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UPDATE: Tornado watch lifted for Fox Creek

As of 9 p.m., the tornado watch for portions of the MD of Greenview, including near Fox Creek, has been dropped.

A Tornado watch has been issued for an area of the MD of Greenview, including close to Fox Creek.

While there isn’t any imminent danger, Environment Canada says a line of thunderstorms heading for the area are creating favourable conditions that could produce tornados, as well as hail, heavy rain and potentially strong straight line winds, with the biggest risk between 5 and 8 p.m. tonight.

Despite the threat of a tornado not being imminent, this is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation. Be prepared for severe weather and take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

Suspect arrested in connection to Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation homicide

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The man wanted in connection to a homicide on Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation last month.

The Alberta RCMP Serious Crime Branch says 35-year-old Branden Munro was arrested in British Columbia on June 28and charged with the second-degree-murder of 28-year-old Isiah Cordell Cardinal.

Munroe has been remanded into custody and will be transported back to Alberta where an additional hearing will take place to determine his next court appearance.

Police continue to investigate the homicide, after the 28-year-old victim was found by police on June 22nd.

Grande Prairie resident takes home record Lightning Lotto jackpot

A Grande Prairie woman is $1.7 million richer after a record breaking jackpot win on Lightning Lotto.

Beverly Eastcott says while she knows she won something, it took a very long time for the reality to sink in.

“I was at the store and when the win came up and I didn’t even notice.I heard the win sound and was so used to $3 or $4 wins, I didn’t look up!,” she laughs.

“I noticed when I got home and saw the numbers. I couldn’t believe it, I broke a record, and I didn’t even notice!”

Eastcott says the entire family is thrilled with the win, and says it certainly couldn’t come at a better time. She says while they’re still looking to make big plans for their windfall, they’re not quite ready to make a decision just yet.

“I want to be out in the country on an acreage!” she smiled. “There’s lots that I want to do—like travel—but it’s still so fresh. I need to think about it!”

Eastcott purchased her winning LIGHTNING LOTTO ticket from the Circle K on 84 Avenue in the May 27th draw.

Some Eastlink Centre amenities to close during Triathlon weekend

Users of the Eastlink Centre will have to keep their eye out for closures as the 2025 Eastlink Centre Triathlon runs this weekend.

As the facility serves as the central venue for the triathlon, prep work and event related activities will be taking over areas starting Saturday, including the West Fraser Fieldhouse, which closes to the public at 3:30 p.m. for the athlete carb-load dinner. The aquatics area closes at 6:30 p.m. the same evening for event setup.

On Sunday, the Aquatics area will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the West Fraser Fieldhouse will be closed to the public from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the dive tank will remain closed during public swim for the day.

All other amenities, including the fitness centre, concourse, indoor track, squash and racquetball courts and Design Works Centre, remain open.

Six accidental drug poisoning reported in Grande Prairie in February, March

Six people were reported to have lost their lives to accidental fatal drug poisonings in Grande Prairie in February and March 2025

According to the latest statistics from the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, which lags several months behind real time, three deaths were reported in February and another three in March. The total is down slightly from the seven deaths reported over the same time period in 2024.

All six death are reported to have been connected to non-pharmaceutical opioids. Between January and March 2025, all 9 death reported accidental poisonings were connected to non-pharmaceutical opioids.

22-year-old charged with alleged hit and run

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One person is facing charges in connection to a pedestrian hit and run over the weekend. 

According to Grande Prairie RCMP around 12:45 p.m. June 27th, officers responded to a pedestrian collision. When officers arrived on scene EMS were attending to the victim, who was suffering life-threatening injuries. 

Police say the surveillance footage the pedestrian was walking on the sidewalk when they were struck by the vehicle. After further investigation, police identified the suspect who was arrested shortly after. A 22-year-old from Grande Prairie is facing several charges including aggravated assault, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop at the scene of an accident after knowingly causing bodily harm. The 22-year-old has been remanded into custody and will appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie at the end of June. 

According to police, the victim’s condition has since stabilized.

City looking for municipal election staff

The City of Grande Prairie is looking for help at voting stations for the municipal election on October 20th. The city says they are looking to fill a number of openings for both Presiding Deputy Returning officers as well as Deputy Returning Officers.

The PDRO is responsible for the overall supervision of a voting station, including communicating with the centralized election office and ensuring all legislated election requirements.

The DRO, meanwhile, is responsible for assisting with the set-up, closure, sanitation, and maintenance of the voting station, as well as helping out with potential voter registration issues, and voter identification verification.

Whilst the position needs vary, some of the jobs will require working during advance voting on October 9th-11th, and October 16th-18th, as well as election day itself on October 20th.

The hourly wage ranges from $22 to $25, based on the shift.

Interested applicants can find more information on the City of Grande Prairie website.

UPDATE: Evacuation alert lifted for County residents near BC border

UPDATE : As of 11 a.m. on June 30th, the County of Grande Prairie has lifted the evacuation alert for those in the impacted area.

The County of Grande Prairie has issued an evacuation alert for everyone located north of Township Road 714 to Township Road 734, east of the British Columbia/Alberta border to Range Road 131 due to a wildfire near the BC border.

