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NWP student fundraiser a real smash

Thomas Robertson
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NWP student fundraiser a real smash

Northwestern Polytechnic students took turns getting their artistic or aggressive energy out on a vehicle in a unique fundraiser to help smash down barriers for students.

NWP Car smash/ photo supplied by Thomas Robertson 2Dayfm

To help raise cash for the NWP’s Student Association’s Room of Plenty program, students were charged five dollars per minute to leave whatever mark they wanted on a has seen better days Chrysler Sebring, with proceeds aimed at helping students with everyday products from food to hygiene items.

Student Association VP Mason Huckabone says students shouldn’t have to worry about not being able to afford everyday essentials while in school.

NWP Car smash/ photo supplied by Thomas Robertson 2Dayfm

“When students come to Northwestern Polytechnic we don’t want them to come here worrying about where their next meal is going to come from. We want them to worry about academics first and not having to worry about all the other things.”

“Food and security are a huge problem not only here but in the entire post-secondary landscape across Canada.”

Huckabone says the event was highly-anticipated since it was announced, and was given great feedback from the school.

“The students are loving it. I had staff members coming up to me in May asking about it, they were so excited for it.”

The final tally for donations from the event is yet to be announced.

Phil Troyer running for city council

Thomas Robertson
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Phil Troyer running for city council

Phil Troyer has announced his run for city council in the upcoming municipal election.

Troyer and his family have lived in Grande Prairie for roughly 13 years. Over those years Troyer has became a business owner in the city, and is currently standing on the 2026 Air-show committee.

Troyer talked about why he thinks he deserves to be in council.

“I bring experience to city council, I’m not doing this as a hobby, I’m not doing this because i need a second job, I’m doing it because I am passionate about it and I care about the city.”

Troyer says that Grande Prairie is going to continue to grow, and that council will have to adapt with it in real-time.

“Grande Prairie is counting to grow. We need to make sure we grow sustainably. I hate to say it, but we are always going to have taxes, but lets make sure when we are developing and planning for city expansion, we do the most cost-effective options for our residents.”

Troyer brought up that one of the biggest thing’s his campaign is about, is transparency between council and the community regarding snow removal.

“Snow removal is always a big topic, every year. I think there is an education piece to the residents, they deserve to know why is snow removal being done like this. ”

The municipal election is slated for October 20th.

 

City crews kick off autumn, winter tree pruning program

Thomas Robertson
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City crews kick off autumn, winter tree pruning program

The City of Grande Prairie is reminding the community that you may see city crews in your neighborhood working on elm trees throughout the winter.

The annual tree pruning program, which kicked off October 1st, concentrates on protecting elm trees around the city. These specific trees are vulnerable to Dutch Elm disease, where an elm tree can have their water-conducting system blocked by elm bark beetles and eventually die as a result.

The pruning happens during a provincially regulated fall and winter period as the odds of finding elm bark beetles is less-likely, helping reduce the risk of disease.

If you are concerned about a tree in your community, you can submit a report to the city’s website.

County of Grande Prairie set to host wood chipping, FireSmart event

Thomas Robertson
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County of Grande Prairie set to host wood chipping, FireSmart event

Bring branches and wood debris to the County of Grande Prairie’s wood chipping event on Saturday October 18th.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. In the Pinebrook Estates subdivision at the end of the cul-de-sac.

You are encouraged to bring wood debris, branches and dead fall from your yard for chipping.

The wood chipping event is in attachment to the county’s FireSmart program, to help reduce wildfire risk in the region, and how to better protect your self if you are located in a very grassy area.

Advance voting in the County starts Wednesday

Thomas Robertson
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Advance voting in the County starts Wednesday

The County of Grande Prairie’s advance voting for the municipal election will start on Wednesday, October 15th.

Voter stations will only be open for two days, the 15th and October 18th. During the 15th the polls will be open from 4:00pm until 8:00pm, and the 18th will be from 10:00am until 5pm.

You will be able to cast your ballot ahead of time at Clarkson Hall In Evergreen Park, the Hythe Legion, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, and Webster Hall in Sexsmith.

Election Day itself is set for October 20th.

Family friendly fear and fright? Come forth for a truly Spooktacular sight

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Family friendly fear and fright? Come forth for a truly Spooktacular sight

If you’re looking for some family friendly scares you can find them later this month as part of the city’s annual Halloween Spooktacular.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Bowes will be home to a haunted house surely to strike fear and glee into ghouls of all ages. In addition, there will be family friendly entertainment, a costume contest and free hot dog lunch if the candy supply is lacking.

