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Nitehawk snowmakers ramping up operations ahead of winter

Ethan Montague
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Nitehawk snowmakers ramping up operations ahead of winter

The Peace Country is in for snow over the weekend with four centimetres in the forecast, and Nitehawk Year-Round Adventure Park officials are saying operations will be ramping up more and more to ensure an opening as soon as possible.

Nitehawk General Manager Johnathan Clarkson says the hiring process for snowmakers is already underway, and morale is high ahead of the winter season.

“It’s definitely getting people in the winter mood and getting them thinking about hitting the slopes this season,” he says. “Our operations crews are out there getting things ready, snow-making gun mounts, and all the nozzles changed on the guns and doing all the maintenance we need to do to be ready for when the temperatures hit and we can start making snow.”

Clarkson says snowmaking crews will be unable to begin their work until temperatures go below freezing more consistently; however, the tentative date to begin snowmaking is “on or around” November 4th of this year.

“We do need about that minus five, minus ten, consistently throughout the day and evening to be able to make snow so we’re definitely looking forward to that,” he says. “Thank goodness we have all the snowmaking gear that we do that allows us to not necessarily rely on Mother Nature so much.”

Clarkson maintains that natural snow still plays a large part in the ski season. He says while the first snowfall of the season is not necessarily a make-or-break situation for the hill, the “good first dump” of snow gets the community in the mood to hit the slopes.

“That good first dump of the season of natural snow, it gets the community thinking about winter and it changes all of our minds when it comes to the fact that- hey winter is coming, and let’s embrace it and get outdoors,” he says. “That first dump of snow, we always call it free marketing, it’s kind of that first bit that really gets the community thinking- hey winter is coming and we can’t wait to hit the slopes out at Nitehawk.”

When it comes to the ultimate question of when the hill will officially open to the public, Clarkson says a soft opening target has been set for November 23rd, depending on the weather.

Wabasca residents unable to connect to 9-1-1 services due to Telus outage

Ethan Montague
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Wabasca residents unable to connect to 9-1-1 services due to Telus outage

Grande Prairie 9-1-1 has confirmed a Telus telephone service disruption is affecting the community of Wabasca.

Impacted Telus customers are unable to use wireless or landline phones, along with the internet as of October 16th at 12:30 p.m.

GP 9-1-1 handles emergency dispatching for much of Northwestern Alberta and has confirmed emergency service calls are not going through at this time. As a result, residents are asked to report emergencies in person at their nearest police or fire station.

Still, one official says GP 9-1-1 has maintained a radio communication connection with the community’s emergency departments.

Telus says they are aware of the outage and have sent a service person to the hamlet to address the issue; however, there is still no estimated time of repair.

Annual “Breakfast with the Guys” event returns to Grande Prairie for its 14th year

Ethan Montague
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Annual “Breakfast with the Guys” event returns to Grande Prairie for its 14th year

The Grande Prairie Odyssey House’s Annual Breakfast with the Guys Event is returning for its 14th year to raise awareness and drive action to end domestic violence.

This year’s breakfast is scheduled for November 5th at the Four Points Hotel from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and features Brady Leavold as the keynote speaker.

Leavold is a former professional hockey player, boasting a nearly 10-year-long career in leagues across Canada, the US, and the Netherlands. Now, Leavold spends his time speaking about his journey, overcoming mental health struggles and substance abuse.

Officials say Leavold’s story is not one you’ll soon forget, as his personal experience “shines a light” on the challenges many face every day while offering hope for positive change.

The event aims to provide participants with an opportunity for learning, connection, and community action, and interested individuals are asked to RSVP online.

City of GP hosting Transit Services Open House for public engagement

Ethan Montague
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City of GP hosting Transit Services Open House for public engagement

The city is once again seeking feedback from the public regarding Transit Services in Grande Prairie during an open house on October 21st.

Currently, the city provides public transit seven days a week through four models- fixed route, on-demand, accessible transit, and charter service.

The public engagement session comes due to the city’s desire to “better understand resident’s needs.” As a result, the city is encouraging both transit and non-transit users to share their feedback on the service.

During the open house, participants will discuss a variety of talking points with city officials such as likes and dislikes about the current system, routes and scheduling suggestions, frequency of service, safety, fare options, amenities and features, and reliability.

Two open house sessions are on the schedule and will operate as a drop-in format at Teresa Sergant Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The city says the input gathered during the event will be used to help shape future improvements, optimize routes, and enhance the transit experience for residents.

An online survey is also available until October 27th.

