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

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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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

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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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

My GP Now
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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

Kass Patterson
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Four people arrested connected to drug, weapons seizure

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

Kass Patterson
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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

Kass Patterson
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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

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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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

Kass Patterson
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Arson investigation into early morning Peace River fire ongoing

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

Kass Patterson
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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

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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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

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

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.

City offering up tours, looking for public input on Bear Creek Dam future

My GP Now
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City offering up tours, looking for public input on Bear Creek Dam future

As part of it’s feasibility study long-term options for the Bear Creek Dam, the city is set to host guided site tours of the dam next month to give interested residents an up close look, and to gain feedback to shape the long-term future for the site.

While the commissioned study continues, the city says the long-term feature of the dam will hinge on several factors such as safety, environmental impact, regulatory compliance and potential future uses; including recreation, habitat restoration or decommissioning.

“The Bear Creek Dam plays an important role in our community, and it’s essential we plan responsibly for its future,” says Mayor Jackie Clayton

“Through public engagement, technical studies and infrastructure upgrades, we’re ensuring that any decisions made reflect both the needs of our residents and the long-term sustainability of the site.”

Prior to the tours, a contractor will be on site to conduct geotechnical testing, which involves collecting soil samples from multiple locations using an excavator. While the impact to trail users will be minimal, equipment may briefly cross the trail network. Users are advised to follow posted signage and directions from workers.

This fall, Bear Creek Dam is scheduled to undergo an armouring upgrade to strengthen its surface against erosion, overflow and structural wear. The tours will take place every half an hour from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 19th.

You can learn more about the tours, as well as the sustainability study on the City of Grande Prairie website.

Grande Prairie set to swim into summer

Kass Patterson
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Grande Prairie set to swim into summer

The city is set to celebrate the upcoming summer season with the third annual Here Comes Summer event in Muskoseepi Park. 

The City of Grande Prairie event will be held on Friday, June 6th from 2:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and include the Aquatera Outdoor Pool season opener and community barbecue.
 
Mayor Jackie Clayton says it is exciting to celebrate the season opening of the pool at the annual event. 

“Whether you come by for a swim, a hot dog or just to enjoy the sunshine, we’re proud to offer opportunities that bring our community together and support well-being all summer long,” Clayton says. 

The Aquatera Outdoor Pool will open for the season on Monday, June 2nd as employees gear up to make sure everything is ready for the Here Comes Summer event. Along with the kickoff event this year the outdoor pool also will be offering the Grande Access Pass member day every Tuesday, youth day every Thursday allowing those aged 13 to 17 to enter for $2 and private facility rental options from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays all season. 

The pool will be open seven days a week from June 2nd until mid-September depending on the weather. However, there will be adjusted hours on Canada Day, Heritage Day and Labour Day.

More information on the Here Comes Summer event can be found here. 

Grande Prairie RCMP seize revolver, drugs after traffic stop

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Grande Prairie RCMP seize revolver, drugs after traffic stop

Two people are facing charges after Mounties seized a revolver, along with various alleged drug paraphernalia in a vehicle following a traffic stop earlier this month.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says officers conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F150 with allegedly faulty equipment at an undisclosed time on May 8th, when conducting the stop, police believed to have spotted drugs and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and arrested the two occupants.

A search of the vehicle turned up a stolen revolver with its associated ammunition as well as a small amount of what is believed to be crack cocaine, as well as unstamped tobacco.

A 40-year-old woman, and 39 year-old man, both from Grande Prairie, are now facing a handful of firearm related charges. Both will appear in court later this month.

Work NW Alberta to hold workforce focused info luncheon

Kass Patterson
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Work NW Alberta to hold workforce focused info luncheon

Workforce trends across Northwestern Alberta are being highlighted at an upcoming luncheon being put on by Work NW Alberta. 

The event which is set for June 5th will include a presentation from DELOITTE that will highlight what industries are in demand across the region along with what vocations are in the Grande Prairie–Greenview corridor. The presentation will also highlight workforce trends, salary and wage projections. The strategic insights will support companies with their hiring and workforce planning. 

Work NW Alberta is a partnership that includes the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Municipal District of Greenview, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce and Northwestern Polytechnic which focuses on supporting workforce sustainability in the region and regional talent attraction. 

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Centre 2000 in Grande Prairie. According to the Save the Date, space for the event is limited so RSVPing before May 26th is encouraged. 

Grande Prairie MP named leader of opposition whip

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Grande Prairie MP named leader of opposition whip

Grande Prairie MP Chris Warkentin has been named the Chief Opposition Whip.

