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GPPSD non-instructional staff to receive 12 per cent wage increase over four years thanks to new deal

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The Grande Prairie Public School Division and the GPPSD Employee’s Association have ratified a new four-year agreement, which will take effect from September 1st, 2024, through August 31st, 2028.

According to the division, the agreement marks a “significant milestone” in the partnership between the GPPSD and its non-instructional staff members, as it reinforces their shared commitment to supporting students.

The agreement outlines several priorities, such as fair wages and other settlements related to more specific employees. The agreement includes a 12 per cent deal over the next four years, with employees receiving a three per cent bump each year, retroactive to September 1st of last year.

Both GPPSD Board of Trustees Chair Joan Nellis and GPPSD Employee Association President Roxann MacDonald express enthusiasm around the deal’s ratification, saying both parties will benefit from the new deal.

“This agreement provides stability and strengthens the partnership that continues to build stronger school communities and supports the success of every student,” Nellis says. “This agreement reflects the respect and recognition they rightfully deserve,” MacDonald adds. 

The GPPSD maintains they are “optimistic” the new agreement will have a positive impact on the school division and its community.

Traffic signal maintenance work scheduled for February 5th, delays expected

The City of Grande Prairie is advising drivers of traffic signal maintenance work that will result in signals being turned off at an intersection in downtown GP.

According to the city, the traffic signals at 100th Street and 108th Avenue will be turned off on February 5th, from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to allow for the installation of new signal infrastructure, and switch to a new power source, which the city says will improve reliability and performance.

During the project, travellers can expect a four-way stop at the intersection, controlled by a temporary stop sign, lane reductions marked with barricades, and flaggers on the site to maintain traffic flow.

The work was purposefully scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions; however, drivers are urged to exercise caution, follow signage, and allow for extra travel time.

Coldest Night of the Year counting on Grande Prairie for support during 2025 walk

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The Coldest Night of the Year is set to return to Grande Prairie once again, and with 18 days left on the countdown, the event is looking for your support to reach its $30K goal.

Event Director Christopher Steel explains the annual walk occurs in 150 cities across the country every February. This year, the proceeds from the event will go directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Northwest.

“All of the funds raised will stay in Grande Prairie and the surrounding area, and it’s to raise money for the hurt, hungry, and homeless in our area,” he says. “It helps support programs we already have here in Grande Prairie, helping people that are maybe facing homelessness or mental health challenges, or just seeking that kind of support.”

Steel says the event aims to give participants a taste of what the city’s unhoused population goes through every winter, but the walk also marks a good opportunity for residents to connect with the community.

“It’s a walk, on the coldest night of the year, hopefully, it’s not actually, and it’s just a come-together and show of support for these programs and the people who need it here,” he says. “It is a really fun night; we have fun activities, there is food that’s provided when you get to the end, and it’s a great way to get together with the community and come down and show your support here.”

Steel adds that getting involved is easy. He says anyone can donate, and there are several options to participate.

“You can either register to fundraise, join a team, or create your own, and fundraise that way, find people who want to help you out to support you to do the walk.”

Participants can also select either a two or five-kilometre walk, and the Event Director says he is counting on Grande Prairie to show support this year.

“We’ve had a good turnout over the last couple of years, so we’re hoping to see quite a bit of a turnout this year, we have 17 teams registered right now, but we still have lots of time before February 22nd,” he says.

This year’s walk is scheduled for February 22nd at Muskoseepi Park. Interested individuals can register to participate, donate, or join a team online on the CMHA’s website.

Grande Prairie among the coldest places on earth, Meteorologist explains dramatic warm to cold switch up

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Grande Prairie looked like a certain four-letter word frozen over on the morning of February 4th, with temperatures dipping down as low as minus 38 degrees, making the Grande Prairie region one of the coldest places in Canada, and the world.

Danielle Desjardins, a Meteorologist with Environment Canada explains right now, Grande Prairie, and really the prairies as a whole, are seeing a ridge of high-pressure coming from the Arctic, bringing extremely cold conditions along with it.

“We’re seeing widespread wind chill values into the minus 40s across the prairies,” she says. “We have a ridge of high pressures bringing in bitterly cold arctic air to the prairies.”

In Grande Prairie, overnight lows were measured at -38.6°C, without the windchill, planting the swan city firmly among the top spots for the coldest places in the country. As such, Desjardins says safety is paramount when temperatures get that low.

