Subscribe to Local News
â–º Listen Live
Home Blog Page 50

Grande Prairie City Administration to present cost-saving analysis regarding RCMP, GPPS transition

Ethan Montague
-
0
Grande Prairie City Administration to present cost-saving analysis regarding RCMP, GPPS transition

Grande Prairie City administrators will present a report to council during their next committee meetings regarding the budget impacts of the ongoing transition from RCMP to GPPS jurisdiction.

During their report, staff conducted an analysis comparing projected RCMP contracted services costs to the expected GPPS costs. According to the administration, it is anticipated that GPPS will be less than RCMP services if the RCMP’s contract remains in place.

This is due to several reasons, including the city’s required payments for costs associated with the RCMP contract. Under their current contract, the city is required to pay a share of divisional administrative costs such as cadet training, legal services, recruitment, and others.

City staff maintain that these represent a “significant” cost to the city annually, ranging upwards of $5.5 million every year.

Despite the anticipated savings, staffers say the city will see some administrative costs similar to the RCMP’s contract; however, officials suggest they are expected to be “significantly less.”

The GPPS takeover remains on track according to the city’s most recent reports, and it is expected the new municipal agency will become the police of jurisdiction in 2026, with the full transition expected to be finalized by 2028. As a result, city staff suggests in 2028, the city is expected to be below what the RCMP budget would have been.

Some residents in Hythe to experience water outages for two days

Ethan Montague
-
0
Some residents in Hythe to experience water outages for two days

Residents living in the Village of Hythe are being advised of a scheduled water service disruption.

According to the County of Grande Prairie, a valve replacement project is currently underway in the areas north and south along 106th Street and 101st Avenue.

As a result of the project, residents will be without water service on October 28th and 29th between the hours of roughly 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Despite the outage, the county says only properties connected to the Hythe Waterworks system will be affected, and according to the provided outage map, only properties along 106th Street will be affected.

Officials maintain utility staff are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, and an updated message will be provided as the work is completed.

RCMP halloween safety tips aim to keep the scares fun

Kass Patterson
-
0
RCMP halloween safety tips aim to keep the scares fun

With it being the Hallow-week of Halloween, RCMP officials are sharing some tips on how to stay safe as you enjoy all things that go bump in the night.

On Thursday it is expected there will be plenty of witches, ghosts, superheroes, princesses and many more creative costumes out in full force. According to RCMP officials, to minimize hazards trick-or-treaters are being urged to stay on one side of the street and only cross when it is safe to do so instead of running back and forth across the road. Police are reminding kids to stay on the doorstep or sidewalk; never to go into someone you don’t know house or vehicle and ensure kids travel in groups if they are not being supervised by an adult.

Visibility is also important to keep in mind on the spooky night, so making sure kids are wearing bright-coloured costumes and wearing reflective tape or glow sticks is the top piece of advice from mounties, along with making sure they have a flashlight to keep the area they are in well-lit. It is also encouraged any facial parts of the costume be done with make-up instead of a mask because a mask can impair the trick-or-treator’s vision and hearing. However, if a mask is needed, it is encouraged it be removed while walking between houses or crossing the street.

Anyone handing out candy on the 31st is encouraged to help with safety precautions by keeping their porch lights or outdoor lights on and ensuring the doors are clear and accessible with no decorations causing a hazard. Only pass out already-wrapped candy and snacks, do not wrap your own, and keep pets inside as the kids in costumes could scare them.

Four charged in connection to homicide investigation near Fairview

My GP Now
-
0
Four charged in connection to homicide investigation near Fairview

Four people have been charged after a body was found in a remote area near Fairview in May 2024.

On May 25th, Fairview RCMP received a report that four bear hunters had located a body that had been disposed of in a remote area. Two days later, an autopsy was conducted and the manner of death was deemed to be a homicide.

Authorities were able to identify the deceased man as 54-year-old Wilfred Rever of Manning.

Between October 23rd and 24th, Mounties arrested four people in connection to the homicide, including 32-year-old Christopher Valin of Berwyn with second degree murder. Police also charged 44-year-old Brooke Burton of Manning, 57-year-old Glenn Whitney of Fairview and 57-year-old Guy Valin of Berwyn with Accessory After the Fact to Murder and Indignity to a Body.

All four have been remanded in custody and will appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on Monday.

Grande Prairie Deputy Mayor accepts the first poppy of the season

Ethan Montague
-
0
Grande Prairie Deputy Mayor accepts the first poppy of the season

The Royal Canadian Legion in Grande Prairie kicked off its annual tradition of bestowing the first poppies of the season on local officials on October 25th.