Just in time for the afternoon sugar rush, the celebration moves outdoors from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses along 100 Avenue between 99 Street and 101 Street.

For the first time, A special Gentle Ghouls Sensory Hour will also be held 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in The Bowes, and is designed to provide a quieter environment for families and children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the Halloween experience.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the Halloween Spooktacular brings families together to celebrate the season in a way that feels safe, welcoming and connected.

“It’s a tradition that highlights the spirit of our community and the energy of our downtown. We are grateful to the Downtown Association and local businesses for their commitment to making this event such a memorable experience for families year after year.”

All the fun takes place October 25th and you can find more information on the City of Grande Prairie website.

Play Smart in Alberta By Carefully Reviewing Online Casinos

Jesse Saville
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Play Smart in Alberta By Carefully Reviewing Online Casinos

Play Smart in Alberta By Carefully Reviewing Online Casinos

The online casino scene in Grand Prairie is changing, with new regulations on the horizon. This article is your guide to navigating the current landscape, from spotting safe sites to understanding your bonus options and finding local support.

The world of online gaming is expanding at a rapid pace. For players in Alberta, the rules of the game are shifting. Many residents already use international sites, a trend the province is moving to control. But what does a new regulated market mean for you? It means a different system with more options. It also means you need to know how to spot a secure site and protect yourself.

Bonuses Beyond the Bankroll

Online casinos highlighted at casinobonusca offer various incentives to attract players. You can claim online casino offers in all shapes and sizes at the leading casinos in Canada. A welcome package might combine free spins and bonus funds. Free spins are another popular incentive, giving slot players a chance to win real money without spending their own. And then there are no-deposit bonuses, which allow you to try a new casino and win cash before you deposit anything at all.

This variety of bonuses gives players different ways to approach their gaming. Each type of offer has its own rules and its own appeal. You must read the terms and conditions carefully before you accept any bonus. Knowing the requirements for each type of bonus is a key step. It helps you decide which offer fits your style of play best. Choosing the right bonus can extend your playing time and provide more opportunities to win. But a bad choice can lead to disappointment.

The Shifting Legal Ground

Online casino gaming is legal in Alberta, but with a specific detail you need to know. The only site licensed and run by the province is Play Alberta, managed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). But many Albertans still play on international offshore sites without facing legal consequences. A large number of these players (about three-quarters) believe they are already on regulated platforms. The government wants to move these players to a new competitive market by 2026, using the Ontario model as a guide. But does this shift really address the core issue of player safety? The upcoming change will broaden the market, but the AGLC will still be central to licensing and regulating it.

This shift is partly a response to external pressures. For example, trade issues with the U.S. have slowed the import of new slot machines for physical casinos. This makes the online market a crucial area for growth. The province’s move toward a regulated online space aims to address player safety and economic concerns. It is a way to bring all that activity under a single system that can be monitored.

How to Stay Protected

Choosing a safe casino means going beyond the surface. It requires careful research. First, always check for a license from a reputable authority like the Malta Gaming Authority or the AGLC itself. The license logo should be in the footer of the website and link directly to the licensing body’s page. You should also look for robust SSL encryption to protect your data. How can you find this information? Look for a small padlock icon in the browser address bar. Certifications from independent agencies like eCOGRA are also a very good sign. These groups check the games to ensure they are fair and not rigged.

And you should never rely on testimonials on a casino’s site. Instead, check independent review sites for honest feedback. Reading the terms and conditions carefully is also crucial. A recent Ipsos poll found many Albertans who use offshore sites are unaware of the risks. They believe the sites are already regulated. The AGLC’s Play Alberta site has several safety tools that are often missing on unregulated platforms. An expert from the University of Calgary noted that the AGLC plans to use a statistical algorithm to spot people who might be struggling with addiction.

Practical Tips and Resources

Players can take personal steps to stay safe. Always protect your information. Avoid oversharing on public forums and chats. Be wary of sites with fake or missing licensing information. Unrealistic offers with hidden terms are a big red flag. A lack of clear responsible gambling policies and poor customer support are also bad signs. The RCMP recently investigated a scam in Edmonton involving casino ATMs. This case showed how financial crimes can intersect with the gaming world. It highlighted the need for players to use secure, legitimate platforms.

For those in Grande Prairie who need support, several resources are available. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Addiction Helpline is a confidential, 24-hour service. The Northern Addictions Centre in Grande Prairie offers a specific Gambling Stabilization program. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) provides a network of support, and Gam-Anon helps friends and families of those dealing with gambling problems.

