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AHS advises of potential measles exposure in Fairview

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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AHS advises of potential measles exposure in Fairview

Residents in Fairview are being advised of potential exposure to measles.

Alberta Health Services says you may have been exposed to the the virus if you were at the Fairview Health Complex Emergency Department from July 17th 11:45 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. on July 18th.

AHS says anyone who was at those locations at those times, who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of the measles vaccine, is at risk of developing the illness. Officials advise monitoring for symptoms and staying home if any develop.

Symptoms of measles include a fever, cough, runny nose and/or red eyes, as well as a rash that shows up three to seven days after the fever starts. The rash will usually start behind the ears and on the face, then spread down to the body and to the arms and legs. The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin tones and on darker skin tones, can appear purple or darker than the skin around it, and may be difficult to see.

Plethora of charges laid against two Peace Country men

Kass Patterson
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Plethora of charges laid against two Peace Country men

In two separate instances, police arrested a pair of men, each facing a plethora of charges. 

According to RCMP officials, both situations happened on July 15th, with the first being sparked from officers spotting a truck believed to be stolen driving recklessly through the City of Grande Prairie. Police started surveillance of the truck and took the driver into custody a short time later.  Following their investigation, police have charged a 28-year-old from Grande Prairie with charges connected to possession of stolen property, dangerous operation of a vehicle and failing to comply with a police order. 

The 28-year-old has since been remanded into custody. 

The same day, RCMP officials say police observed a suspect who had court orders at a home that was using a stolen truck. When police reportedly attempted a traffic stop, the truck fled at a high rate of speed; police did not pursue the truck because of public safety concerns. Officers are reported to have later located the 33-year-old man by Clairmont Lake, attempting to spray paint the stolen truck. He was taken into custody and also arrested for the nine warrants issued for him. 

The Bezanson man is also facing numerous charges connected to the investigation, including flight from police, dangerous operation of a vehicle and possession of stolen property. 

The 33-year-old has since been remanded into custody.  

Three accidental drug poisoning deaths reported in Grande Prairie in March

Kass Patterson
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Three accidental drug poisoning deaths reported in Grande Prairie in March

In March, there were three lives lost in Grande Prairie to accidental fatal drug poisonings.

According to the latest numbers from the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance system, March is the third month in a row that there were three deaths reported in the city, making nine deaths in the first three months of 2025, two fewer accidental overdose deaths than reported in the first three months of 2024. 

Across Alberta, there were 117 accidental drug poisoning deaths reported.

41-year-old man arrested after shots alleged fired in Peace River

Kass Patterson
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41-year-old man arrested after shots alleged fired in Peace River

A 41-year-old man is facing charges in connection with an alleged incident where shots were fired at a vehicle.

According to Peace River RCMP officials, on July 13th, members of the Peace River RCMP responded to the shots fired incident and learned from the victims that they knew the suspect. According to police, the suspect was reported driving off in a pickup truck with a quad sitting in the bed. Police received several reported sightings of the suspect from the public, and with help from the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, Western Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, WAD Containment Team, Alberta RCMP Community Response Team and Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP located and arrested the Little Buffalo resident. 

The 41-year-old is facing over a dozen charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, uttering threats and 10 firearm-related charges. 

Detachment Commander of the Peace River RCMP Staff Sargent Lacey Blair says this sort of file is an example of the hard work the Alberta RCMP does. 
 
“I want to thank not only all the Peace River RCMP members who kept at the task until they could locate [the suspect] and thus protect the community but also the various RCMP resources that were able to assist in locating and arresting this prolific offender,” Blair says. “Furthermore, assistance from Woodland Cree First Nation and Lubicon Lake Band was much appreciated. We will continue to do everything in our power and use all resources at hand to keep our communities safe and hold those who would do us harm accountable for their actions”.

The 41-year-old was remanded into custody and is next scheduled to appear in court at the end of July. 

Grande Prairie home starts see tremendous jump year over year

Kass Patterson
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Grande Prairie home starts see tremendous jump year over year

Grande Prairie is seeing one of the largest jumps in housing starts in 2025, compared to the same year-to-date time period last year.

According to a recent report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, to date this year in the city, there have been 235  housing starts, up 112 per cent from 2024. Grande Prairie is among three of the mid-sized communities in the province, seeing an increase in housing starts in 2025, with 363 starts reported so far this year in Lethbridge, a 26 per cent year-over-year increase and Red Deer seeing 284 housing starts, up two per cent from 2024.

Across Alberta, housing starts are reportedly on track to surpass its 2024 record-setting year with 27,902 housing starts in the first two quarters of 2025, up 30 per cent year-over-year. This is reportedly equal to nearly a quarter of all housing starts across Canada in the first six months of 2025.

