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Vista Radio becomes one of Canada’s largest media companies

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Vista Radio becomes one of Canada’s largest media companies

Vista Radio is excited to announce today it has become Canada’s 2nd largest commercial radio broadcaster with the acquisition complete of the 21 properties formerly owned by Bell Media in British Columbia.

Today also marks the launch of exciting new Vista brands that will be heard across the province.

GO FM is “Feel Good Pop” for your city! On this all original format, you’ll hear hit music from the 90s and 2000s and an incredible mix of today and a little spice to keep things fun. The GO FM sound can be heard with your favorite local announcers and local news and information in Kelowna on 101.5FM, Penticton 97.1FM and Fort St John at 98.5FM.

 

Summit Radio is the classic hits from the 1970s to the 2000s. Rock-leaning, but mixed with some of the most well-known pop hits of those decades, and lots of deep classic favorites you might not have heard lately. This is one of our favorites and because BC is known for it’s rocky peaks, we’re covering the province with the Summit name along with your favorite hometown announcers you have loved for years. Summit Radio will be the soundtrack to these cities: Penticton 800AM, Osoyoos 1240AM, Summerland 98.5FM, Nelson 106.9FM, Trail 95.7FM, Revelstoke 106.1FM, Golden 106.3FM, Salmon Arm 91.5FM, Terrace 590AM and Fort Nelson 102.3FM.

 

We did make an exception where mountain ranges were swapped for the coast which is where CoastFM comes in! Classic Hits, coastal vibes, and community spirit are alive and well and on the air in Prince Rupert at 99.1 FM.

 

 

The station that changed the entire Okanagan forever is back! 99.9 SUNFM, Kelowna’s original Top 40 station returns with an amazing mix of up-and-coming artists alongside established pop hits and classic songs from recent years. The voices and local Kelowna talent you have loved remain plus some new local surprises for the Valley are coming soon!

 

One of the newest Vista Radio brands is also expanding into British Columbia. The Ranch, Where Country Music Lives, is now playing the best new country in Vernon at 105.7FM and Dawson Creek at 890AM. Again, we are proud to say the exceptional local announcers who love country will be heard with a new “brand” branded on the herd… the Ranch!

 

 

Our country music brand couldn’t be contained to just one name though. We did something special for Terrace because when you have something as wild and powerful as the Skeena River, we knew the name also had to match. The new River 103.1FM launches today, playing the best country in the area and serving the Skeena region with familiar voices and a new commitment to local news and information.

 

 

Possibly Vista Radio’s most famous brand is also finding a home and it’s a return to rock for Fort St John. The new 101.5 The Goat is waking up the city after years of missing a rock station and we’re proud to bring a new local and “hard as nails” voice to the city. The Greatest of All Time is back in Fort St John!

 

 

Somethings you just can’t change. Kelowna’s voice for News, Talk, Sports has always been AM 1150, and we weren’t going to mess with a good thing. The most informative and up to date news station is getting a resurgence of local focus. The familiar talent the Okanagan has relied on will remain, but they’re now combined with Vista Radio’s commitment to local service and strong ties to the community. The Valley has an all-new voice for News to rely on as of today.

 

With the addition of the 21 new radio stations, Vista Radio also launches 13 unique news and information digital portals to serve the regions across British Columbia. These new sites join the other 39 across the country in the Vista digital portfolio as the home for all the local radio station’s news, information, contests, entertainment, live streams and more.

This is an important undertaking for broadcasting in British Columbia and the simultaneous launching of this many new brands is a milestone in Canadian media. Vista Radio is proud to have taken this challenge on and reinvigorate an important service to so many communities.

We are also very proud to bring the very talented people of these incredible stations with us to become part of the new Vista Radio. These include the core leadership of the Okanagan General Manager and newly appointed Vista Vice President – Talent, Ken Kilcullen, Regional Cluster Program Directors Amy Gilbert and Chanine Carr, and Director of Engineering Larry King.

