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Eastlink Centre’s lazy river in need of $1 million repair, closure expected until December

Thomas Robertson
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Eastlink Centre’s lazy river in need of $1 million repair, closure expected until December

The Eastlink’s Centre’s lazy river is floating towards a $1 million renovation.

Due to the renovation’s the lazy river is expected to be closed until sometime in December, but the rest of the aquatics centre will be available after the yearly maintenance is completed on October 5th.

The river is in need of a new liner replacement, with the current liner being around since the Eastlink Centre opened roughly 13 years ago.

Both the current, and the old liner are shipped in from Italy, which makes up for a chunk of the costs, and a majority of the wait time for the river to be open. The shipping for the liner will take anywhere from 50-75 days to be shipped.

The demolition of the river will done completed by local contractors.

Grande Prairie Mayor, Jackie Clayton mentioned about the various other options that the aquatics centre has to offer while the lazy river is under closure.

“Generally people go and experience all the amenities whether its the water slides, or the diving boards, the hot tubs or the other amenities.”

The cost of admission to enter the aquatics centre after the maintenance in October, is not expected to change while the river is being worked on according to Clayton.

Depending on the shipping time from Italy, the earliest you can expect to see the river back is early December, with the latest being around Christmas time.

Scooter chase leads to seizure of drugs, weapon

Thomas Robertson
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Scooter chase leads to seizure of drugs, weapon

A 49 year-old women is facing charges after police allegedly seized drugs, and dog spray following a scooter chase last week.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says they allegedly saw the women commit a traffic offence on an electric scooter, before she entered a vehicle nearby. Authorities than proceeded to pull the vehicle over, when the woman allegedly jumped out of the vehicle and was placed under arrest after allegedly seeing unstamped cigarettes in her possession.

Authorities say search turned up 27grams of meth, 22 grams of crack cocaine as well as oxycontin, a digital scale, and dog spray.

She will be charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

 

Non-profit launching to help re-open Wembley medical clinic

Thomas Robertson
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Non-profit launching to help re-open Wembley medical clinic

The only medical clinic in the Town of Wembley is set to reopen, nearly six months after it shuttered to the public.

The clinic, which opened in 2020, closed in May 2025, after owner, Dr. Angela Luckham advised patients via social media post that she will be moving away, and no one else can take over ownership of the clinic.

The clinic has found somebody new to come in and fill that missing piece, the municipality itself.

Wembley City Councillor, Rebecca Ketchum talked about starting a non profit to keep the clinic above water.

“We are starting a non profit to sign the contract agreement with nurse practitioners that we’re hoping will start in November”

An official date for the clinic to open will be announced when the non-profit status has been completed.

Ketchum talked about how excited both her, and the town is to have this clinic back open come November.

“it will be awesome, like our community its self, I want to say the numbers we were given in our region is 25% of people don’t have access to a primary care provider, so that’s going to be huge for the region.”

Until the new nurse fills their patient list, the clinic will be accepting walk-ins once they open their doors.

Advance voting for municipal election begins October 9th

My GP Now
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Advance voting for municipal election begins October 9th

Advance voting locations and times for the upcoming Municipal Election have been released by the city.

Advance polls at Teresa Sargent Hall will remain open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. October 9th, 10th and 11th, as well as October 16th, 17th and 18th. Election Day itself, October 20th, polls will be open across the city from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you have already registered to vote, residents must be at least 18 years old, a Canadian citizen, a resident of the city, and bring an accepted piece of ID, which includes a drivers licence or an Alberta identification card.

Voters who did not pre-register on the Permanent Electors Register to vote will be required to present government-issued photo identification that includes their name and current address, and will also need to fill out a form the night of.

Residents who do not have government-issued photo identification can still vote by presenting accepted identification containing their name and current address.

You can mark their ballot for one mayoral candidate, up to eight council candidates, up to seven public school board trustees, and up to five separate school board trustees.

You can learn more about the 2025 Municipal Election, including where to find your closest polling station, here.

RCMP investigate fatal single vehicle collision

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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RCMP investigate fatal single vehicle collision

One person has died following a single vehicle collision involving a dirt bike Sunday morning.

The Grande Prairie RCMP says they were dispatched to the collision in the 102 Street and 116 Avenue area around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, and despite EMS attempting life saving measures, a the 40-year-old man from Grande Prairie was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The collision is still under investigation.

One accidental fatal drug poisoning reported in May

Kass Patterson
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One accidental fatal drug poisoning reported in May

An accidental fatal drug poisoning took one life in May. 

According to the Alberta Substance Use Surveillance system, the death was connected to non-pharmaceutical opioids. Between January and May, there were 11 accidental fatal drug poisonings reported in the Grande Prairie region. 

In Alberta, there were 102 accidental drug poisoning deaths reported in May.

Special air quality statement issued for Grande Prairie region

My GP Now
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Special air quality statement issued for Grande Prairie region

A special air quality statement has been issued for the Grande Prairie region. Environment Canada says wildfire smoke from British Columbia is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in some locations, but air quality conditions are expected to improve by Sunday.

As smoke levels increase, health risks increase. Limit time outdoors. Consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events.

You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.

People more likely to be impacted by outdoor air pollution, including people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants and young children should reduce or reschedule strenuous activities outdoors and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.