What Comes Next

Alberta and Grand Prairie’s online casino landscape is changing, and this pretty much guarantees more options in the coming years. Players can expect a new, more competitive market that will bring both challenges and opportunities. For those who have been playing on offshore sites, the transition to a regulated market will mean a safer environment. The province is making a concerted effort to ensure that players have access to proper support and resources.

The focus on responsible play is a good thing for everyone. As the new regulations come into effect, you should stay informed. This knowledge will help you make good decisions. It will also ensure that you can enjoy the experience without putting yourself at risk.

 

Canada Post to resume limited service as CUPW shifts to rotating strikes Oct. 11

John White
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Canada Post to resume limited service as CUPW shifts to rotating strikes Oct. 11

Canada Post says it will begin restarting mail operations this weekend as the Canadian Union of Postal Workers shifts from a national walkout to rotating strikes, beginning Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6 a.m. local time.

The move follows more than two weeks of a full shutdown that halted mail and parcel delivery across the country.

In a statement on Friday, Canada Post said it will “welcome back” employees represented by CUPW and begin a safe, phased restart of its national network, which had been shut down on Sept. 25 following the union’s strike action.

The corporation warned customers to expect delays as operations resume, and added that the shift to rotating strikes will introduce uncertainty and instability. All service guarantees are suspended until further notice.

“Shutting down and restarting parts of our integrated national network with rotating strikes has always challenged our ability to provide reliable service,” the company said, noting that disruptions over the past year have already driven some businesses and individuals to switch to other carriers.

Canada Post said Canadians have endured more than 170 days of strike activity in less than a year, including two full national strikes, which it said have placed significant financial strain on the corporation and eroded public confidence.

Parcel movement resumes

CUPW confirmed in its own update that it will begin rotating strikes Saturday, allowing some mail and parcels to resume movement while continuing its fight for what it calls “good collective agreements and a strong public postal service.”

The union stressed that the decision was not made lightly and argued that postal workers would prefer to be delivering mail rather than striking.

“We could not stand by as the Government announced its plans to allow Canada Post to gut our postal service and slash thousands of our jobs,” CUPW national president Jan Simpson said in a statement.

The union accused Canada Post of chipping away at postal services and worker rights in successive contracts, calling the company’s latest offer “an outright attack on public service.”

CUPW also thanked its members, the public, and political allies in the NDP and the Bloc Québécois for their support, and said it has a follow-up meeting scheduled next week with Minister Joël Lightbound’s office to discuss next steps.

Canada Post said it is awaiting the union’s response to its latest offers, submitted Oct. 3, which it described as affordable and fair. The company urged CUPW to return to the bargaining table to reach new collective agreements that would restore confidence in the postal system and reduce dependence on taxpayer dollars.

While limited mail service is expected to resume over the coming week, Canadians are being told to brace for continued delays and interruptions until a new deal is reached. The two sides remain far apart, with no confirmed timeline for the return of full service.

AHS warns of possible measles exposure at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital ED

My GP Now
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AHS warns of possible measles exposure at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital ED

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

AHS says if you were at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department between 10:20 p.m. on October 6th and 2:25 a.m. on October 7th, you may have been exposed to the virus.

Anyone 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.

City own facilities closed or running service hours on Thanksgiving

Thomas Robertson
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City own facilities closed or running service hours on Thanksgiving

You can expect to see multiple city facilities closed or on reduced hours on Monday.

To mark Thanksgiving, City Hall, City Service Centre, Bonnets, Montrose Cultural Centre, museum, Dave Barr, Keyera Place, and Cedar point will be closed all-day.

Meanwhile, the Ernie Radbourne Pavilion, Design Works Centre, and the Eastlink Centre will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

During the holiday, city transit will stay active and run on holiday hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you wish to use the late night on-demand service, it will only run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Regular hours around the city will resume on Tuesday.

City, county finalize Multisport Dome contribution agreement

Thomas Robertson
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City, county finalize Multisport Dome contribution agreement

Both the city and County of Grande Prairie have completed the City County Multisport Dome Capital Contribution Agreement.

The agreement deciphers the different reasonability’s that each municipality will have to cover, regarding construction and operating costs.

The agreement says that the county will cover up to $2.8 million in one-time capital contributions, including a $500,000 payment in January 2026 and the balance upon facility completion.

In the agreement, it says that the city will be responsible for any possible construction cost overruns. The city will cover all net operating costs during the first year, but when year two starts the costs will be shared depending on the county’s residents usage rate of the dome.

City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says that agreements like this are vital in continuing the successful partnership between the municipalities.

“We know the power of a shared vision in our region, and the long-standing impact this regional collaboration has on creating a strong, sustainable future for all our residents and communities across the region. We look forward to the positive impact this work is going to have on building sustainable and accessible recreational opportunities across the region for years to come.”