While there is no need to evacuate at the moment, if an evacuation order is issued, you will have 30 minutes to leave. Residents in the area are being urged to fuel your vehicles and gather pets, important documents, medications, medical devices, and enough food and water to be away from your home for at least 7 days.

Police seize 4 kilograms of meth following Clairmont traffic stop

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A traffic stop in Clairmont led Rural Grande Prairie RCMP to a significant drug seizure.

Police say they were conducting proactive patrols in the municipality on June 21st when during the course of the traffic stop, officers noted drug paraphernalia, which resulted in the arrest of the occupant and the subsequent search of the vehicle.

The search of the vehicle turned up more than 4.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine and just over $11,000 in Canadian currency, believed to be proceeds of crime.

“This sizeable seizure is estimated to represent as much as 6,000 individual doses, a volume with the potential to deeply affect community health and safety” said Cpl. Pasquarelli of the Rural Grande Prairie County RCMP.

“The successful interdiction is credited to the diligence, professionalism, and tenacity of the RCMP Rural Grande Prairie County General Duty Members committed to disrupting the flow of dangerous substances into our communities.”

Subsequently, a 50-year-old Grande Prairie man is facing charges including of possession of meth for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, and failure to comply.

Handgun, drugs seized during Grande Prairie traffic stop

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A 33-year-old Grande Prairie man is facing several charges after police allegedly seized a loaded handgun, drugs and unstamped tobacco from a vehicle in the city earlier this month.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle registered to someone with outstanding warrants, during his arrest a search of the vehicle allegedly turned up a loaded handgun smuggled from the U.S., more than 65 grams of meth, 28 grams of cocaine, various paraphernalia and unstamped tobacco.

The 33-year-old is now facing charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, four firearm related offenses, and possession of proceeds of crime.

He is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on Dec. 10, 2025.

Suspect identified in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation homicide

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The RCMP Serious Crime Branch is looking for the public’s help in tracking down a suspect believed to be involved in a homicide on Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation.

35-year-old Brandon Munro of no fixed address is wanted for the second degree murder of 28-year-old Isiah Cardinal a resident of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, whose body was found by police on June 22nd.

Munro is described as standing 5’8″, with multiple face tattoos, blue eyes, black hair. He was last wearing dark pants, a white shirt with hood, and a mask.

Munro was last seen on Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and is considered armed and dangerous. Police are warning the public do not approach him and call Valeyview RCMP at 780-524-3345 or your local police. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

GPPSD announces new Superintendent of Schools

As of January 1st, James Robinson will be the new Superintendent of Schools and the CEO of the Grande Prairie Public School Division. 

The division’s Board of Trustees announced Robinson will replace Sandy McDonald, who plans to retire in the new year. Board Chair Joan Nellis says the board considered feedback from parents and staff about the characteristics they wanted to see in our next Superintendent, leading to James emerging as the leading candidate. 

“We are excited about the future of our division under his experienced and thoughtful leadership,” Nellis says. “James brings a valuable blend of continuity and fresh vision to the role—positioning him well to build on our strengths and help shape a bright future for our students, staff and school communities.”.

James has served as Assistant Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent since 2012, after spending 12 years in education with the Tlicho Community Services Agency in Behchoko, NT. 

According to the announcement his leadership in GPPSD has been instrumental in supporting the successful implementation of new curriculum and the development of system supports for optimum learning. He will apply his broad
experience and skills to the role and, together with his passion for education, will lead the division on its continued path to success.”

The University of New Brunswick and University of Calgary graduate says he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, staff and community of Grande Prairie in the new role. 

“Our division supports 9,000 students and their families to make our city and our region a better place and I look forward to working alongside our Board of Trustees, our division teams and our schools to continue this excellent work. It is a great honour to be able to continue to contribute to the success of our division in this new role,” James says. 

McDonald announced his retirement plan in December of last year, after eight years of being in the role. 

Volunteers needed as 2025 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games

The 2025 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games is just around the corner and the city is looking for a final push for volunteers to come help welcome athletes from across the province.

Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles, including Bocce Officials to ensure fair play and accurate scoring at Legion Field, as well as, medical support volunteers who will help provide first aid and participant monitoring at venues such as Bonnetts Energy Centre and five outdoor locations.

“We’re proud to support events that bring our community together and celebrate sport, resilience and inclusion,” says Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton.”

“Volunteers are the backbone of these games, and we’re encouraging residents to step forward and help create an unforgettable experience for our athletes.”

According to organizers, volunteers are also needed for things like food service as well, with a total of 450 four-hour volunteer shifts needing to be filled throughout the three day event.

The 2025 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games run from July 11th to 13th, 2025. More information, including venues, sports and how to volunteer at the Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games website.

Tea time at Reverend Forbes Homestead

It’s tea time at Reverend Forbes Homestead over the next couple of months.

According to the City of Grande Prairie, the community is being invited to take part in the afternoon tradition at the heritage site. Through out July and August the heritage site will be hosting a 2 p.m. tea on select days.