GP residents invited to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Ethan Montague
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GP residents invited to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Grande Prairie will celebrate the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities during the planning committee’s annual event on December 3rd.

The day was first proclaimed in 1992 by the UN General Assembly, with the goal of increasing awareness surrounding the issues and barriers people with disabilities face around the globe.

This year, residents will have the chance to participate in a variety of free activities to mark the occasion, including the proclamation and presentation of the Inclusive Community Award at 11:00 a.m. at Teresa Sargent Hall.

Nominations for the Inclusive Community Award are available for individuals, organizations, or groups who “consistently demonstrate” dedication, innovation, or values that align with inclusivity.

Nominations for the award are open until November 10th, and the nomination form can be accessed and submitted online.

Additionally, participants can check out the Art Gallery exhibits and engage in the accessible art activity, inclusive programming provided by the Grande Prairie Public Library, and enjoy some light refreshments and family-friendly games with Kickstand GP.

No docs at Fairview Health Complex ED for most of the rest of the week

Ethan Montague
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0
No docs at Fairview Health Complex ED for most of the rest of the week

The Fairview Health Complex Emergency Department is without an onsite doctor for most of the week due to the inability to secure coverage.

The ED closed at 7:00 a.m. October 15th, and will remain that way until 7:00 a.m. October 17th, before closing again from 7:00 a.m. October 18th to 7:00 a.m. October 19th.

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.

Wildfire danger level downgraded to low in Grande Prairie Forest Area

Kass Patterson
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Wildfire danger level downgraded to low in Grande Prairie Forest Area

The wildfire risk for the Grande Prairie Forest Area has been decreased to low.

According to the latest update from Alberta Wildfire, the level change does not mean no new fires can start, but rather it is expected they will not spread into the ground or areas with more fuel. The level change comes four days after the wildfire risk was dropped to moderate ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend.

As of October 15th, no fires are burning in the forest area. However, in 2024, 107 wildfires have been reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area that have burned close to 388.79 hectares of long. All wildfires are now extinguished.

Volunteer of the Year Awards nominations close Friday

Kass Patterson
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Volunteer of the Year Awards nominations close Friday

Time is running out to make nominations for this year’s Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteer Organizations Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Residents can nominate those who they believe make the community better for several awards, including the Corporate Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and the Leaders of Tomorrow Awards for youth ages 13-15 or 16-18.

According to the Grande Prairie Regional Association of Volunteers, those nominated could have significantly impacted a single project or a volunteer’s continuous, long-term dedication to an organization.

The City of Grande Prairie Awards will also be handing out a pair of awards, including the George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award and the Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization of the Year Award.

Friday is the deadline for nomination submissions for both the GP-RAVO and city awards. All of the awards will be handed out at the Annual International Volunteer Day Celebration Breakfast on December, 5th.

More information can be found here.

Grande Prairie region received 16 new physicians between July, September

Kass Patterson
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Grande Prairie region received 16 new physicians between July, September

Grande Prairie has seen a slight bump in the number of doctors now practicing in the area.

According to the latest report from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, between July and September of this year, three new physicians started practicing in the area. The additions mean 165 physicians are practicing in the Grande Prairie region, 16 more than the same period last year.

According to the report, the additions are part of a trend being seen across Alberta, in which from July to September additional 370 physicians were registered in the province. To date, in 2024 the province has seen 518 new physicians a 4.5 per cent year over year bump.

According to the same report in the North Zone, which Grande Prairie is part of, 417 specialists are practicing up 1.7 per cent from the 385 registered at the same time last year.

Unemployment in Grande Prairie economic region sees year-over-year decline

Kass Patterson
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Unemployment in Grande Prairie economic region sees year-over-year decline

The region that includes Grande Prairie reported the second-lowest unemployment rate across Alberta in September.

According to Statistics Canada, the Banff – Jasper – Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca – Grande Prairie – Peace River region was 5.1 per cent, a 0.3 per cent uptick from August. However, compared to the same month in 2023 the unemployment rate in the area is down one per cent.

The provincial unemployment saw a 0.2 per cent decline in September to 7.5 per cent.

The Camrose – Drumheller region reported the lowest unemployment rate at 0.4 per cent lower than the Grande Prairie economic region’s, while Edmonton’s unemployment rate was the highest in the province at 8.6 per cent.

Grande Prairie home sales trend upward in August

Kass Patterson
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0
Grande Prairie home sales trend upward in August

Compared to the same month in 2023 home sales in Grande Prairie saw a double-digit bump in August.