Construction on the dome is expected to be completed by July 2026.

County of Grande Prairie updates wildfire mitigation strategy

Thomas Robertson
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County of Grande Prairie updates wildfire mitigation strategy

The County of Grande Prairie released an updated Wildfire Mitigation Strategy with hopes to reduce the risk of wildfires around the county.

Included in the updated strategy, are plans made by the county, including fuel reduction efforts in areas where fire’s can pose a high-risk, especially within the Wapiti Dunes region.

The strategy also included a plan to ensure that people are prepared to prevent and respond to fires. They did this by collaborating with residents, businesses and different industry partners.

County Reeve Bob Marshall says protecting the region from avoidable fires is a shared responsibility.

“By working together, we strengthen our ability to safeguard the people, property, and landscapes that make our region unique.”

The County of Grande Prairie has been actively working to reduce wildfire risk since the launch of their first Wildfire Mitigation Strategy back in 2015.

 

Snag a slice to help support local athletes

Thomas Robertson
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Snag a slice to help support local athletes

Eat like a pig during Kid Sport Peace Country’s Pizza Pig out on Thursday, October 16th.

Seven different pizzerias from around the peace region will be competing for Grande Prairies best pizza.

All the fund’s raised in the event will go back to KidSport, the charity specializes in making sure kids can play sports if the family cannot afford to register them. Fundraising has been crucial to the charity this year, as they have given out more than 340 grants on the year.

KidSport’s Karna Germsheid says it’s important that kids get in involved in sports at such a young age.

“To have children be engaged and learning life skills, there is absolutely no better way to do it then to have them in sports.”

Germsheid also mentioned that the demand for grants this year are way higher than expected.

“We have doubled our grants in the past year.”

The event will take place at the Canadian Brewhouse, doors are planned to open at 5pm and the event will run until 8.

Ticket’s for the event will cost $30 for an adult and $14 for kids.

To help support the fundraiser and check out the event, you can head to their website.

Police charge three after seizing weapons, drugs from stolen trailer

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Police charge three after seizing weapons, drugs from stolen trailer

Three people are facing charges after police allegedly seized drugs and weapons from an alleged stolen vehicle earlier this week.

Police say on October 6th, they tracked what is believed to be a stolen vehicle to Happy Trails campground when they saw a man lock the vehicle and walk away toward a trailer. Police say the man was quickly taken into custody, and after determining the trailer was also stolen, seized both.

A search of the trailer led to the arrest of two more individuals within as well as the seizure of around 300 grams of cocaine, a loaded handgun, a stolen SKS rifle and ammunition.

As a result, a 25-year-old man from Beaverlodge, as well as a 24-year-old man and 21-year-old woman from Grande Prairie are facing charges including possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and unauthorized possession of a firearm.

3rd annual Heli-drop slated for October 25th

Thomas Robertson
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3rd annual Heli-drop slated for October 25th

The 3rd annual United Way Alberta Northwest Heli-drop is set to take place on October 25th.

This year’s charity choice for the yearly fundraiser is Big Brother’s Big Sister’s, which specializes in after school education.

2,000 golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter over 2nd base of a ball diamond at South Bear Creek Ball Diamonds, the owner of the closet golf ball to the pin will win $10,000.

United Way Alberta Northwest Executive Director Ken Loudon says they’re thrilled to be able to host the event in 2025 and look forward to helping make a difference where it’s needed most.

“We are extremely excited to host this again, and what makes it even more thrilling for us is that our ability to partner with Big Brother’s Big Sister’s to help them elevate awareness of what their programming is.”

To purchase a ball for the drop, you can head to their website.

ASIRT deems force justified in Grande Prairie RCMP officer involved shooting

Thomas Robertson
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ASIRT deems force justified in Grande Prairie RCMP officer involved shooting

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has deemed that the actions of four Grande Prairie RCMP officers were reasonable and not criminal in connection with a fatal incident in 2023.

According to ASIRT, on October 15th, 2023, Grande Prairie RCMP officers conducted a wellness check on a man who was said to be intoxicated. According to the report, when police arrived on the scene, the man is said to have exited the house with a hunting rifle. According to reports, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, ordering the man to put his gun down. However, the man is said to have ignored these commands and raised the hunting rifle in the officer’s direction.

The conclusion from ASIRT reads, “In this incident, there was no opportunity for police to explore other reasonable actions. De-escalation through verbal commands and discussion failed. A negotiator from the Emergency Response Team, assistance from PACT and a police dog handler were requested to attend the scene; however, the [affected person’s] actions caused the [suspect officers] to fire their service firearms before the negotiator, PACT, or dog arrived.”