Mayor Jackie Clayton this is a tradition the city is proud to continue.

“Events like this enhance our quality of life by offering meaningful experiences that celebrate our local history, foster a sense of belonging, and keep our community’s stories alive,” Clayton states. “We invite everyone to come explore the beautiful historic home and hospital of Dr. and Mrs. Forbes while enjoying an afternoon of tea and treats.”

Tea will be held on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s through out the summer. It costs $10 per person, including a large scone with jam, butter and choice of tea, coffee or juice.

More information can be found here.

Two charged after alleged string of Tim Hortons break-ins

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Two people are facing charges after a quartet of Tim Horton’s were broken into throughout the region.

Police say between February 21st and March 10th, four break and enters to Tim Hortons locations, one in Fox Creek, one in Valleyview, and two in Grande Prairie cost the businesses in excess of $30,000 in damages/loses. Authorities say the various investigations lead them to the identity of 2 out of 3 suspects, who were located and arrested.

A 28-year-old man and 40-year-old woman, both residents of Grande Prairie are both facing break and enter charges.

Grande Prairie RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in tracking down the third suspect connected to this break and enters, anyone with information is urged to call the detachment at 780-830-5700, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).RCMP(7267).

City warns of fake bus passes being sold online

The city is warning people against being taken in by fake transit superpasses being shared or sold on social media.

Officials are reminding everyone that only transit passes purchased directly from the City or through approved vendors are valid for use on Grande Prairie Transit. Anything knowingly obtained through unofficial channels are not accepted onboard.

If you do come across a suspicious post or offer that is not from an official City of Grande Prairie channel, you’re being encouraged to report it through the platform where it was found.

You can find actual transit superpasses, and other info about transit in the city here.

City creates new accessible pass for Canada Day event

A new pass is being included at this year’s Canada Day event in Muskoseepi Park to support those with physical or cognitive disabilities waiting in line for carnival rides.

According to City of Grande Prairie officials, the Accessibility Pass is being added to allow these individuals to go to the front-of-the-line carnival rides at the Canada Day event.

Mayor Jackie Clayton says the event is a time for the community to come together and celebrate the community and country.

“The new Accessibility Pass ensures everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in the festivities with comfort and ease. It’s one more way we’re building a city where everyone feels welcome, included and cared for,” Clayton says.

Those who are interested in registering for a free Accessibility Pass in advance by contacting AccessGP until June 30th at 6 p.m.

The Muskoseepi Park Canada Day event will run from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Find more Canada Day stories here.

County breaks ground on new Teepee Creek fire station

Ground has officially been broken on the new $4.5 million fire hall in Teepee Creek.

According to officials, the new three-bay fire hall will provide the necessary infrastructure to support modern training, emergency response, and equipment storage—while improving response times and expanding support to neighbouring communities such as Sexsmith, Bezanson, and Clairmont, as well as serve those in Teepee Creek.

County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall says the project is all about building capacity for the future.

“This new station will give our firefighters the space, tools, and support they need to continue protecting the community and surrounding areas with a high level of professionalism and care,” he adds.

Construction on the new fire hall will be complete by the end of Summer 2026.

Several road closures set for Canada Day Parade

Drivers are being urged to avoid the downtown core for the majority of Canada Day as several road closures will be in place throughout the day with the annual parade set to roll through the city.

The day starts off with 100 Avenue shut down between 98 Street and 102 Street from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., with 100 Avenue between 93 Street and 106 Street, 108 Avenue between 94 Street and 96 Street, 96 Street between 108 Avenue and 100 Avenue and 106 Street and Henry Anderson Drive between 100 Avenue and 107 Avenue also being closed between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

“The transportation adjustments on July 1 help create a safe, welcoming space for thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy the Canada Day parade,” said Director of Engineering & Transportation Services, Wade Nellis.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and encourage travellers to plan ahead.”

The parade begins at 2 p.m., starting near Hillside School at 108 Avenue and 94 Street and will proceed down 100 Avenue to Northwestern Polytechnic’s Parking Lot B.

Drivers are encouraged to use 92 Street or 108 Street for north-south travel and 116 Avenue or 68 Avenue for east-west travel to avoid any delays.

Four injured after school bus involved rollover near Grimshaw

Four people were injured, including one seriously after a Peace River School Division bus was involved in a rollover earlier this month.

Officials say the bus was involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle on June 20th, which caused it to spin, roll over, and land on its side. At the time of the incident, one student and two adult passengers were on board, all three were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was airlifted by STARS Air Ambulance and is reported to be in stable condition.

“While there were no life-threatening injuries sustained, we know that a multitude of small variables could have resulted in a significantly different outcome. The Division commends our driver for their calm and professional response as demonstrated through their execution of the Division’s emergency procedures,” says PRSD Communications Coordinator Kristen Dyck in a release.

“This incident serves as a critical reminder for all drivers to exercise extreme caution and reduce speed, especially during the hours when school buses are typically on the road. With the last day of school on June 26, the PRSD would like to emphasize the importance of abiding by road safety regulations to ensure everyone arrives home safely for the summer break.”