According to the Alberta Real Estate Association, 140 homes were sold in the 31 days up 10.2 per cent from the previous year. However, in August, the number of new listings that went on the market saw a year-over-year decline by 20.5 per cent.

The average price in the city saw a 3.6 per cent boost, at $342,256.

From January to August there has been an eight per cent increase in the number of home sales in the city, with 997 properties sold. The majority of sales are detached homes with 754 having been sold in the first eight months of 2024.

Kyle Palfy named County Superintendent of Regional Enforcement Services

My GP Now
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Kyle Palfy named County Superintendent of Regional Enforcement Services

The County of Grande Prairie has introduced Kyle Palfy as its new Superintendent of Regional Enforcement Services.

The municipality says Palfy comes to the table with nearly three decades of policing experience, including 13 years in senior leadership roles with the Grande Prairie RCMP. During his tenure with the RCMP, Palfy would routinely collaborate with closely with City and County officials to address community concerns.

“We are excited to welcome Kyle to this vital role,” said Joulia Whittleton, County Manager for the County of Grande Prairie. “His extensive experience and commitment to community engagement align perfectly with the County’s proactive and progressive approach to enforcement services.”

Palfy says he’s honoured to take on the role, and looks forward to continuing collaborating with the public and community partners to strengthen regional enforcement efforts.

Palfy replaces outgoing Superintendent Stuart Rempel, who is retiring from County Regional Enforcement Services after 30 years.

Around GP: What’s Happening Tuesday October 15 – Monday October 21

Stephonya
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Around GP: What’s Happening Tuesday October 15 – Monday October 21

Here are some of the events happening this week and weekend around the Peace Country!

 

Tuesday October 15th, 2024

Worried Earth – Art Gallery Of Grande Prairie – 10AM to 6PM – Free Entry!

Kids Sewing: Ages 8-10 – Centre For Creative Arts – 4PM to 5:30PM – $170 Cost!

Ladies Fall Basketball Camp – Whispering ridge Community School – 5:30PM to 8:30PM – Register!

MTG Draft: Throne Of Eldraine – Wonderland – 6PM Start – $30 Entry!

Grief & Loss Seminar – Oliver’s Funeral Chapel – 6PM to 8:30PM – Free!

Wave Of Light – Centre 2000 Sundial – 6:15PM to 9PM – Free!

Women In Business Networking Mixer – Plato’s Closet – 6:30PM to 8:30PM!

Intermediate/ Advanced Painting – Centre For Creative Arts – 6:30PM to 9:30PM – $195 Course!

 

Wednesday October 16th, 2024

Seniors Walk & Talk – Bezanson Community Event Centre – 10AM to 12PM – Free!

Drop & Swap – Ernie Radbourne Pavilion – 10AM to 6PM – Free!

Pathfinder Dark – Centre For Creative Arts – 10AM to 8PM!

Joseph Ribkoff Trunk Show – Fashionista – 1PM to 7PM – Free Entry!

Drawing For Kids: Ages 6-10 – Centre For Creative Arts – 4:30PM to 5:45PM – $90 Cost!

Kokanee Komedy Night: Shawn Gramiak – Great Northern Casino – 6PM Doors – $15 Tickets!

Adult Pottery Lvl 2 – Centre For Creative Arts – 6:30PM to 9PM – $190 Cost!

Beginner Acrylic Painting – Centre For Creative Arts – 6:30PM to 9:30PM – $195 Course!

Full Moon Circle – Accu Pro – 7PM Start – $20 Entry!

Good Grief Community – Bear Creek Funeral Home – 7PM to 8PM – Free!

Figure Drawing – Centre For Creative Arts – 7PM to 9PM – $15 Entry!

Adult Sewing – Centre For Creative Arts – 7PM to 9PM – $190 Cost!

Pool Tournament – Howlers Lounge – 7PM to 10PM – RSVP!

 

Thursday October 17th, 2024

Seniors Walk & Talk – Traveland RV Track, Crosslink County Sportsplex – 8:30AM to 11:30AM – Free!

Senior Walk & Talk – Hythe Community Centre – 10AM to 12PM – Free!

Berries & Blossoms – Beaverlodge Art & Culture Centre – 10AM to 4PM – Free Entry!

Drop & Swap – Ernie Radbourne Pavilion – 10AM to 6PM – Free!

Half Price Deals – Online – 10AM to 12AM – Register!

Pottery On The Wheel – Centre For Creative Arts – 12:30PM to 3PM – $190 Cost!