As more people than ever before call Alberta home, it is critical to keep up with housing demand. That is why the province has been working to break down barriers and empower its housing partners to get more shovels in the ground faster, and the numbers show that Alberta’s efforts are working. Chief Executive Officer for BILD Alberta, Scott Fash, says these numbers positively represent what is being done in the province.

“This sustained momentum highlights the continued collaboration between industry, the provincial government, and municipalities in reducing barriers and supporting housing affordability,” Fash says.

Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon, echoes Fash’s sentiments, adding, “This is what it looks like when a government does what it takes to get shovels in the ground and homes built.”

According to the statistics, Calgary and Edmonton are both on the path to break the records set last year, with Calgary’s year-to-date starts up 32 per cent and Edmonton’s housing starts up 29 per cent.

Forty-eight per cent of the housing starts across the province reportedly are rentals, equalling 21,735 rental units being under construction across the province.

Community groups celebrate Grande Prairie being a regional HopeHub

Kass Patterson
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Community groups celebrate Grande Prairie being a regional HopeHub

Next month, Odyssey House is set to celebrate the launch of Hope Grande Prairie. 

The new collective impact initiative addresses significant service gaps brought up during engagement during the Reimagining the Family Justice System pilot project. Along with the service gaps, a need was highlighted for cross-sector collaboration, sparking the birth of several programs, including the Centre for Transformation at the University of Calgary and the Odyssey House, creating a regional implementation of HopeHub. HopeHub is a secure data-sharing program that can be used among service providers, removing clients from being re-traumatized by sharing their story multiple times. The program, which was originally developed by Restore Hope in Arkansas, has been adapted to be used in Canada, including only being used with the client’s informed consent and has integrated community dashboards that provide a comprehensive, real-time view of the social landscape in the region. According to officials, by using these tools, service providers will be able to align their strategies, monitor collective outcomes, and respond more effectively to needs being seen across the region.

A statement from Odyssey House officials states, “This collaborative infrastructure represents a significant step toward a more coordinated, community-wide approach to safety, stability, and healing.”

There are 49 partners in the region who are using HopeHub, including the Grande Prairie RCMP, City and County of Grande Prairie FCSS, Family Education, Friendship Centre, Northreach, Centre for Young Parents, Grande Prairie Area Council on Aging, and Cairn Society, with more organizations reportedly set to onboard in the coming months. 

The official launch of the initiative is scheduled for August 14th.

Grande Prairie to host Heritage Day celebration

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Grande Prairie to host Heritage Day celebration

The City of Grande Prairie is set to host its annual Heritage Day celebration at the beginning of August. Mayor Jackie Clayton says the August 2nd event will be held at the Grande Prairie Museum and Heritage Village, where the community’s architectural and historical heritage lives.

“Heritage Day is a meaningful opportunity to honour the traditions, stories and histories that have shaped Grande Prairie over time. I invite everyone to take part in the festivities, connect with each another and celebrate the rich heritage that defines our community,” she adds.

In addition to Heritage Day staples like old-fashioned carnival games, HAM radio demonstrations, and live accoustic music, the Grande Prairie Intercultural Association Bites Around the World event and the Hindu Chariot Festival will also be taking place in Muskoseepi Park as part of the day of activities.

Heritage Day events will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on August 2nd. You can learn more about the day, and find a full listing of events on the City of Grande Prairie website.

One dead following police involved shooting

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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One dead following police involved shooting

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after the death of a man in a police involved shooting near Grande Prairie.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says officers located an erratic driver around 11:50 p.m. July 18th, and despite their efforts to stop the vehicle, it was able to flee for a short time before getting stuck in the mud.

Police say when they interacted with the driver, he allegedly produced a firearm. Police say during the confrontation, at least one of the officers fired, and subsequently struck the suspect.

Despite life saving efforts, the man was declared deceased on scene by EMS. No further details, including the identity of the deceased, have been released.

Area temporarily closed north of Demmitt following bear attack

Kass Patterson
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Area temporarily closed north of Demmitt following bear attack

Following a grizzly bear attack, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement services have temporarily closed off an area north of Demmitt. 

According to officials, the incident between the grizzly and people happened on Wednesday in the Saddle Hills County area northwest of Grande Prairie. The individual suffered minor injuries during the interaction and is reported to have not needed medical attention.  

Fish and Wildlife enforcement services have temporarily closed the Demmitt between kilometre one and three on the Gundy cut across road, including the NE and NW sections of 14-75-13-W6, the NW section of 13-75-13-W6, the SW section of 24-75-13-W6, and the SE and SW sections of 23-75-13-W6. 