They, with all our Vista team members, share our commitment to local programming, news, economy, and community service. We invite any other broadcasting and media leaders, visionaries, and up and comers to join us. We are growing, we are a viable business, and we look forward to a prosperous media future in Canada.

Grande Prairie CRU arrests one, searching for another after stolen property, forgery investigation

Ethan Montague
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Grande Prairie CRU arrests one, searching for another after stolen property, forgery investigation

The Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit made an arrest, and are searching for one following an investigation regarding alleged stolen property and forgery.

According to police, on March 20th, a Sexsmith resident contacted police to report a 2024 White Chevrolet Tahoe as stolen. The CRU initiated an investigation into the matter, and had reason to believe the VIN provided by the caller was fradulent. Police say further investigation revealed a similar trend, with a second vehicle in the accused possession having the same issue.

As a result, police obtained and executed a search warrant in his home on March 26th, where a second person, was found to be involved and arrested.

The first person, a 43-year-old man faces charges of Public mischief, six counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, six breaches of his firearms prohibition, 13 “other firearms-related” offences, four counts of tampering with a VIN, and four charges related to forged documents.

A 29-year-old, also from Sexsmith, was arrested and charged with six counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, five counts of possessing a firearm while unauthorized, seven “other firearms-related” offences, four counts of tampering with a VIN, and two counts of possession of forged documents.

The 29-year-old was brought before a justice of the peace, where she was initially brough back into police custody, to be later released on conditions, following a court appearance in Grande Prairie on April 23rd.

The 43-year-old is still considered at large by police, and the RCMP is asking for help from the public in locating him. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Grande Prairie RCMP or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Council provides $50K in sponsorship for Bear Creek Folk Festival

Ethan Montague
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Council provides $50K in sponsorship for Bear Creek Folk Festival

Grande Prairie City Council made the decision to provide the Bear Creek Folk Festival a cash sponsorship of $50,000 during its recent Monday night meeting.

Festival Producer Sarah Card came into the meeting seeking $80K in sponsorship- citing increased costs and fewer grant opportunities from agencies like the Province of Alberta.

Despite her original ask, Council’s current maximum for corporate sponsorships stands at $50K, which Card says the festival is “incredibly grateful” for, especially given the city’s desire to work with the festival in finding any additional cost savings to make up for the missing $30K the city historically provided before the cap.

“We came in knowing the sponsorship cap was 50 and that’s what we received, so we’re incredibly grateful for that,” she says. “We’re also grateful for the city’s continued support and discussion in ways to find that other 30- whether that’s in reduction of costs, we’re very excited about their investment in the hill, which is not only going to help us- it’s going to help other community groups too.”

Council’s investment in electricity infrastructure for Borstad Hill bears slightly higher-than-anticipated costs, potentially delaying the project beyond the festival. Still, Card says she looks forward to revisiting the idea, even if it isn’t feasible for this year’s event.

“If that ends up being not possible for this year, they mentioned they can revisit that,” she says.

The event producer maintains that affordability remains top of mind when it comes to cost-recovery. Card says the festival is first and foremost a “family event,” so keeping ticket prices low is a significant priority for organizers.

“We assess every single year, but at the end of the day- it’s so incredibly important to us to keep our festival tickets affordable, to families and people who don’t necessarily have a giant amount of money, this is an event for the community, and for families, so we want to keep it affordable,” she says.

The 2025 Bear Creek Folk Festival is scheduled from August 15th to the 17th.

More than a half-million raised during STARS Critical Care on the Air Radiothon

Ethan Montague
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More than a half-million raised during STARS Critical Care on the Air Radiothon

The 2025 STARS’ Critical Care on the Air Radiothon raised a record-breaking $565K in support of their mission of providing critical care, whenever and wherever it is needed.

STARS President and CEO Dr. John Froh says the organization is “incredibly grateful” for the support from dozens of communities across the three participating provinces.