According to officials, the man was attempting to provoke a response from officers by moving his gun around and telling them to “shoot me,” and telling them that he would point his firearm at them and give them a reason to shoot him. The reports stated that the officers had reason to assume that potential harm was imminent and they were at risk of death or grievous bodily harm.

“The [suspect officers]  were aware from their training that it could take less than a second for a person holding a gun to transition to shooting.”

The findings also state, “A police officer also has the same self-defence under s. 34 of the Criminal Code as any other person. This section provides that a person does not commit an offence if they believe on reasonable grounds that force is being used or threatened against them or another person, if they act to defend themselves or another person from this force or threat, and if the act is reasonable in the circumstances.”

According to the ASIRT report, the wellness check was called in by a common-law partner who was asking for the man to be removed from the home because there were kids who lived there. At the time, the partner is said to have told police the man had made suicidal comments throughout the day, and had access to a rifle. It was also later learned that the man had a no-contact order in place and was not allowed to be in the home.

Advance voting kicks off Thursday in Grande Prairie

Thomas Robertson
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Advance voting kicks off Thursday in Grande Prairie

Advance voting stations for the upcoming municipal election will open on Thursday.

The advance voting polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 9th to Saturday, October 11th and Thursday, October 16th to Saturday Saturday, October 18th at Teresa Sargent Hall.

Election day is on Monday, October 20th, and on that day, polling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. around the city. There will be a designated voting location in each neighbourhood.

Residents can find their Election Day voting location on the city’s interactive voting map by entering their home address or by checking the voting station list on the city’s website.

 

16-year-old among four charged after weapons, drugs seized

Thomas Robertson
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16-year-old among four charged after weapons, drugs seized

Four people, including a 16-year-old, are facing charges after police seized weapons and drugs from a residence on Sturgeon Lake Creek Nation.

Police say they executed a search warrant for a home on Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation on October 6th, and as a result, authorities allegedly found and seized 70 grams of cocaine, a shotgun, three pistols, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and more than $7,500 in cash.

Cash seized by Valleyview RCMP. Photo supplied from RCMP

During the search authorities arrested four people; 18 year-old from High Prairie, a 31 year-old from High Prairie, a 29 year-old from Valleyview, and the 16-year-old.

Each are facing possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking charges as well as failure to comply with court order. While the 29 year-old will face up to an additional 15 charges.

 

County launches tax incentive program for new businesses

Thomas Robertson
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County launches tax incentive program for new businesses

The County of Grande Prairie will be launching a new business incentive program.

The program will offer tax saving’s to potential companies that are looking to either build or expand the company.

The program was created through a new Business Incentives Bylaw, and will offer two different types of support to companies.

One incentive will be sector based for businesses who are currently participating in the Alberta government tax incentive programs such as petrochemicals, agri-processing, or carbon capture. They can qualify for property tax reductions on non-residential and machinery and equipment assets for 2.5% of credit equivalent. The 2.5% will be awarded as a declining exemption, that will cover up-to 80% of property taxes each year, for up to 10 years.

The other incentive will offer up to a 25% rebate on property tax exemption that spreads over five years. That will cover up to 25% of required County infrastructure upgrades, such as road access and for projects that are over $5 million that do not qualify for sector-based incentives.

The County’s Director of Economic Development Jordan Tidey says that this program will help improve possible future jobs in the area.

“The Business Incentives Program opens up a new way of working with investors. It sets us apart, helping to attract projects that will bring jobs and long-term value to our region.”

The new program plans to improve future investment in the county.

Grande Prairie woman named finalist in Canadian Cancer Society’s rural screening challenge

Thomas Robertson
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Grande Prairie woman named finalist in Canadian Cancer Society’s rural screening challenge

Tracy Persson is one of five finalist’s for the Canadian Cancer Society’s rural screening challenge.

The challenge features nominees who have made a difference or improvements in screening and treatment innovations for early detection’s of breast cancer.

Persson has spent nearly 25 years in Grande Prairie, during that time she was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer, but Tracy wanted to make the most out of it. She fortunately beat the breast cancer, and wanted to make it a goal to help out other women in rural Alberta.

Persson than launched an app in October of 2024, called MyBreastDay. The app helps with early detection in breast cancer, and current breast health.

Persson says that it is key to know about early detection  when it comes to any kind of cancer.

“Early detection shouldn’t be a privilege.”

Persson says she is very proud to represent her region in this event.

“I am really honoured to represent rural and indigenous communities.”

The winner will take home $100,000 and is slated to be announced in July 2026.

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