The annual poppy drive begins every year on the last Friday of October each year, and Royal Canadian Legion Branch #54 President Dean Langton says it’s a great way to mark the occasion and get residents thinking of remembrance.

“The first poppy traditionally goes to the Governor General, local heads of municipal governments, [and] this gets everyone involved from that level all the way through the population,” he says. “The more awareness there is, the better off the poppy drive becomes.”

Langton explains that all the dollars raised during the drive stay local, supporting veterans, active military, RCMP members, and their families, through a national trust.

“The poppy fund is a national trust so all the money that’s collected through the drive stays local,” he says. “In case they need financial support, we have that at the stroke of a pen and that’s what the poppy fund is about.”

Deputy Mayor of Grande Prairie Mike O’Connor was in attendance on the city’s behalf to accept the first poppy of the year.

“It’s a huge symbol of remembrance for our fallen soldiers, and it’s an important part to recognize the sacrifices they made so we can have freedom,” he says. “If we’re not showing it, we’re not supporting it, and we may forget what they have done for us.”

Langton explains that volunteers at the legion have already begun handing out boxes of poppies to different entities throughout the city and county, and encourages all residents to donate and pick up a poppy ahead of Remembrance Day.

City of GP snow clearing crews ‘fully prepared’ for upcoming winter season

Ethan Montague
-
0
City of GP snow clearing crews ‘fully prepared’ for upcoming winter season

The City of Grande Prairie has released this year’s snow removal season proceedings, saying crews are “fully prepared” for the 2024/25 winter season.

According to the city, crews will continue managing snow to ensure safe travels through the city. Full winter operations, including sanding and plowing priority roads commenced earlier this week, and officials maintain crews are ready for any upcoming snowfalls.

Grande Prairie’s snow crews operate in three key areas. The first priority is always high-traffic roads or “priority one and two” roadways to ensure emergency services, transit, and residents can travel safely on the main arteries. Once those roads are clear, crews take aim on priority three roads for additional plowing and sanding.

Residential road clearing comes soon after and continues on a two-week rotation after the first clearing, usually following significant snow accumulation.

Lastly, crews shift their focus on the 40 kilometres of rural roads the city maintains, handling snow and ice control on an as-needed basis.

Priority roads are broken down into three categories, the first being major arteries such as 100th Street, 84th Avenue, 68th Avenue, Resources Road, and Highway 40, as well as access routes for emergency service. The second includes transit bus routes and major collectors like Crystal Lake Drive, Mission Heights Drive, Poplar Drive, and Royal Oaks Drive. The third priority includes city-owned roads in commercial areas, excluding private business roads and parking lots.

Grande Prairie Chamber recognizes nine local businesses during 2024 Awards of Distinction

Ethan Montague
-
0
Grande Prairie Chamber recognizes nine local businesses during 2024 Awards of Distinction

The Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce continued its Small Business Week with the presentation of the 2024 Chamber Awards of Distinction.

Nominees were submitted from the community and businesses supplied information online. The Chamber says a selection committee scored each category based on criteria for each individual award to determine this year’s recipients.

Nine awards were given out to several local businesses with Aztec Engineering taking home the Small Business of the Year award for companies with more than 10 employees, while Koolios brought home the same award in the under 10 employees category.

Hi-Tech Business Systems was recognized as the Legacy Business award recipient, and Cedar Chartered Professional Accountants Corporation won the Young Entrepeneur award.

Other award winners include Carlson and Company o/a The Work Place for Diversity and Inclusion, Resource Centre for Suicide Prevention for making the “Greatest Impact,” Koolios with the Emerging Business award, Sideworx Connect for Marketing, and The Homestead with the Leading Edge award.

One killed in vehicle rollover near Fort St. John, police suggest alcohol could be involved

Ethan Montague
-
0
One killed in vehicle rollover near Fort St. John, police suggest alcohol could be involved

Members of the Fort St. John RCMP were called to assist the Taylor Fire Department with a single-vehicle collision on the evening of October 23rd.

According to police, members were made aware of a vehicle rollover with one occupant trapped inside the vehicle on Big Bam Road in the District of Taylor BC at 6:15 p.m. on the 23rd.

Investigators say the Taylor Fire Department and the BC Ambulance Service were on scene when the RCMP arrived.

Upon arrival, two occupants were located and appeared to be trapped inside a brown Jeep Liberty that rolled down a steep embankment and was stopped by a tree.

The driver of the vehicle was removed from the vehicle and was quickly transported to the Fort St. John Hospital with injuries. The passenger of the vehicle was declared dead on the scene.