“We were proud to see all of the STARS stories broadcast across Western Canada, connecting the communities we serve with our mission, raising critical funds and providing insight into our life-saving operations,” he says. 

The two-day radiothon broadcasted across 50 radio stations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and featured stories from STARS crew members and VIPs or- Very Important Patients, giving those who tuned in the chance to hear their inspiring stories of survival and bravery.

Thanks to the success of this year’s event, the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon is planned to return in 2026.

91 weapons among stolen items seized from Fairview property

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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91 weapons among stolen items seized from Fairview property

91 firearms were among hundreds of allegedly stolen items found and seized from a property in Fairview earlier this month.

RCMP in Fairview say they received information from the public suggesting they would be able to find multiple firearms on the property, and after obtaining a warrant, a search revealed 91 firearms, most with handmade price tags and ready to be resold, as well a large quantity of ammo.

Police say while they were on the property conducting the search for the alleged stolen weapons, they noted a large number of other potential stolen items in the vicinity. Two days later, another search warrant was executed on the property, and ended up seizing numerous vehicles, trailers, atvs and other items, including generators, a motorcycle and a welding skid.

As the investigation continues, police are looking to link the firearms and stolen goods to the places and people they were stolen from. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to please contact the Fairview RCMP at 780-835-4031, or your local police.

Grande Prairie couple strike it lucky

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Grande Prairie couple strike it lucky

A couple of Grande Prairie are looking forward to taking a big bite out of their mortgage after taking home a $200,000 jackpot from a LUCKY LINES EXTRAVAGANZA scratch ticket.

Allan and Anne Granberg picked up the winning ticket from the Shoppers Drug Mart on 92 Street, and when Allan scanned the ticket, he says he couldn’t beleive his eyes.

“I was in such disbelief!” he laughed. “That’s why I had to scan it over and over!”

Granberg says they’ve already got a pretty good idea what they are going to do with their added windfall.

“We will be putting the money toward our mortgage and getting rid of our payments. We’re ecstatic – we’re going to be able to do so much for our future,” he adds.

Charges laid after drugs, cash seized following downtown Grande Prairie traffic stop

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Charges laid after drugs, cash seized following downtown Grande Prairie traffic stop

A 50-year-old Grande Prairie man is facing charges after police allegedly seized drugs from a vehicle during a routine traffic stop.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says they had stopped a vehicle around 1 a.m. on April 5th because of expired registration. During the stop, police say an investigation revealed that the suspect was believed to be involved in the drug trafficking trade. Authorities say they searched the vehicle and turned up approximately 215 grams of cocaine, 67 grams of crystal methamphetamine and $1,800 cash.

A 50-year-old Grande Prairie resident is now facing two counts of Possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of Possession of proceeds of crime under $5000.

Three Storm players named to AJHL North Division All-League team

Ethan Montague
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Three Storm players named to AJHL North Division All-League team

A trio of Grande Prairie Storm players have been appointed to the AJHL North Division All-League Team for the 2024-25 season.

Each year, AJHL General Managers and Coaches select one goalie, two defencemen, and three forwards from each division, recognizing their unique contributions to their teams throughout the past season.

Grande Prairie makes up most of the North Division roster, with Nicholas Jones in net, Logan Cunningham on defense, and Tomis Marinkovic at forward. Two Whitecourt skaters and one Oil Baron were also selected to the squad.

All three were also finalists in their respective position award categories.

The Grande Prairie Storm will make their AJHL finals debut in Calgary on April 18th.

FSJ RCMP issue alert regarding tainted drugs, Grande Prairie RCMP asks residents to exercise caution

Ethan Montague
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FSJ RCMP issue alert regarding tainted drugs, Grande Prairie RCMP asks residents to exercise caution

The Fort St. John RCMP have issued a public service announcement regarding toxic drugs circulating in the region.

