.

The first of the two events will be on May 28th, when the club hosts a pop-up art show and Photo Booth, with snacks and refreshments. Club members will be at the event to talk about the different opportunities that the club makes available to both the community and club members.

On June 6th, the Centre for Creative Arts will be hosting an exhibition on the club’s behalf called Moments in Time – Celebrating 20 years of GPPC. The exhibition includes photographs from current and past members.

GPPC president Jesse Boily says the club is not just somewhere for photographers to help one another, but is also a place to give back to the community.

Photo Provided by the Grande Prairie Photography Club
Photo Provided by the Grande Prairie Photography Club

“We offer mentorship and friendship to all who have an interest in photography, while also giving back to the community by providing photography services to local nonprofits, and offering seniors Christmas portraits at local lodges every year,” Boily says.

Treasurer and Membership director Kim White echoes Boily’s sentiments, adding “The Club has connected me to a community that turns inspiration into action and passion into progress!”

The May 28th event will be held at the Centre for Creative on the third floor at 7 p.m. The exhibition runs June 6th to 28th, with the opening reception being held on June 6th  at 7 p.m.

PWSD set to receive design funding for the Peace Wapiti Academy project

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A local school division has one of 11 school projects the province announced will be fast-tracked. 

On Wednesday, the Province of Alberta announced the Peace Wapiti Public School Division will receive capital project Design Funding for the Peace Wapiti Academy, which officials describe as a modern and purpose-built facility when it is completed. 

This is the second time the project has received provincial support, having received Planning Funding in early 2023. 

Deputy Superintendent, Darren Young, says it’s exciting to see the project move forward to the design stage. 

“Throughout the Planning stage, we collaborated closely with our school community and the County of Grande Prairie, and we are eager to continue this positive momentum,” Young says. 

Once completed Young says the build will address enrolment and space challenges the current Peace Wapiti Academy faces. 

School Division Board Chair, Lori Grant agrees with the Deputy Superintendent’s statements adding the community is grateful for the support in making this project a reality.

“I am so excited by this announcement. I’d like to thank the County of Grande Prairie for all the hard work they put into making this project come to life,” she says. 

The funding is part of the province’s $8.6 billion investment announced in the fall to speed up school construction and build and renovate more than 100 schools. Across the province, there are reported to be 132 active school projects. 

City lifts fire ban, fire restriction remains in effect as of Thursday

The City of Grande Prairie fire ban has been downgraded to a fire restriction for all areas of the city, including annexed rural areas, as of 1 p.m. Thursday.

City of Grande Prairie Fire Department Fire Marshal Chris Renyk says while conditions have improved enough to downgrade the fire ban; it’s still incredibly dry, and the wildfire risk remains elevated.

“We ask that all residents continue to exercise caution and take proactive steps to help keep our community safe from wildfires,” he adds.

With the move to a restriction, things like propane and natural gas barbecues, firepits and appliances are allowed. As are indoor wood fireplaces, and residential fire pits with a spark arrestor or screen.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Missing 27-year-old believed to be in Grande Prairie

RCMP in British Columbia are asking Grande Prairie residents to keep an eye out for a missing 27-year-old woman. Fort St John RCMP say they received a request to check on the wellbeing of Cassandra Alook, but, have been unable to as of now. Alook hasn’t been heard from since May 17th, but authorities have reason to believe she may be in Grande Prairie.

Alook is described as standing 5’7″, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on the wellbeing, or whereabouts of Cassandra Alook is urged to call the RCMP.

County fire restriction goes into effect Thursday, ban lifted

The County of Grande Prairie has downgraded the recently enacted fire ban to a fire restriction starting Thursday afternoon that will cover the entire region, as well as the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Wembley.

County Fire Chief Trevor Grant following light rainfall over the weekend, and with most crop seeding now complete, they are able to safely downgrade, but he says it’s still on residents to keep safety top of mind when fire is involved in any capacity.

“The precipitation was not significant enough to eliminate wildfire risk, we continue to ask residents to remain cautious and only burn, when absolutely necessary.”

Permitted burning is restricted to approved recreational fire pits, approved burn barrels, and propane fired appliances (barbecues, smokers, and fire pits).

Those who have an approved permit must follow permit guidelines and safe burning practices, including always remaining on site until the burning is complete. Residents are reminded that burning is never permitted when winds reach, or are forecasted to reach, 12 km per hour or higher.

Four people arrested connected to drug, weapons seizure

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Four people from Dawson Creek are facing charges connected to the seizure of drugs and guns by Grande Prairie RCMP. 

According to officials, on Saturday officers attempted to pull over a Chevrolet Cruze that is alleged to have a stolen plate.  The driver fled from the officers and the Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit located the vehicle later parked at a hotel. 

According to a statement from police, “The occupants got out of the vehicle and fled into a room in a neighbouring motel while carrying a guitar case.”

The individuals are said to have exited the motel after police called out to them. Police did a sweep of the room when they reported seeing guns resulting in a search warrant being obtained. During their search police seized a significant amount of cocaine, meth and fentanyl, along with dozens of oxy pills. Police also seized a stolen rifle, a semi-auto .22 and a shotgun, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. 

Four people,including a youth, were arrested at the hotel with a warrant issued for the arrest of a fourth person. 

The four are all facing gun and drugs-related charges, including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

More than $227K in grant funding awarded to organizations across the county

Sixty-four non-profit groups across the county have received more than $227,000 combined in annual operating assistance and cemetery grants.

The funding from the County of Grande Prairie will help the receiving non-profit organizations and volunteer groups continue to provide recreational or cultural services to the community. For a group to be eligible they need to be open to county residents, with proof of volunteerism and fundraising. 