“There are a few things that can happen under extreme cold conditions, frostbite can occur within minutes, wind burn, hypothermia, so there are definitely things you can do to reduce the risk of those health concerns,” she says. “Layer up, wear appropriate clothing when you’re going outside, take breaks if you can, seek shelter from the outdoors, and keep moving if you do have to stay outside.”

“The best way is to take breaks from the outside and don’t stay out there too long.”

Grande Prairie has seen some “abnormally warm” wintertime temperatures so far, and Desjardins says the recent cold snap can be chalked up to a “pattern switch” coming from the Rocky Mountains and the Arctic.

“It’s interesting, it has been abnormally warm, it’s just an overall pattern switch,” she says. “What we had was the upper-level patterns, upper-level ridging over the Rockies, so that kind of ushered in all the warm air for an extended period of time, but now we kind of have an upper-low, which tends to bring in the colder arctic air, and that’s not moving for the foreseeable future, the next week and a half at least.”

According to Desjardins, the upper-level pattern changes are responsible for GP’s day-to-day weather, and unfortunately for any summer lovers in the city, the cold temperatures are likely to stay for “at least a couple of weeks.”

County snow clearing delayed due to extreme weather conditions

Grande Prairie’s 40-below temperatures have created a disruption in snow-clearing services in the county.

According to the county, the originally scheduled clearing was set for February 4th in the Whispering Ridge and Westlake Village neighbourhoods has been pushed back due to “extreme weather conditions.”

The snow removal crews are scheduled to resume as normal on February 5th, depending on the weather and equipment.

Residents are reminded that whenever digital no parking signs along streets are visible, temporary parking restrictions are in place, and street parking is not permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. to ensure crews can work safely and efficiently.

Additionally, residents are asked to be mindful that piling snow onto roadways is illegal and could result in a fine, as it can hinder the snow removal process while creating a safety hazard on the roads.

Peace Regional RCMP arrest one on several weapons charges, warrants

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A 26-year-old man is facing charges after a firearm complaint near Cadotte Lake. 

Mounties say they responded to a report that someone may have a firearm near the entrance of Cadotte Lake around 10 a.m. on January 31st. When police arrived, they were made aware that the suspect was in another area, and soon after, they located 26-year-old  Chester Jr. Eskagon.

Eskagon was charged with alleged aggravated assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and 4 counts of resisting or obstructing a police officer, along with two warrants- one for assault causing bodily harm, and another for uttering threats. 

Police also seized a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition during the incident.

Eskagon was brought before a Justice of the Peace and remains in police custody, with his next appearance set for February 3rd.

Local demolition derby driver hopes Grande Prairie will make it to Slave Lake during “Crash for Cash”

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The “Crash for Cash” Demolition Derby is returning for a second year in Slave Lake, and one driver from Grande Prairie says he is hopeful Swan City residents will support the event this year.

Mike Boucher grew up in Slave Lake before making the move to GP. He explains demolition derby has been a staple in Slave Lake for decades and after a more than 20-year hiatus, the sport is finally back.

“I’m here in Grande Prairie now, I plan on staying here, but I do like to support my home community,” he says. “Last year they started it back up, and I wanted to participate, but I didn’t get my car in time, but I will, indeed, have a car finished and ready to run this year.”

The event has garnered international attention, with drivers from around the globe planning to attend the event. Boucher explains the reason demolition derby is so attractive is not only the obvious draw the prize money carries but the simplicity of the sport as well.

“Basically, you find an old junk car, something that’s basically ready for the scrapyard, you’re gonna bring it to life one more time, strip ‘er down, put a basic cage in it, and go an smash the heck out of the other guys that want to do the same thing and win some prize money,” he says. “Having these international drivers from England, Australia, New Zealand, they’re just fantastic people, just meeting new people, having that comradery, it just makes for a good time.”

“The prize money, I think it’s one of the biggest in Canada, and I might even be mistaken, it could be in the world,” he laughs.

In addition to an exciting afternoon of car crashes, the event supports several local organizations as well.

“It promotes the town of Slave Lake, it’s a big touristy kind of thing, there’s local campgrounds that benefit from this, local restaurants, they donate locally to different organizations from the profits,” Boucher says.

The driver says he hopes to see a healthy “home team crowd” in attendance to support him and all the other drivers vying for the number one spot.

“I’m hoping to see more people from Grande Prairie making it out there, the more people we can get there the better,” he says.

The event is scheduled for July 11th to the 13th and tickets are available online.

Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention encourages teens to break the stigma surrounding youth mental health

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The Grande Prairie Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention is trying to break the stigma surrounding youth mental health, asking local teens to consider signing up for one of their dozens of workshops as low attendance continues to challenge the organization.

According to RCSP Youth Mental Health Coordinator Stacey Nex, mental health is a critical issue for “all youth,” not just teens, and the workshops serve to open up what might otherwise be an uncomfortable conversation.

“Mental health is a critical issue for all youth, youth need to know when they’re having these tough feelings… they’re not alone, we want to break the stigma,” she says. “All feelings are feelings, it doesn’t mean they’re bad, they’re just feelings, they’re just emotions, but knowing how to react to them and manage them, those are key life skills.”

The Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention offers numerous programs for kids of all ages; however, Nex says the teen program consistently sees lower attendance compared to others.

“I think a big part of that is the stigma, I think having those uncomfortable conversations, even to get started, making that the norm, making it more comfortable, it’s good to talk about it, it’s positive,” she says.

The teen program is available for youth in Grades Seven to Twelve and offers mental health workshops, support and friendship nights, and a youth drop-in group.

Nex says the teen program is not only beneficial for its mental health resources either, she says the connection aspect of the program is critical in establishing a community of youth who can support one another and even those around them.

“We’re connecting kids that go to different schools, maybe they run in different social circles, so it really brings people together.”

All youth programs are free to attend, and interested young people can sign up online on the RCSP’s website.

U.S ratchets down tariff threat after pair of talks between Trump, Trudeau

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There will be no tariffs against Canada, at least, for now.

This after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the 25 per cent tariffs that were slated to be levied against this country on Tuesday would be put on hold for another 30 days after what’s being reported as a “good” call with U.S President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon.

The threat of tariffs against Canada was initially brought forward by President Trump for a rotating number of reasons; including what he claims is a deluge of fentanyl crossing the border into the United States.

Trump also backed down with his threats against Tariffs in Mexico on Monday, after the president of that country agreed to tighten up border security between the two nations.

Over the weekend, Trump dropped a blanket 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S. – with some exceptions – to be in place by Tuesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded late Saturday night with mirror-image tariffs against U.S. goods crossing the border, saying Canada will impose a 25 per cent tariff on $155 billion of goods.

Trump threatened a phase-two approach that could move the 25 per cent number up if Canada retaliated. 

With Files from John White, Vista Radio. 

County hopeful younger volunteers will be nominated for 2025 “It Takes a Volunteer” campaign

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The County of Grande Prairie has opened up nominations for its third edition of the annual “It Takes a Volunteer” campaign.

Each year, the program aims to shine a light on the hundreds of individuals, groups, and organizations that make a meaningful impact in their community through volunteerism.

Since its inception in 2023, the campaign has recognized 19 organizations and 24 individuals for their contributions, and the county says they hope to see even more nominations this year- especially for younger volunteers.

This year, we especially encourage nominations for young volunteers stepping up to support others,” County Reeve Bob Marshall says. “We appreciate their passion and commitment to community service, and we hope to build on this momentum by recognizing even more youth in 2025.” 

Nominations for this year’s campaign are available online until March 3rd. Recognized volunteers will be celebrated during National Volunteer Week.

Extreme cold warning issued for GP and area

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Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for numerous communities in the Peace region.

According to Environment Canada, extremely cold wind chills nearing -40°C are expected; however, temperatures are forecasted to warm up this week.

Residents who are young children, seniors, people with chronic illness, and those working outside are at a greater risk.

Update: Trudeau matches Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs

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U.S. president Donald Trump delivered on his threats to launch a trade war on Canada Saturday.

Trump dropped a blanket 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S. – with some exceptions – to be in place by Tuesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded late Saturday night with mirror-image tariffs against U.S. goods crossing the border, saying Canada will impose a 25 per cent tariff on $155 billion of goods.

Trump threatened a phase-two approach that could move the 25 per cent number up if Canada retaliated. 

Trump’s administration said the move was partly engineered to punish Canada for the “flow of fentanyl” into the U.S. even though there were just 82 fentanyl seizure events at northern border crossings logged in 2024.

Trump suggested energy imports would see a 10 per cent tariff, despite his country’s demonstrated reliance on Canadian oil and gas.

Trump confirmed the tariffs on X, saying in a post at 3:44 p.m. MST they were launched through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act:

https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1885821495080825305

A screen capture of Donald Trump's post in X.
A screen capture of Donald Trump’s post in X.