According to police, between April 3rd and 9th, members of the FSJ detachment responded to three sudden deaths where the cause was believed to be consistent with an opioid overdose.

Recently, the Fort St. John RCMP came across the powerful synthetic opiate “Isotonitazene,” within counterfeit Oxycodone tablets, and is considered as potent or potentially more potent than fentanyl, which FSJ RCMP Constable Chad Neustaeter says poses significant risks for those who choose to use.

“The pills are like making chocolate chip cookies, some cookies have 6 chocolate chips, others have 16 which, when it comes to fentanyl or synthetic opiates, can be fatal,” he says.

Risk to surrounding areas

In Grande Prairie, Corporal Troy Savinkoff agrees with his colleagues in BC, saying there is “always a risk” when it comes to using illegal drugs, so the simple advice from police is to stop, as there is simply no way to ensure what you are being sold is the product you wish to purchase.

“When you buy those through the appropriate means- they’re done in labs that have oversight to ensure the product being provided is consistent and has the appropriate ingredients in it,” he says. “There is always a risk, and the obvious advice from police to anyone who is engaged with illegal drug usage is to not be- seek out supports, if you are engaging in that sort of activity you have to be aware of the risks.”

Additionally, Savinkoff says with the Fort St. John detachment issuing a notice, residents throughout the Peace Region would be better off following their advice.

“If Fort St. John has put out an alert- certainly there could be that possibility of a regional supply in that community, but we do often see that Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Grande Prairie, these are all one generic region and it would be very easy for a tainted drug supply in one community to easily travel to a neighbouring city,” he says.

The Fort St. John RCMP are reminding drug users to never do so alone, and to always carry Narcan or Naloxone kits.

Spirit River RCMP locate wanted Woking man following month long search

Ethan Montague
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Spirit River RCMP locate wanted Woking man following month long search

The Spirit River RCMP has located 41-year-old Kyle Dale Hudson after a near month long search.

This comes after members of the Spirit River RCMP conducted a search warrant on a property in Woking on March 1st- locating six stolen vehicles, an additional three with tampered VINs, “several” firearms, ammunition, suspected substances, and others.

Police put the call out to the public on March 12th, asking for assistance in locating Woking resident Kyle Hudson, who was wanted for 15 offences related to this investigation, and three warrants out of Grande Prairie.

Now, the Spirit River RCMP has arrested Hudson for his warrants relating to the March 1st search, along with his Grande Prairie warrants. He was taken before a Justice of the Peace, and remains in police custody.

NWP Fairview prepares for two days of trades during annual NW Alberta Regional Skills Competition

Ethan Montague
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NWP Fairview prepares for two days of trades during annual NW Alberta Regional Skills Competition

Northwestern Polytechnic is welcoming the next generation of tradespeople to its Fairview campus for this year’s North West Regional Skills Canada Competition.

From April 10th to the 11th, 90 of the most talented high-school students from across the Peace Region to show off their talents across 13 disciplines. NWP Fairview’s Dean of Skilled Trades Tony Shmyruk says the Fairview Campus is “always excited” to welcome talented students during the competition.

“For us it’s an opportunity for us to highlight our regional high school students, and the talents they have,” he says. “It’s always exciting to welcome talented youth to Fairview.” 

Competitions in welding, carpentry, culinary arts, automotive, robotics, and more are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on April 11th. Across the province, there are 9 Regional Skills Canada Competitions, with the top performers from each earning themselves a spot to compete at the provincial level.

“It’s a pretty big deal with top performers in the Regional and Qualifying Competitions automatically earning a spot to compete at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition,” Shymruk says. “More importantly, it’s for them to recognize the skills they do have, showing them they can use those skills to go into the career that they have real talent for.”

NWP officials say they are proud to host the event, and continue their more than 20 years of support for Skills Canada.