Bridal Collection Blowout – Jaimes Tailor Consignment – 2PM Start – Free Entry!

Youth Sewing: Ages 11-17 – Centre For Creative Arts – 4PM to 5:30PM – $170 Cost!

Yoga + Pilates – Rooted Heart Yoga & Art – 5:30PM to 6:30PM – $20 Drop In!

Dragon Yoga – GPPL – 6PM Start – Free!

Youth Drawing: Ages 10-14 – Centre For Creative Arts – 6PM to 8PM – $90 Cost!

MTG Competitive Commander – Wonderland – 6:30PM to 10PM – $10 Entry!

Pool Tournament – Howlers Lounge – 7PM to 10PM – RSVP!

 

Friday October 18th, 2024

Half Price Deals – Online – 12AM to 10AM – Register!

Drop & Swap – Ernie Radbourne Pavilion – 10AM to 6PM – Free!

30th Annual GP Woman’s Show – The Bowes – 3PM to 9PM – $8 Day Pass!

Murder Mystery: High Noon At Dead Mans Saloon – Golden Age Centre – 5PM Start – $20-$25 Tickets!

Wise Owls Paint Night – Studio 68 – 6PM to 8PM – $40 Register!

Double Feature: Hotel Transylvania/ The Ring – Grande Sunset Theatre – 6:30PM to 11:30PM – $33.28 Vehicle Entry!

Skeleton Crawl 2024 – Sunset Park – 7PM Start – Free!

Kenny VS Spenny – Better Than Fred’s – 7PM Doors – $40-$90 Tickets!

Aries Full Moon Warrior Within: Womens Circle – 10001 101 Ave – 7PM Start – $45 Register!

Visitor In The Arts: Jessica Jang – NWP, Room 106: Collins Recital Hall – 7PM Start – Free Entry!

Heritage Village Folktales Tour – Heritage Village – 7PM to 8:30PM – $25 Tickets!

Frog Keychain – Inspire Art Cafe – 7PM to 9PM – $50 Cost!

Blame Bettie – Great Northern Casino – 9PM start – No Cover!

 

Saturday October 19th, 2024

Provincial XC Championship – Wapiti Nordic Ski Club, South Trails – Day Event!

Creative Curiousity Gathering – Highland Park Church Of Christ – 10AM to 11:30AM – RSVP!

30th Annual GP Woman’s Show – The Bowes – 10AM to 5:30PM – $8 Day Pass!

Lighted Workshop – The Primitive Lane – 10:30AM Start – $68 Cost!

Hemming Workshop – Centre For Creative Arts – 11AM to 3PM – $40 Class!

Soap Stone For Kids: Ages 6-10 – Centre For Creative Arts – 11:30AM to 1PM – $32 Class!

Acrylic Palette Knife Landscape – Centre For Creative Arts – 11:30AM to 2:30PM – $50 Class!

Drop & Swap – Ernie Radbourne Pavilion – 12PM to 4PM – Free!

Tissue Paper Flower Collage – Centre For Creative Arts – 12:30PM to 1:30PM – $15 Class!

Lynne Brown Memorial – Beaverlodge Art & Culture Centre – 1PM to 4PM – Free Entry!

Youth Soapstone: Ages 10-16 – Centre For Creative Arts – 1:30PM to 4:30PM – $55 Class!

Porch Leaner Workshop – The Primitive Lane – 2PM Start – $70 Cost!

37th Annual President’s Ball – TARA Centre – 5:30PM Start – $275-$2000 Tickets!

A Night To Support Local – Jackpot Grill & Events Center – 6PM Start – $70 Tickets!

Newcastle Kings – Better Than Fred’s – 7PM Doors – $20 Tickets $30 Entry at Door!

Heritage Village Folktales Tour – Heritage Village – 7PM to 8:30PM – $25 Tickets!

Ladies Night: GP Fall Fun – Podollan Inn & Spa – 7PM to 10:30PM – $30-$50 Tickets!

Blame Bettie – Great Northern Casino – 9PM start – No Cover!

 

Sunday October 20th, 2024

2nd Annual Family Tea Party – Pomeroy Hotel & Confrence Center – 11AM to 2PM – $35 Tickets!

30th Annual GP Woman’s Show – The Bowes – 12PM to 5PM – $8 Day Pass!

Drink From The River – Art Gallery Of Grande Prairie – 1PM to 5PM – Free Entry!

Porch Leaner – The Primitive Lane – 2PM Start – $70 Cost!