Officers are monitoring the situation, and the public is being reminded to be bear-aware, especially as now is the time of year when bears are foraging for food before hibernation.

County declares agriculture disaster for 2025 growing season

Kass Patterson
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County declares agriculture disaster for 2025 growing season

For a second year, the County of Grande declared an agricultural disaster, citing factors including severe drought and forecasted extended dry conditions.

According to county officials, the decision comes at a critical stage in the growing season, with yields expected to be lower and crop conditions described as marginal. Officials say the difficult growing season is impacting the local community and resulting in concerns for the livestock industry, specifically when it comes to feed resources in the fall and winter months.

In a statement, county officials say, “Lack of water for livestock is another increasing issue being reported, along with the presence of grasshoppers, which are further pressuring and stressing crops this year.” Reeve Bob Marshall adds, with these impacts spanning the past two growing seasons, it has made a significant impact on local agriculture businesses. 
 
“By issuing this declaration, we are helping bring attention to the current severe drought conditions impacting crop and livestock producers in the region,” Marshall says. “Another poor year will worsen the challenging times producers in our municipality have faced in recent years, with many facing tough decisions on the future of their operations.”

The County is one of several municipalities in not only the province but across Western Canada who has declared an agriculture disaster. Marshall adds that the county is urging both the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to understand the seriousness of the situation and take the necessary steps to ensure producers are receiving the support they require. 

City advising residents of upcoming signal work at major intersection

Kass Patterson
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City advising residents of upcoming signal work at major intersection

Starting at 8 p.m. Tuesday, the City of Grande Prairie is set to complete traffic signal switchover work. 

While the work is being done at the intersection of 116th Avenue and 102nd Street on Tuesday night, it will operate as a four-way stop, with signage in place to guide drivers.

The work is anticipated to be completed by the early morning hours the next day, dependent on the weather.

Those who live in the area are advised that they may notice some noise from equipment during the work. 

Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital ED facing several temporary closures due to physician shortage

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital ED facing several temporary closures due to physician shortage

The Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital Emergency Department will be closed on three occasions over the next week due to a lack of physician coverage.

As a result, the ED will be closed from 8:00 a.m. July 18th to 8:00 a.m. July 19th, 8 a.m., July 20 to 8 a.m., July 21st, and 8 p.m., July 21st to 8 a.m., July 22nd

AHS says nursing staff will remain on-site to provide triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities.

Residents are asked to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency and EMS will remain available to the community with re-routing to surrounding healthcare centers. For non-emergencies residents are asked to call Health Link at 8-1-1, for 24/7 inquiries.

Medical camp hopes encourages students to pursue career as a doctor

Kass Patterson
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Medical camp hopes encourages students to pursue career as a doctor

A summer camp to inspire the next generation of doctors is happening in Grande Prairie next week.

The Asclepius Medical Camp for Youth, which kicks off on July 22nd, will offer 50 high school students from around the Grande Prairie region a hands-on introduction to basic medical skills. 

University of Alberta medical students will lead the camp over four days and is focused on inspiring youth from under-represented and low-income backgrounds to consider a career in medicine. 

The program, which was founded in 2009, teaches participants skills such as suturing and working through real-world health care scenarios, removing the mystery around medical careers.

The camp is being put on a week before the Northern Alberta Medical Program launches at the  Northwestern Polytechnic’s Health Education Centre in August. This program will allow 30 first-year U of A medical students to begin their training in Grande Prairie.

Sexsmith non-profit grant applications open

Kass Patterson
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Sexsmith non-profit grant applications open

Grant applications are open for local non-profit groups in Sexsmith.

The Town of Sexsmith Non-Profit Grants offer financial assistance for non-profits, societies, and groups of up to $1,000 for project-based or operating costs.

If the grant funding is approved by town council, the organization is asked to provide proof of purchase or payment that the funding was used for the approved purpose, within six months of approval. 

The application deadline is September 1st. More information can be found on the town’s website. 

Open house slated for Clairmont Heights Area Structure Plan discussion

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Open house slated for Clairmont Heights Area Structure Plan discussion

The county is hoping to hear from those living in Clairmont about proposed amendments to the Clairmont Heights Area Structure Plan.

The changes would see a parcel of land located southeast of the traffic circle at 113 Avenue and 94 Street change from ‘Pipeline Right-of-Way/Well Buffer’ to ‘Mixed Use General; which could lead to the introduction of new commercial and residential development.

The current designation was in place because oil wells previously existed on the site; but have been properly removed and reclaimed.