Warkentin says the role, to keep the conservatives united, focused, and driven to deliver results for Canadians.

“Now more than ever, we must offer a clear and compelling vision—one grounded in hope, opportunity, and freedom for all,” he says.

I am committed to fighting for you, your family, and for the Canada we want to leave our kids and grandchildren—a Canada of hope, opportunity, safety, freedom, and prosperity,” he adds.

It’s not the first time Warkentin has taken on addition roles, as he served as Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition from September 2016 to September 2019, and Deputy Whip of the Official Opposition from September 2022 to March 2025.

Construction season begins in City of Grande Prairie

Kass Patterson
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Construction season begins in City of Grande Prairie

Road rehabilitation and traffic signal repair work is underway or set to start this month in the City of Grande Prairie. 

The work, which is part of the 2025 capital construction season, includes traffic signal upgrades, full-depth reclamation work on roads, along with overlays, milling and paving.

Mayor Jackie Clayton says this the city’s capital construction program builds towards Grande Prairie being a stronger, safer and more connected city. 

“These investments reflect our focus on maintaining the essential infrastructure residents rely on every day while planning responsibly for the future of our growing city,” Clayton says. 

According to city officials, the improvement work is planned along 84th Avenue, 96th Street, 102nd Street, 102A Avenue, 114th Street, and 123rd Avenue, along with Crystal Lake Drive, Pinnacle Boulevard, Royal Oaks Drive, 68th Avenue and 97B Street. 

Across the city, crews are already working on traffic signal repair and replacement at select intersections. The work done at these select intersections is said to be designed to help support pedestrian safety, the flow of traffic and long-term infrastructure reliability.

There are also a pair of road rehabilitation projects that are in the pre-engineering phase for sections of the old highway bypass, including the intersection of 116th Street and 100th Avenue, along with 100th Avenue from 124th Street to 132nd. The timelines of these projects could change as city officials work with consultants to confirm the scope of work. The construction for these projects is expected for 2025, however some if not all the work could be pushed to 2026 depending on project requirements.

Storm drainage work, minor bridge repair, landscaping, tree management and playground enhancements are also projects that are included in the city’s capital construction plans. 

Grande Prairie council to serve up pancakes and fun for Stompede

Kass Patterson
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Grande Prairie council to serve up pancakes and fun for Stompede

The City of Grande Prairie is flipping up fun and flap jacks with a free pancake breakfast for the community. 

The event is being held to celebrate the 2025 Grande Prairie Stompede and will be hosted by the city. The breakfast is being held Wednesday, May 28th from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the H.A. Rice Plaza at Bonnetts Energy Centre and according to the city will include “food, friendly faces and western cheer.”

Mayor Jackie Clayton says the breakfast is a great way to celebrate the long-standing tradition of Stompede, while also showing the communities pride and hospitality. 

“Council is looking forward to connecting with residents and welcoming everyone to this year’s festivities,” Clayton adds. 

The event is part of council’s strategic priority of building engaging relationships through celebrating the western roots and cultural vibrancy of the area. 

Parking is available in the east, west and south lots.

Harry Balfour students help celebrate Arbor Day early with crabapple tree planting

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Harry Balfour students help celebrate Arbor Day early with crabapple tree planting

Some of the youngest minds at Harry Balfour School in Grande Prairie have come together to help make the future a little greener as they helped plant a crabapple tree at the school to help celebrate an early Arbor Day in the region.

Harry Balfour Assistant Principal Maryanne Buck says the school’s new crabapple tree is more than just a plant, it’s a symbol of care, growth, and community. She adds that events like the tree planting ceremony remind her how lucky Harry Balfour students and staff are to belong to such a caring and connected community.

“This tree will provide shade to generations of Harry Balfour Bengals, and serve as a peaceful spot for our neighbours and families to gather for decades to come,” she says.

“Trees take time to grow, and so does community, but when we nurture both, we create something truly lasting,” she adds.

The tree planting was made possible thanks to partnership between the school County of Grande Prairie, Arbor Day Society, and Government of Alberta Wildfire group.

AHS warns of possible measles exposure in Grande Prairie

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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AHS warns of possible measles exposure in Grande Prairie

A confirmed case of measles in Grande Prairie has prompted Alberta Health Services to post exposure warnings for at least two time periods in Grande Prairie

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

Crown and Anchor Pub
8022 100 St, Grande Prairie

Exposure time periods:
May 4: Approx. 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (MDT)

Grand Prairie Regional Hospital Emergency Department
11205 110 St, Grande Prairie

Exposure time periods:
May 9: Approx. 1:55 p.m. – 5:18 p.m. (MDT)

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 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.

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