RCMP respond to fatal vehicle rollover on Highway 674, one declared deceased on scene

Ethan Montague
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RCMP respond to fatal vehicle rollover on Highway 674, one declared deceased on scene

The Grande Prairie RCMP responded to a single vehicle rollover which resulted in the death of one man on April 9th.

According to the RCMP, at around 9:30 p.m. the evening of April 9th, members of the Grande Prairie detachment responded to a report of a single vehicle rollover on Highway 674 and Range Road 43 in the County of GP.

Upon arrival, emergency crews managed to remove the driver from the vehicle, and STARS was deployed; however, the driver died on the scene.

The deceased was identified as a 68-year-old man from the county.

GP Chamber of Commerce to host online all-candidates election forum on April 15th

Ethan Montague
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GP Chamber of Commerce to host online all-candidates election forum on April 15th

The Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates federal election forum on April 15th.

The online event will feature all confirmed candidates for the Grande Prairie riding, sharing their platforms and answering questions regarding key issues for the region.

Additionally, for those interested, the Chamber has supplied a link for participants to submit a general question- to be addressed by all candidates.

Registration will be required to participate over Zoom.

19-bed transition unit at QEII hopes to alleviate capacity pressures at GP Regional Hospital

Ethan Montague
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19-bed transition unit at QEII hopes to alleviate capacity pressures at GP Regional Hospital

A new 19-bed inpatient transition unit at the QEII Ambulatory Care Centre hopes to alleviate capacity pressures on the local health system.

Often referred to as “Alternate Level of Care” or “ALC” beds, AHS says the beds are intended to serve as a more temporary care setting for patients who no longer need acute care, or are waiting for a continuing care home space to open up.

Patients in the new unit will receive care from registered nurses, healthcare aides, and doctors, which AHS Senior Operating Officer for Grande Prairie Candice Edey says will directly benefit patients who might need a bit of additional support during the transition period.

“They may not require traditional, acute-level hospital care but they could benefit from more time to recover or additional supports to safely return home,” she says.

The beds are expected to be made available for patients later in April, with the hope they will free up acute care capacity at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, especially during the busy respiratory season.

Grande Prairie-Wapiti MLA Ron Wiebe says he is happy to see that the space continues to prove its use, even after it ceased its operations as a full hospital in 2021.

“I’m happy to see the former QEII hospital space being further utilized to expand and enhance care for residents of the Grande Prairie region,” he says.

Despite it’s retirement from full time hospital duties, the QEII continues to provide a number of community-based healthcare services.

Crews fight fire with fire near Sturgeon Lake during hazard reduction burns

Ethan Montague
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Crews fight fire with fire near Sturgeon Lake during hazard reduction burns

The Grande Prairie Forest Area remains fire free this season; however, controlled burning is underway in Sturgeon Lake to reduce the fire danger for the community.

Beginning this week, and expected until early May, Alberta Wildfire and the Sturgeon Lake Fire Department will be conducting hazard reduction burning from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during burn periods. So far, crews have successfully burned 8.38 hectares.

Officials say hazard reduction burns serve an important role in reducing the amount of dry vegetation that could ignite given the right chance, threatening homes and important infrastructure.

Alberta Wildfire maintains that burns are only being conducted under the careful watch of experts in the field, and when firefighters and resources are sufficient; as long as weather conditions remain favourable.

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area is still considered “low” by the province’s standards, and no new wildfires have been reported since January 1st.

Nurse pay raise raises hopes for more healthcare workers in Grande Prairie

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Nurse pay raise raises hopes for more healthcare workers in Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie council is hopeful the latest pay raise for nurses in Alberta will mean more medical professionals making their way to the city.

Grande Prairie Deputy Mayor Chris Thiessen says that with the pay raise, more nurses both new and current may be more eager to come and work in the region, while improving the reliability for the local healthcare system. He adds one of council’s priorities is helping to build and sustain a healthcare system that is trusted by those who use it.