Anyone with thoughts, concerns or questions is urged to bring them to the open house slated for July 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at Wellington Resource Centre.

County set to host Annual Open House next month

Kass Patterson
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County set to host Annual Open House next month

A new date has been set for the County of Grande Prairie’s 13th Annual Open House. 

The event, which was postponed due to the Kiskatinaw River Wildfire, will be held on Wednesday August 13th at the Saskatoon Lake Community Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with County Councillors and staff from the various municipal departments to learn more about the different programs and services that are offered.

There will also be a barbecue, a bouncy castle for kids and prizes. 

More information can be found on the county’s website. 

City launches urban forest strategy to bolster future greenspaces

My GP Now
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City launches urban forest strategy to bolster future greenspaces

Grande Prairie city councillors have approved an Urban Forest Strategy to help protect and expand the city’s green spaces for future generations.

Officials say the strategy has four pillars, which they believe sets a clear long-term vision for the care and enhancement of trees and natural spaces across the city by providing a coordinated framework for planting, maintenance and stewardship while maximizing environmental, social and economic benefits.

Included in the four keys are steps to proactively manage greenspaces while not only growing for the future, but help monitor and adapt to any changes that may spring up over the next decade.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says when you think about the kind of city you want to leave behind for your children and grandchildren, trees and green spaces are a big part of that picture.

“The Urban Forest Strategy gives us a thoughtful plan to grow a healthier, greener Grande Prairie – one that not only improves our environment, but also supports community well-being and enhances the beauty of our city for years to come.”

You can learn more about the Urban Forest Strategy on the City of Grande Prairie website.

Another potential measles exposure site in Grande Prairie as provincial case totals climb

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Another potential measles exposure site in Grande Prairie as provincial case totals climb

Another confirmed case of the measles in Grande Prairie has prompted an exposure warning from Alberta Health Services.

Individuals who at the Service Plus Inn and Suites Hotel between 10 p.m. July 6th to 12 p.m. July 7th may have been exposed to measles.

Officials are also advising anyone who was at the La-Pradera Mexican Restaurant on July 6th from 11:25 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. or Winners from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. they may have been exposed.

Other possible places of exposure include the 92nd Street Shoppers Drug Mart on July 8th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m. and Grande Prairie Regional Hospital – Unit 22 Surgery on July 7th, 8th and 9th from 7 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.

The latest confirmed case in the Peace Country come along at a time when Alberta is now the leading jurisdiction per capita in North America for measles. The province has more measles cases than the United States, with 1,314 cases since March. This surpasses the 1,288 cases in 39 states south of the border.

Thirty new cases were diagnosed in Alberta this past weekend, July 12-13.

Measles is highly contagious, with one infected person capable of spreading it to 18 people who may be unvaccinated. It spreads quickly through the air.

Charges laid after fuel truck theft in Grande Prairie

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Charges laid after fuel truck theft in Grande Prairie

A central Alberta man is facing a slew of charges after a police chase involving a stolen fuel truck.

Police say they responded to the reports of a stolen fuel truck and trailer just before 11 p.m. on July 13th, and when they arrived on scene, saw the vehicle flee.

Officials with both the Grande Prairie RCMP and Grande Prairie Police Service determined that it was starting to drive erratically and was becoming a danger to the public. Officers were authorized to stop the semi, eventually bringing it to a halt with a Tire Deflation Device.

The driver attempted to take off on foot, but was stopped by a police dog soon after.

The 31-year-old accused was treated for minor injuries from the altercation, and is now facing a number of charges including dangerous driving, possession of property obtained by crime and obstruct police officer.

Greenview joins Pincher Creek in declaring agricultural disaster

Kass Patterson
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Greenview joins Pincher Creek in declaring agricultural disaster

Drought conditions and a severe grasshopper infestation have resulted in the MD of Greenview declaring an agricultural disaster for the livestock industry. 

Officials made the call following a regular council meeting on July 8th, citing “Dry conditions stretching back to the 2024 season have not subsided over the 2025 growing season, resulting in extreme impacts on livestock producers.”

According to officials, some producers are tilling under hay land to produce green feed in the latter half of the season while other producers are looking at liquidating their operations and approaching auction markets for early openings.

Reeve Tyler Olsen says but declaring an agricultural disaster, Greenview is formally recognizing the severe challenges farmers and ranchers are facing.

“We urge all levels of government and the public to understand the gravity of the situation and to support the agricultural community through this difficult time,” Olsen says. “Our producers are the backbone of not only our local economy, but also Alberta’s and Canada’s, and they need our full support now more than ever.”

According to a statement, the municipality joins the MD of Pincher Creek, who declared an agriculture disaster at the end of June. 

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