FSJ RCMP Media Relations Officer Chad Neustaeter suggests alcohol could have been a contributing factor in the accident.

“The Fort St John RCMP has reason to believe alcohol may have been a factor and continue to investigate,” he says. “Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.”

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Fort St. John RCMP at (250)-787-8100 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing 35-year-old

Ethan Montague
-
0
RCMP seek public assistance in locating missing 35-year-old

The Grande Prairie RCMP is seeking help from the public in finding a missing 35-year-old woman.

Rhonda Rousselle was last believed to have been seen in the Grande Prairie area on October 3rd. Her family, friends, and police say there is concern for her wellbeing.

Rousselle is described as a five-foot-four female, weighing approximately 119 pounds, with red dyed hair, and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Rousselle is asked to contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at (780)-830-5701 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

City rezones vacant land to be used as apartment building development

Ethan Montague
-
0
City rezones vacant land to be used as apartment building development

Grande Prairie City Council has approved some zoning changes that would allow the construction of up to two apartment buildings in a portion of currently vacant land in the Trader Ridge area.

Mayor Jackie Clayton suggests the move is critical, as the city continues to battle Grande Prairie’s low vacancy rate.

“When we look to continue to grow and support the region in the growth, we recognize that the urban center of the city is where a significant amount of the housing will take place,” she says. “We know and we hear from industry on a regular basis that they’re looking to grow, in order for them to grow, we need more accommodation available, [and] this potential apartment complex will do just that.”

The plans are still in early stages, and the city has yet to select a developer; however, Mayor Clayton says her council is “optimistic” the development will see shovels in the ground sooner than later.

When it comes to budgetary impacts, Clayton says there will be none as the city does not own the land itself. Despite this, the Mayor suggests that the question of a potential transit expansion as a whole could be brought up during an upcoming budget deliberation session.

“We did hear from administration that any additional expansion to transit does require additional dollars,” she says. “The conversation about expanded on demand, expanded routes, some of those conversations will happen at this budget, not triggered by this apartment per se, but as we see this apartment potentially going down the road, there will be more conversations about transit needs.”

Clayton says assuming the project goes ahead as planned, and is in the ground sooner than expected, transit discussions and assessments should be expected as soon as the 2026 budget talks.

PWPSD Superintendent announces retirement after 30 year career

Ethan Montague
-
0
PWPSD Superintendent announces retirement after 30 year career

Longtime Peace Wapiti Public School Division employee and Superintendent of Schools Bob Stewart has announced his retirement.

During his 30-year career with the PWPSD, Stewart occupied a variety of roles, moving from teacher to principal to Assistant Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and eventually Superintendent of Schools. His colleagues say he has made a positive impact on trustees, staff, students, and families throughout the division.

Board Chair Lori Grant says the board accepts Stewart’s resignation with “mixed emotions.”

“The Board is so happy for Mr. Stewart and his family as he moves into his next chapter,” she says. “He has always maintained a professional, yet gentle approach while making us laugh as he guides us in making the best decisions for our division.”

The Superintendent shares that he has “thoroughly enjoyed” his career with the PWPSD saying while he will miss it, he is excited for life after work.

“The support I have received has been energizing,” he says. “PWPSD has been a great community to be a part of for over 30 years.”

Stewart’s resignation will take effect on August 31st, 2025.

Grande Prairie area job seekers encouraged to attend free job fair

Ethan Montague
-
0
Grande Prairie area job seekers encouraged to attend free job fair

Grande Prairie job seekers are invited to participate in WORK NW Alberta and the County of Grande Prairie’s Business Support Network’s job fair on October 29th.

The “Work Now” event is funded by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and aims to connect job seekers with potential local employers and employment support providers to help residents enter the workforce.

Economic Development Coordinator for the County of Grande Prairie Hetti Huls says the region is ripe with employment opportunities for those who want them, but she says her agency recognizes some level of support is needed for local workers to enter the job market.

“The Grande Prairie-Greenview corridor offers numerous employment opportunities for local residents; however, we recognize that some of our workforce requires support and assistance to enter the job market,” she says. “This job fair will highlight the available jobs in the area along with the service providers and not-for-profit organizations dedicated to aiding the transition back into the workforce.”

According to Manager of Economic Development for the MD of Greenview Larry Gibson, the region faces a demand for “4,200 jobs over the next five to eight years,” in key sectors like agriculture and education. He says the event is “essential” in not only attracting new talent but also investing in current community workers.

The event is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on October 29th. Transit assistance will be made available for those who need it.

Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital ED closes for seven hours

Ethan Montague
-
0
Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital ED closes for seven hours

The Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital Emergency Department will be without an onsite physician for seven hours due to the inability to secure coverage.

The ED will be closed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 24th.

AHS says nursing staff will remain on-site to provide triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities.

Residents are asked to call 9-1-1 in case of emergency and EMS will remain available to the community with re-routing to surrounding healthcare centers. For non-emergencies residents are asked to call Health Link at 8-1-1, for 24/7 inquiries.

Council writes letter of support for new climbing wall in Grande Prairie

Ethan Montague
-
0
Council writes letter of support for new climbing wall in Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie City Council’s recent Monday night meeting saw several Grande Prairie Climbing Association representatives speaking in support of a new climbing wall in GP.

Grande Prairie has gone without a climbing wall for years now, leading to many making the trip out to Dawson Creek, which both the city and the Climbing Association agree means the time has come to consider building one in the swan city.

As of late, the Climbing Association has received $220K in legacy funding from the Alberta Winter Games to get started, and Mayor Jackie Clayton says the association has been busy applying for grants and other fundraising efforts to support the $1 million project.

“They are in the process of applying for grants and different funding streams,” she says. “They asked for a letter of support from the Mayor and Council, which we were happy to do, and they are looking to build out a million-dollar capital campaign.”

When it comes to support from the city, Clayton says on top of the AWG seed money, the city identified the Activity and Reception Centre as a suitable location for the amenity.

“Through an assessment, it was identified that that would be a good location for a climbing wall asset,” she says. “No other support has been given or actually was asked for from the Climbing Association.”

Clayton adds that the only other costs that would be associated with the project would be the installation of the wall itself; however, she indicates that right now, it is more of a capital campaign for the association, and how the amenity would affect the amount of space in the facility.

“Those discussions are still to be had, but this isn’t that the facility will require upgrades, et cetera, this is- here’s some seed money, go out and apply and raise other money so that you can continue to grow your club and add that additional amenity to the existing facility.”

Officials from the Climbing Association will continue fundraising until the $1 million is gathered to begin construction on the new amenity.

RCMP seek help from the public in finding missing 47-year-old

Ethan Montague
-
0
RCMP seek help from the public in finding missing 47-year-old

The Grande Prairie RCMP is seeking help from the public in finding a missing 47-year-old woman.

Laura Ahlskog was least believed to have been in the Grande Prairie area on June 30th, and may be associated with a white 2014 Chrysler 300, with Alberta license plate “CLJ-4543.”

Ahlskog is described as a five-foot-four female, weighing around 115 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes.

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact the Grande Prairie RCMP at (780)-830-5701 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Grande Prairie’s 2024 Drop and Swap keeps more than 10K pounds of clothing out of landfills

Ethan Montague
-
0
Grande Prairie’s 2024 Drop and Swap keeps more than 10K pounds of clothing out of landfills

Grande Prairie residents showed up in a big way during this year’s annual Drop and Swap event.

According to the City of Grande Prairie’s recent reports, residents managed to swap a “whopping” 10,325 pounds of gently used clothing, keeping them out of the landfill.

The city says despite the rainy weather, the event saw more than 500 in attendance, which the city calls a highlight of the strength of the community coming together for a more sustainable future.

“The Drop & Swap event is a great example of the power of community and partnerships in making a real difference,” Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton said before the event.

On top of the more than 10K pounds of swapped clothing, a remaining 500 pounds of clothing was donated to Goodwill for resale or fiber recycling, just in time for Waste Reduction Week.

Officials thanked Aquatera Utilities and Goodwill for their continued support and invites residents to keep the momentum going next year.

City of GP confirms road upgrades on 116th Avenue completed

Ethan Montague
-
0
City of GP confirms road upgrades on 116th Avenue completed

The City has confirmed the 116th Avenue road upgrades for 2024 have been completed.

This year’s construction on 116th was part of a multi-phase project with the goal of addressing aging infrastructure and enhancing traffic flow. The section of road, originally part of Highway 43, was transferred to the city in September 2019 along with $20 million in provincial funding, which was allocated for necessary repairs and upgrades.

The city indicates that 116th Avenue’s role as a key truck and dangerous goods route is responsible for its significant volume of traffic, making the improvements “critical” for both local and commercial drivers.

Work this year focused on building upon previous upgrades to improve structure, safety, and traffic flow.

The city says the project boasts several important milestones, including the replacement of stormwater pipes with more durable, corrosion-resistant materials, and the installation of a new concrete storm vault at 102nd Street and 116th Avenue.

Numerous adjustments to the road layout were made as well, including extended turning lanes on the eastbound section of the road for both north and southbound traffic on 100th Street to minimize traffic spillovers.