 

Trump had been touting false rhetoric around “unfair” trade practices through his re-election campaign, suggesting Canada has been “ripping off” the United States. He has falsely claimed a trade deficit as high as $200 billion, despite 2024 figures from the U.S. Census Bureau showing a deficit closer to $55 billion.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith posted an official response on X at 3:46 p.m. MST saying: “I am disappointed with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to place tariffs on all Canadian goods. This decision will harm Canadians and Americans alike, and strain the important relationship and alliance between our two nations.”

https://x.com/ABDanielleSmith/status/1885821962024337515

City of Grande Prairie reminds residents of snow-clearing policy

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Given all of Grande Prairie’s recent snowfall, residents might be wondering when their streets will be cleared, and with no sign of slowing down, the city has issued a reminder regarding its residential snow-clearing schedule.

To start, residents are reminded that snow clearing in neighbourhoods does not happen automatically after every snowfall; it is only initiated when there is a “significant” buildup that requires clearing. After some changes to the city’s snow-clearing policy, that number is set at 13 centimetres of accumulated snow.

Snow clearing crews begin with Priority One, Two, and Three roads before moving into the neighbourhoods. After it is initiated, residential snow clearing follows a two-week rotation across “A” and “B” neighbourhoods.

Officials say that after the two-week cycle ends, residential clearing will not continue until the city declares it again. The city says the decision to begin a new clearing cycle depends on snowfall amounts and the forecast.

The city also offers a free community sandbox, located at the City Service Centre, for residents to use on their driveways and sidewalks to prevent slippery conditions in neighbourhoods.

GP Storm Goalie records third shutout of the season, named Defensive Player of the Week

Grande Prairie Storm netminder Nicholas Jones has been selected as the AJHL’s Defensive Player of the Week after two dominating performances between the pipes last week.

The Storm, thanks in large part to their goalie, went 2-0 from January 20th to the 26th. During that time, Jones managed to pick up his third shutout of the season.

The 2004-born tendie has won his last three starts, including a 5-1 victory over the Bonnyville Pontiacs on January 21st, and a 3-0 shutout against the Oil Barons in Fort McMurray on January 22nd.

Through the two games, Jones made an impressive 56 saves on 57 shots, boasting a .982 save percentage and just a 0.5 Goals Against Average.

The 2024/25 season marks Jones’ second with the Storm. He currently ranks sixth in the AJHL Categories of Save Percentage at .919 per cent, and Goals Against Average at 2.3 GAA.

The Storm now sit comfortably in second place in the AJHL North Division with a record of 22-11-1-2.

Snowfall warning issued for Grande Prairie

Here we go again.

Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for the Grande Prairie region with upwards of 25 centimetres of snow expected before it’s all said and done. Officials say the snow will kick off Thursday night, and it’s expected to intensify throughout Friday before tapering off on Saturday.

Drivers are being warned that visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow, and anyone driving on local municipal roads or highways should be ready to adjust to conditions as they are likely to deteriorate.

County encourages non-profits to sign up for 2025 Roadside Cleanup Program

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Applications will soon be accepted for the County of Grande Prairie’s 2025 Roadside Cleanup.

The county says the annual affair presents a great opportunity for local non-profits to raise money, all while helping the county look its best.

Last year, groups from around the Grande Prairie region cleaned up more than 350 kilometers of ditches and managed to raise more than $78,000 for non-profit organizations in the community.

Officials say the Roadside Cleanup Program is more than just a cleaning effort, as it provides a significant opportunity for local non-profits to raise funding by cleaning roadsides, ditches, and hamlets across the county every spring.

To prepare and complete a cleanup, volunteers must complete the online checklist to prepare, two weeks ahead of their scheduled date. Two days before, volunteers can visit the Clairmont Centre for Recycling and Waste Management during business hours to pick up the required supplies like high-visibility vests, signs, gloves, and bags.

Applications will be accepted from February 1st to March 31st of this year. A full list of requirements and detailed maps of the 2025 cleanup zones are available on the county’s website.

Newbies welcome during Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance’s “Hook, Fish, and Learn” event

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The Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance is hosting a community fishing day on February 15th.

The “Hook, Fish, and Learn” event hopes to provide attendees with a chance to try ice fishing for the first time, engage with some experienced anglers for tips, and learn a little bit about the science behind the alliance’s lake monitoring program.

Mighty Peace Watershed Alliance Education Outreach Coordinator Adanna Hustler says her organization was strategic in choosing Family Day long weekend for the event, as the Government of Alberta does not require anglers to possess a fishing license while on the lakes. Additionally, fishing gear will be provided for beginners looking to give ice fishing a shot for the first time.