“Knowing and understanding that you have the proper healthcare in any community is going to be not only a way for people to say- ‘hey I want to stay here, because I know what I got here its secure, its safe and the health care is great’ but it also encourages other people,” Thiessen adds.

The deal between the province and the United Nurses of Alberta will was ratified on April 3rd, 2025. The deal will see all affected UNA members expect to see an immediate pay increase of up to 15 per cent, an overall increase of around 20 percent, and annual pay increases of 3 per cent, retroactive to April 1st, 2024.

When it comes to “why should nurses choose Grande Prairie?”, Deputy Mayor Thiessen says Swan City is the “city of the future” and there is “no better place” for nurses to come to.

“What better place for health care professionals to come to than Alberta and what better place in Alberta than right here in the north,” he says. “[So] why should a nurse land here well- there is no better place.”

The recently ratified deal makes nurses in Alberta the highest paid in the country.

With files from Thomas Robertson, Vista Radio Alberta.

Storm brewing for Calgary or Drumheller after Grande Prairie sweeps aside Wolverines

Ethan Montague
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Storm brewing for Calgary or Drumheller after Grande Prairie sweeps aside Wolverines

The Grande Prairie Storm remain undefeated in the playoffs after completing the sweep over Whitecourt on April 8th.

The boys squeaked out a narrow 6-5 overtime win- securing them a spot in the AJHL finals for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

Storm Executive Director Nicole Menzies says while the city was quite hopeful to secure a spot in the finale, nothing is guaranteed in the playoffs, so closing it out, especially in overtime, is “indescribable.”

“What an incredible moment that was last night, that goal in the first 17 seconds, it was just- it’s indescribable,” she says. “I think everyone was hoping, but with playoff hockey, just one bounce can completely send the game in the other direction, it was close the whole game, Whitecourt played amazingly well, as they always do, and our guys just really stepped up.”

The two teams went goal-for-goal nearly all game long, until the Storm’s Carter Streek sent his second to the back of the net early in the third. Grande Prairie held onto the one goal lead for ten minutes, until the Wolverines’ Jalen Bianchet answered with one of his own, with less than five minutes left in regular time.

“I think everybody collectively held their breath,” Menzies says.

It ended up being a short overtime after all, with Storm forward Chayse Laurie sneaking one by just 17 seconds in.

Throughout the regular season, the big story for the Storm, aside from boasting one of their best seasons in recent memory, has been the unmatched attendance at Bonnetts Energy Centre. Players, coaches, and senior leadership have all suggested the reason for the team’s success this year has come largely due to fan support. Menzies says the sheer amount of fans that show up for Storm games is unlike anywhere else in the league, creating an energy that can only be felt at home.

“There’s something really special about Bonnetts Energy Centre- I firmly believe it is one of the nicest Junior A arenas in all of Canada,” she says. “I know the team loves playing in front of that big hometown crowd- GP has been known for having an incredible fanbase.”

“When you get that many people in this building, it’s just electric.”

Drumheller is currently trailing Calgary 0-3, and Grande Prairie will know their finals opponent by April 15th at the latest.

City of GP opens up registration for 2025 Grande Prairie Triathlon

Ethan Montague
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City of GP opens up registration for 2025 Grande Prairie Triathlon

Registration has opened up for this summer’s Grande Prairie 2025 Triathlon.

Formerly known as the Eastlink Centre Triathlon, this year’s event will include the usual categories- Try-a-Tri, Kids of Steel, Sprint, and Team Sprint, with new branding this time around.

Officials say through the re-brand, the event is more connected to the host city, and aligns with how other high-calibre fitness events in the province are branded.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the re-naming is a “positive step” in continuing to build on the attendance and reputation of the event, and Grande Prairie itself as a world-class triathlon destination.

“Launching this year’s triathlon with fresh, updated branding helps shine a spotlight on the event’s growing reach across Western Canada, strengthening our sense of community pride and regional connection,” she says. 