Freakshow Carnival Sessions – Bliss Be Fit – 3PM to 6PM – $300 Session!

 

Monday October 21st, 2024

Tranquil Realms – Centre For Creative Arts – 10AM to 8PM!

Small Business Week – Howlers Lounge – 11:30AM to 1:30PM – RSVP!

Sculpture For Kids: Ages 6-10 – Centre For Creative Arts – 4:30PM to 6PM – $100 Course!

Youth Pottery: Ages 11-15 – Centre For Creative Arts – 6PM to 8:30PM – $120 Cost!

 

To have your event added to this list or future lists, submit online.

City begins annual tree pruning project in several neighbourhoods

Ethan Montague
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City begins annual tree pruning project in several neighbourhoods

The City of Grande Prairie has begun its annual tree pruning program across the city, running until April of next year.

According to the city, crews conduct elm pruning between October 1st and March 31st every year, aligning with the provincial elm pruning ban that extends from April 1st to September 30th.

This year’s plan will see tree pruning across several neighbourhoods including, College Park, Country Club Estates, Hilland Park, Pinnacle Ridge, Lakeland, and VLA.

Still, the city maintains they are “committed” to addressing tree maintenance city-wide, so residents who see a tree that requires attention outside of these neighbourhoods are encouraged to contact AccessGP so they can be taken care of.

Officials maintain pruning during this time period is “vital” to reduce the risk of Dutch elm disease, a deadly fungal infection spread by elm bark beetles. The city says by removing dead or unhealthy branches when the beetles are dormant, crews are better able to reduce the spread of the disease while preserving the health of the elm population.

Peace River pulp mill ordered to pay $1 million for violating the Fisheries Act

Ethan Montague
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Peace River pulp mill ordered to pay $1 million for violating the Fisheries Act

A Peace River company has been charged with one count of violating the Fisheries Act after an investigation related to illegal wastewater dumping in the Peace River.

On October 11th, at the Alberta Court of Justice, Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd. was ordered to pay a $1 million fine after pleading guilty to violating the Fisheries Act.

According to the courts, Mercer Peace River deposited or permitted the deposit of 30.8 million litres of wastewater that was toxic to the local fish population from its pulp mill into the river.

Officials say the pulp mill operates a wastewater management system that treats wastewater before releasing it into the Peace River. The system contains a spill pond designed to capture and store wastewater resulting from spills. Once in the spill pond, the wastewater is gradually reintroduced into the treatment system to minimize its overall negative effect.

Despite this, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s investigation determined the offence occurred during a maintenance shutdown of the mill. The shutdown generated waste from process vessels and wastewater from cleaning operations which were directed into the spill pond.

ECC says Mercer Peace River hadn’t maintained sufficient capacity in the pond to capture the additional wastewater, and as a result, the spill pond did not function as designed.

Since then, officials maintain Mercer Peace River has taken steps to increase the capacity of the spill pond by removing sludge and upgrading the pumping system.

Still, the company’s name will be added to the Environmental Offenders Registry, which contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences under federal environment laws.

Royal Astronomical Society of Canada explains intense Grande Prairie Northern Lights show

Ethan Montague
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Royal Astronomical Society of Canada explains intense Grande Prairie Northern Lights show

The skies were alive above Grande Prairie on the evening of October 10th, with the Northern Lights twinkling over the Swan City.

Executive Director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Jenna Hinds explains that the show was magnificent due to several factors, mainly the planet’s being in a period of solar maximum.

“We are in a period of solar maximum right now, I believe the maximum is in 2027, so the sun goes through cycles of not being very active to very active, so we’re getting to that peak of it being very active,” she says. “That means things like solar storms, coronal mass ejections are happening on the surface of the sun, stuff is being ejected from the sun, and that stuff comes towards Earth, and that’s what creates the Northern Lights.”

Hinds says the Aurora is fairly common for the Grande Prairie region this time of year; however, interestingly, this time around, the lights managed to reach the south of the country.

“With Northern Lights activity, there’s usually a band that it occurs in, and it’s in somewhat northern latitudes, Grande Prairie is pretty far north so you’ll see them around there, in places in Saskatchewan like Regina get a lot of northern lights, but you don’t see them very often in the more southern latitudes below there,” she says. “I’m in Toronto and we actually got Northern Lights last night, which is really unusual for us because we are very far South.”

The Executive Director explains the reason for such vibrant colours this time around is the sun’s “particularly active” sunspot, essentially a storm on the surface of the sun, sending waves of solar winds towards Earth.