Reeve Bob Marshall says communities across the county are thriving because of the hard work of local volunteers and non-profit groups. 

“This funding is one of the many ways the County supports the organizations that make our region a vibrant and connected place to live,” Marshall states. 

Applications are made through any of the six area County Recreation Boards to eligible community-based volunteer groups, non-profit organizations, municipalities, schools, and sports clubs.  
 
In the Beaverlodge-Elmworth-Huallen Recreation Board area, $34,577 was awarded to 13 different groups for operational costs including summer caretaker wages, ice plant repairs and pickleball equipment, $41,890 was awarded to 11 groups in the Clairmont-Bezanson Recreation Board area and $47,400 was awarded to 14 non-profit organizations in the Grande Prairie Area Recreation Board area. In the Hythe-Demmitt-Valhalla Recreation Board area $31,055 was awarded to eight groups and in the Sexsmith-La Glace-Teepee Creek Recreation Board area $39,573 was awarded to 10 different groups. Between eight groups in the Wembley-Dimsdale-Saskatoon Lake Recreation Board area, there was $33,321 awarded. 

Upcoming sports equipment drive aims to get kids in the game

Over three days KidSport Grande Prairie and Sport Central will collect gently used sports equipment to help youth in the community get into the game. 

The sports equipment drive will go from May 29th to May 31st and be held at Evergreen Park and Keddie’s Trailers. According to officials, the most in-need items include baseball gloves, bicycles, scooters and badminton equipment. Balls for sports such as soccer,  basketball, volleyball and football along with gym or duffle bags are also on the most needed list. 

Regional Manager of KidSport Grande Prairie Karna Germsheid says financial barriers should not leave kids on the sidelines.

“Donations of new or gently used equipment help local kids get active, build friendships, and develop skills through sport,” Germsheid says. 

Donations can be dropped off at Evergreen Park Parking Lot D between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 29th, and Keddie’s Trailers on Friday and Saturday. On Friday they can be dropped off between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while Saturday they can be dropped off between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

On Saturday there will also be a community BBQ held to raise funds to help get young athletes in sport. 

Annual property reassessments set to begin in Grande Prairie

City of Grande Prairie assessors will be canvassing neighbourhoods starting May 26th as they look to update its photo archive and to update tax assessment records.

The city says home and business owners can expect to see assessors as early as next week, as they will be inspecting and taking photos of properties, gauging the market value of properties throughout the city.

Some of the neighbourhoods that can expect to see assessors over the next couple of months include Bear Creek, Cedarwood/Southwood, Cobblestone, Copperwood, Countryside North & South
Crystal Landing, and any newer built homes in developing areas.

All city assessors will be in vehicles marked with a City of Grande Prairie badge and will also have ID badges on hand.

Arson investigation into early morning Peace River fire ongoing

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Peace River RCMP is looking for dashcam footage that could assist the arson investigation into an early morning fire.

According to Peace River RCMP officials, around 2:25 a.m. Friday officers received a complaint about a structure fire in the 9700 block of 100th Street in Peace River.  The Peace River Fire Department started the arson investigation and the RCMP is helping. 

Anyone who was in the area between 11 p.m. on May 15th and 2:30 a.m. on May 16th is asked to review their footage and submit anything they believe to be of interest to the Peace River RCMP. As well anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers. 

Holiday hours posted for city operated facilities on Victoria Day

Several City of Grande Prairie facilities will be either closed or operating on modified hours and transit will be running on holiday hours on Monday, May 19th for Victoria Day.

The facilities that will be closed for the statutory holiday include City Hall, the City Service Centre, Bonnetts Energy Centre, Montrose Cultural Centre, the Grande Prairie Museum, Dave Barr Community Centre, and City on 99.

The Eastlink Centre, the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion at Muskoseepi Park, and Design Works Centre will all be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Transit will be run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and late-night on-demand service will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Drugs, cash seized following traffic stop at Grande Prairie gas station

Two people have been charged after police allegedly found drugs, cash, and a weapon after a traffic stop at a gas station earlier this month.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says they spotted a Ford Bronco believed used previously to flee from police at a Grande Prairie gas station. When officers moved in as the driver was pumping gas, they reportedly saw unstamped tobacco in the vehicle and arrested both the driver and the passenger.

A subsequent search of the vehicle and suspects allegedly turned up items including 30 grams of cocaine, a small amount of meth, 15 ml of GHB, a switchblade and around $1,600 in cash. A 30-year-old woman and 47-year-old man, both from Grande Prairie now face half a dozen charges each including possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime.

2nd Art Unity Collective gala set for May 21 at Grant Berg Gallery

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Original art created by locals with disabilities or those experiencing homelessness will be on display at a gala-event later this month, with all proceeds going directly to the arists.

The Art Unity Collective, now in it’s second year, spearheaded by Centerpoint Facilitation, displays artwork in businesses around the region. Program Coordinator Cindy Trepanier says the collective is a nice way to find talent within people to bring more awareness of the abilities of people rather than the inabilities they may face due to their individual situations.

She adds that the initiative has also caught the eye of the overall community, as it’s more than doubled in size from the initial run in 2024.

“Last year was our pilot project, and we’ve brought on several new businesses. We offered it in the downtown core last year, and we’ve expanded it throughout the city and county of Grande Prairie and businesses have been absolutely amazing.

“The talent that we’ve seen this year is really great, they’re all extremely proud of their work and all the contributions will go back to the artists, 100 per cent.”

The second annual Art Unity Collective gala will take place on May 21sy at the Grant Berg Gallery. You can find more information, or register to attend the gala here.