Upgrades to curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and road surfaces were also made, along with new pedestrian signals and two pork chop islands installed at 102nd Street and 116th Avenue to shorten crossing distances and reduce wait times for pedestrians.

Looking ahead to next year’s construction season, the city is currently carrying out condition assessments on sections of 100th Avenue, west of 124th Street, to determine staging and phasing of future work.

Grande Prairie residential real estate down in September

Kass Patterson
-
0
Grande Prairie residential real estate down in September

The number of homes sold in Grande Prairie and the number of houses on the market in September were down compared to last year.

According to the latest statistics from the Alberta Real Estate Association, over the 30-day-period 110 properties were sold, a 19.7 per cent downtick from the same month last year. The number of properties on the market was nearly cut in half compared to the number on the market last year, with 213 a 42.1 year-over-year drop.

In September, 143 new listings were put on the market, down four per cent from last year and the total residential price average also declined 2.1 per cent to $330,516.

In the first nine months of 2024, row sales have seen the largest jump with 52 sold, a 41 per cent boost for the same period last year. Detached homes however still are seeing the most sales with 863 sold in over the 273 days. Total residential sales across all categories have seen a five per cent boost in the same period and the average price has seen a four per cent jump to $335,263.

Tyler Olsen, Bill Smith, re-elected as Reeve and Deputy Reeve for MD of Greenview

Ethan Montague
-
0
Tyler Olsen, Bill Smith, re-elected as Reeve and Deputy Reeve for MD of Greenview

The MD of Greenview has announced the re-election of Ward Nine Councillor Tyler Olsen as Reeve and Ward Eight Councillor Bill Smith as Deputy Reeve for the year.

Reeve Tyler Olsen is a longtime resident of Grande Cache and is described as bringing a wealth of experience from his industrial and commercial trucking background; however, his colleagues say his commitment to his community extends beyond municipal politics, having served for more than 21 years as a volunteer firefighter.

Olsen continues to serve as Captain of Greenview Fire Rescue Services in Grande Cache, and officials say his deep dedication to public service is evident in both his role as a firefighter and as a councillor for the MD.

“I am honoured to be re-elected as Reeve and thank my fellow Council members for their trust and support,” he says. 

Deputy Reeve Bill Smith is a three-term Councillor for Grovedale, and now enters his fifth term as Deputy Reeve following the election. His colleagues say he brings considerable experience and local knowledge to his role.

Smith is a member of a multi-generational ranching family, and officials say his deep connection to the region is matched by his work ethic. Before joining Greenview Council in 2013, he balanced running his family ranch with a successful career as a self-employed tradesman.

“It’s a privilege to serve alongside such a passionate team, and I look forward to another year of working together for the benefit of our communities,” he says. 

Council members say they are looking forward to a “productive year” under the continued leadership of Olsen and Smith.

$10 million covered outdoor structure project location to be finalized by the end of 2024

Ethan Montague
-
0
$10 million covered outdoor structure project location to be finalized by the end of 2024

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton has confirmed a location for the already approved covered recreation space will be chosen by the end of the year.

Council approved the required $10 million in funding for the space during their last budget talks; however, a location has yet to be determined as multiple options are being considered.

“With that motion, council directed administration to get some engineering and service costs, bring it back for consideration, and that discussion will come back here for Fall budget deliberations,” she says. “We will make a decision on the location by the end of the year.”

While the $10 million has been approved for the asset itself, Mayor Clayton says she anticipates there could be additional costs associated with the location, depending on where it ends up being.

“There will be, I’m assuming, additional dollars required for servicing and engineering upgrades depending on where the final location ends up being,” she says. “Those conversations for additional money will come to budget deliberation here in November.”

Several locations were included in the administration’s report on the matter, including near the old Composite High School and Peace Wapiti Academy.

“The former composite high school was torn down, you may have noticed that recently it’s been re-turfed, [and] that is intended to be additional sports locations for soccer, softball,” Clayton says. “There are a couple of other locations being considered in that area, one was right across the street from the composite high school, [and] one was closer to the PWA Highschool and soccer pitch; however, the initial report had other locations identified as well.”

The Mayor says the discussion at this point is a waiting game for council, as administration has been tasked with solidifying a final location for the structure ahead of 2025 Budget Deliberations.

1...495051...1,079Page 50 of 1,079
Available on

Navigation

Location

#105-11002 104 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V 7W5

Phone numbers

Studio Phone: 780-357-1047
Newsroom Phone: 780-357-6397

- Advertisement -

© 2025