“We have a particularly active sunspot, which is like a storm on the surface of the sun, and that’s sending these waves of solar winds towards us, creating the northern lights,” she says. “Generally, the reason we see them at the poles is because the poles are giant magnets, so they pull these ionic bits, protons, and electrons, that have a charge, [and] those get pulled through the atmosphere, and that’s what creates the glow.”

Excitingly for amateur astronomers around the country, Hinds says the sunspot could be visible from Earth through the use of eclipse glasses. She maintains that the storm might not be visible to everyone at any time of day due to the sun’s rotation; however, she encourages anyone interested to try their luck.

Eastlink Centre implements new self-check in system at fitness centre

Ethan Montague
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0
Eastlink Centre implements new self-check in system at fitness centre

Eastlink Centre implemented a new check-in process for gym users on October 10th.

According to the city, glass doors at the fitness centre will remain closed, and visitors will be able to self-check in.

Eastlink Centre members and Grande Access pass holders will now be able to check themselves in by scanning their membership card at the second-level fitness centre glass door entrance. Members who forget their cards can still check-in at the west guest experience desk near the aquatics centre.

Punch pass users will have a similar experience; however, the city is advising that punch passes should only be scanned once per person per day as each scan counts towards punches.

Drop-in fitness users must check-in at the west guest experience desk, and are advised that if you choose to leave the fitness centre to use another amenity, you must speak to Eastlink Centre staff before being allowed back into the fitness centre.

The city says the new process was implemented to allow staffers to be on the floor, providing more chances for hands-on guest support.

FireSmart work will result in numerous trail closures in South Bear Creek

Ethan Montague
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0
FireSmart work will result in numerous trail closures in South Bear Creek

Some portions of the South Bear Creek trail system will be temporarily closed beginning on October 15th.

The closures come as part of the City of Grande Prairie’s ongoing FireSmart Vegetation Management work to mitigate wildfire risks in key areas near the municipality.

Officials maintain the closures are essential in protecting public safety as crews will be operating heavy equipment in the area. Alternate trail routes will be available for those who still wish to get outside.

“These trail closures are a necessary step to ensure that this crucial work is completed safely and effectively,” Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says. 

Work on a portion of the Outer Waxwing trail will result in its closure on October 15th. Trail users can use the Inner Waxwing trail as an alternate route during this time.

Soon after, work near the Country Club West neighbourhood will see the closure of several smaller trail links on October 20th. Hikers are advised to remain on the Ball Diamond side of the work area as an alternative during the closure.

The two sites were selected based on recommendations from the GPFD and the 2019 South Bear Creek Wildfire Mitigation Strategy.

City of GP calling on local young people to apply for Youth Advisory Council spots

Ethan Montague
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City of GP calling on local young people to apply for Youth Advisory Council spots

The deadline for applications to join the City of Grande Prairie’s Youth Advisory Council is fast approaching, and the city is calling on youth between the ages of 14 and 24 to join up and make a difference in their community.

The deadline to apply is October 15th and the city says they are looking for “passionate young individuals” to apply to provide a youth perspective on the city’s decisions.

YAC members engage with a variety of organizations including city council, local agencies, and community groups on a variety of issues.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton calls the YAC an “essential” part of the city’s growth and future, as YAC members are provided with the chance to contribute to municipal policy discussions.

“It’s inspiring to see the energy, passion, and fresh ideas these young leaders bring to the table,” she says. “Their input is invaluable as we work to build a community where futures are grander for all our residents.”

Some notable YAC-influenced decisions include providing feedback on cellphone tower placement and supporting the continuation of the youth transit pass program.

Interested local youths are encouraged to apply online on the city’s website.

Consulting firm fined $90K after worker sustains severe burns at Valleyview worksite

Ethan Montague
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Consulting firm fined $90K after worker sustains severe burns at Valleyview worksite

An incident at an oil and gas site near Valleyview three years ago has led to an oilfield consulting firm being fined $90,000.

According to authorities, O’Reilly Oilfield Services entered a guilty plea to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for “failing to take necessary precautions” to protect the health and safety of workers under their supervision.

The company was sentenced on October 7th in the Grande Prairie Court of Justice. The Crown withdrew five additional charges and withdrew a further 15 OHS charges against Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. related to the same incident.

The charges stem from an incident at an oil and gas site near Valleyview on July 7th, 2021, when a worker was “severely burned” after liquid from a decommissioned pipeline ignited and overflowed from a portable flare stack.

Both the company and the Crown have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction and penalties.

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