Despite the re-brand, the race remains a Triathlon Alberta sanctioned event, so all athletes must have a membership to participate. Day memberships are $30 for adults, and $15 per athlete in a team, and can be added to your cart during registration. Kids of Steel memberships are included with the registration price.

Categories vary in price at $50 for kids between six and thirteen, and up to $120 per team in the adult categories, and early bird pricing is available until May 15th for adult racers. Registration is available online on the city’s website.

Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games ambassadors work to drum up excitement for 2025 show

Ethan Montague
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Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games ambassadors work to drum up excitement for 2025 show

The Special Olympics- Alberta Summer Games’ newly appointed ambassadors for Grande Prairie delivered an update to City Council during their recent meeting, saying they are ready for an energetic showing this summer.

Games Manager Lisa Kerkhof previously worked in a similar role for the Grande Prairie-hosted Alberta Winter Games in 2024, and says while the summertime competition might see fewer competitors, the energy will be the same, if not higher.

“In comparison to the winter games, which was about 2,400 participants, we’re at about 1,000 athletes and coaches, and then 100 to 150 officials,” she says. “But the enthusiasm of this games is going to outmatch that of the winter games- our athletes are very excited, there’s a ton of sportsmanship for this event, a ton of cheering, so I think you can expect the same level of energy and comradery out there on the field.”

Three ambassadors joined Kerkhof during the presentation, covered with the spoils of victory to show off to council, and drum up excitement for the upcoming games.

Kaylee, Steven, and Savannah will not only be competing in the games this year- they also hold the responsibility of representing the city with passion and sportsmanship to fellow athletes, coaches, and visitors before and during the games. Grande Prairie Deputy Mayor Chris Thiessen says the trio have already stepped up in their new roles, after being appointed just a few weeks ago.

“The ambassador role is really taking fabulous members of our community, representing the Special Olympics, and giving them a position where they can be community members and role models to other youth, or people in the Special Olympics community as well,” he says. “They’re stepping forward as people saying- hey Grande Prairie, we’re inclusive, we’re accepting, and I have to say, our three ambassadors have really stepped up into their role.”

Kaylee and Savannah spoke on their mutual excitement for the games, inviting residents to keep an eye out for them at the pool and on the field, and saying the games represent more than just competition.

“I think it’s going to be fun, and active, and staying healthy, and meeting new athletes,” Kaylee says. “I think bocce is more fun- it’s like lawn bowling.”

“I’m also competing for Grande Prairie – I’m doing swimming at the Eastlink Centre,” Savannah adds.

Kerkhof maintains that the easiest way to get involved and support the athletes is to volunteer.

“We’ll need volunteers for the weekend of the games- July 11th to 13th, in a host of different roles so whether its sport help, food services, courtesy cart drivers, general help for the games, we’re looking for lots of people.”

Interested individuals can sign up to volunteer online.

“Multiple” residents facing drug charges following search warrant on Grande Prairie home

Ethan Montague
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“Multiple” residents facing drug charges following search warrant on Grande Prairie home

The Grande Prairie RCMP General Investigation Section made several arrests during a search warrant earlier this month.

According to the RCMP, on April 3rd, members of the Grande Prairie GIS, which is often responsible for medium to long-term investigations, executed a search warrant on a residence in the City of Grande Prairie as part of an “ongoing drug trafficking investigation.”

During their search, officers managed to seize undisclosed amounts of suspected cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, along with a firearm located inside.

Staff Sergeant Brent Lawson with the Grande Prairie RCMP calls the investigation “another example” of the RCMP’s commitment to removing substances from the city’s streets.

“The distribution of illegal drugs continues to have a significant impact on our community,” he says. “The investigation is another example of the dedication of our members in targeting those responsible for trafficking harmful substances.”

The investigation is ongoing, and so far, has led to the arrests of “multiple” Grande Prairie residents, and police say they are now facing a list of charges related to drug trafficking.

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