“No licenses necessary on Family Fishing Weekend, so anyone is welcome to come because there are no fishing licenses needed, you don’t have to pay, so it makes it very accessible for folks who might not want to get a license,” she says. “All people need to bring is maybe a chair, some extra clothes, and a good attitude.”

Hustler adds that one of the main goals of the event is education. She says water monitoring will be ongoing during the occasion, giving participants an inside look into what work is being done to ensure Alberta’s lakes are healthy.

“You can try ice fishing, learn about the fish, regulations, and some lake science with our monitoring program,” she says. “That way folks can see some of our science that we do, and our monitoring across the province.”

The alliance will also be looking for volunteers for the water monitoring program during the event, so participants can not only learn about the science behind it but also get involved directly.

“We’re hoping this event will get people outdoors, onto the lakes, and we hope to foster some stewardship and appreciation for our lakes,” she says. “We’ll show people how we take our samples, it’s usually a volunteer-run program so we’ll also be looking for some volunteers to help us run this program.”

“It’ll be good to get people out there and just know that this stuff is monitored, and we want to show that our lakes are healthy.”

The event is scheduled for February 15th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Young’s Point Provincial Park.

Get fit with doctors orders: Eastlink Centre partners with Prescription to Get Active

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The City of Grande Prairie has announced Eastlink Centre will serve as a new recreation facility partner with the Prescription to Get Active program and GP’s Primary Care Network.

The Prescription to Get Active program allows healthcare providers to prescribe physical activity to help their patients lead a healthier lifestyle.

Participants in the program can redeem their prescription for free access to a number of activities at local recreation facilities, including the Eastlink Centre, to make it easier for residents to begin their fitness journey.

Additionally, bringing a valid prescription to the Eastlink Centre grants visitors a complimentary facility tour, and two-week trial access.

Prescription to Get Active Executive Director Jeff Tareta says Grande Prairie’s adoption of the program marks a “transformative step forward” for the city.

By working with their healthcare provider, residents can take the first step toward building healthier habits, managing or preventing chronic conditions and improving their overall quality of life,” he says. 

To get a prescription for the Eastlink Centre, residents must first talk to their doctor or healthcare professional about getting theirs; however, not all doctors are aware of the program, so residents should be prepared to inform them, or find a prescriber who is already using the program online.

From there, participants can visit the Prescription to Get Active website to register. Residents can then bring the prescription to the Eastlink Centre to redeem it.

Interested individuals without a regular healthcare provider can access the program through its prescribing partner, the Grande Prairie Primary Care Network, by calling (780)-539-9204.

UPDATE : Highway 43 southbound lane reopened, detour being created for northbound drivers

UPDATE: As of 3:30 p.m., Thursday, the Fox Creek RCMP says one southbound lane of traffic has been reopened, however crews remain on scene as they attempt to clean up several collisions in the area.

Fox Creek RCMP Sgt. Brand says they’re urging all semi-drivers to chain up as road poor road conditions continue near Two Creeks.

“The hills can be quite slippery and there is no chance of stopping,” they add.

Police are expected to provide another update when the roadway is fully reopened.

The Fox Creek RCMP has responded to numerous collisions in both the north and southbound lanes on Highway 43 near Two Creeks, and drivers are being asked to avoid the area as a result.

According to police, icy road conditions are a significant factor. As of 1:26 p.m. on January 30th, law enforcement has reported several semi trucks and other vehicles are involved and the entire roadway is “impassable” at this time.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area, find alternative routes, and give plenty of space and time to all first responders on the scene while police attempt to clear lanes for traffic.

Mercer Peace River joins the ranks of Alberta’s Top Employers

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Mercer Peace River Pulp has announced its selection as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2024.

The award recognizes 80 Alberta employers who lead in their respective industries in offering “exceptional” workplaces.

Organizations are assessed based on several criteria including the work atmosphere, benefits, vacation, employee communications, development opportunities, and community involvement. Mercer Peace River says they excelled in all areas through their commitment to creating a healthy work environment.

Mercer Managing Director Roger Ashfield says his company is “honoured” to be recognized this year.

“We believe that our employees are our most valuable asset,” he says. “We are dedicated to providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”

The company credits its comprehensive benefits packages, “generous” vacation policy, commitment to employee development, and active involvement in the community with its recognition as one of Alberta’s Top Employers.