Evacuation alert issued for Nose Creek Subdivision

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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Evacuation alert issued for Nose Creek Subdivision

The MD of Greenview has issued a wildfire alert for residents in the Nose Creek Subdivision as a fire continues to burn 12 kilometres northwest of the area.

While there is no evacuation required at this time, those in subdivision must prepare for a possible evacuation. This means gathering important documents and medication, enough food, water and supplies for at least three days from home if the situation changes.

Industry and backcountry users west of km 2-80 on the Two Lakes Road must stay tuned for updates and be prepared for the possibility of road closures if conditions worsen.

MD of Greenview charity clay shoot hits $70K in 2025

Thomas Robertson
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MD of Greenview charity clay shoot hits $70K in 2025

The MD of Greenview’s annual charity clay shoot clay was a record breaker in 2025.

This year, the community came together one last time and broke records while they were at it, 130 participants were able to raise $70,000 for food banks across region; including, the Fox Creek Food Bank, Valleyview Interfaith Community Food Bank, and Salvation Army Food Bank in Grande Prairie.

Over these past eight years, the event has raised roughly around a whopping $352,000 for food banks and non-profits around the Peace Region.

The clay shoot was dedicated to former owner of the range Colin Dixon, who sadly passed away in December 2024.

Greenview council mentioned their appreciation for everyone who worked together to make this event possible.

“The outpouring of support from participants, sponsors, and volunteers this year is a true
reflection of his impact.”

The council also noted about how much of a lasting impact Dixon left in the community.

“Colin was passionate about using this event to help families across Greenview,”

The event took place at the Shot Shell Sporting Clay Range in Valleyview.

Muskoseepi park is set to host the Terry Fox run this weekend

Thomas Robertson
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Muskoseepi park is set to host the Terry Fox run this weekend

The 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox run will be taking place Sunday September 14th.

The run will take place at Muskoseepi park which is the only run in Grande Prairie, registration for the run starts at 10:30am but the run will start at 11.

Not only will Grande Prairie start their run at 11, but the rest of Canada will do the same.

You can register early online as well, Judy Tremblay who is the coordinator of the Terry Fox run in Grande Prairie, explained how someone can register or donate for the event.

“They can go online anytime to terryfox.org and pick ‘find a run’ and then punch in Grande Prairie, and from there they can register for the run.”

Over the past 5 years, the Terry Fox run has continued to grow onto the next generation, not only with runners, but with donations. In 2020 and 2021, GP raised $10,000 each year, but in 2024 the peace region nearly tripled that amount donating $27,000.

The goal for 2025 is set at $17,000. As of September 10th 2025, the current amount sits at $12,691.

Grande Prairie Guinea Pig Sanctuary is squealing for donations

Thomas Robertson
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Grande Prairie Guinea Pig Sanctuary is squealing for donations

This Saturday and Sunday, the Grande Prairie Guinea Pig Sanctuary will be hosting a garage sale in hopes to raise money for the piggies.

The sale will happen each day from 9am to 9:30pm, with hopes to target donations. Robert Barnes runs the sanctuary from his home. He says that each month it costs him roughly $1500 from his own pocket, to buy items like, pallets, hay and vegetables. Each of his guinea pigs eats roughly 1 1/2 cups of vegetables a day, and while currently having 73 piggies, that brings it to around 120 cups of vegetables in a single day.

Photo from Robert Barnes, Grande Prairie Guinea Pig Sanctuary

Barnes, mentioned about how many guinea pigs are needed to be rehomed in Grande Prairie.

“We noticed when we got guinea pigs, there was a over surplus on Kijiji and Facebook of people rehoming guinea pigs, so we just started taking them in, and then it grew all the way up to 73 piggies this year.”

If the weather stays in order, you can expect to see the Guinea pigs, and have a chance to feed them, play with them, and learn about them at around 3:30 each day.

If you are interested in attending the sale or looking to donate, you can head to the Facebook event. Or reach out to Robert at [email protected].

Rotary Community Food Bank Drive facing massive volunteer shortfall ahead of Thursday collection

My GP Now
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Rotary Community Food Bank Drive facing massive volunteer shortfall ahead of Thursday collection

The Rotary Community Food Bank Drive is still in desperate need for volunteers to help collect donations for the Grande Prairie Salvation Army Food Bank on Thursday.

Chair for the Rotary Community Food Bank Drive, Lori Pollock says at the moment they’re sitting about 50 per cent committed volunteers, well short of the 1,000 expected to be needed to make the whole operation flow smoothly. She says they haven’t faced a situation like this since launching the drive.

“We’ve been very fortunate and never had that come up, we’ve always had volunteers come through,” she says.

“Worst case scenario is we would have fewer people to canvass the city and we would see food left behind on doorsteps.”

Pollock says if they can’t get enough boots on the ground, the already simmering food security issue for roughly 20 per cent of Grande Prairie residents is only going to get worse.

“It’s really important because the Salvation Army has very little food left and the demand for hampers has gone up and up and up,” she says.

“There are people who are going hungry.”

The volunteers will go around the community and collect non-perishable items such as canned fish or beans, canned fruits, canned vegetables, soups, and school snacks.

Pollock adds it is ideal for volunteer groups to have five or six people so there is a driver and there are at least two people on each side of the road going door-to-door as the driver creeps down the street, and any donations can be put in the vehicle.

You can register for the food bank drive here. The food drive collection will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on September 11th.

City of GP is looking to train the community on train safety

Thomas Robertson
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City of GP is looking to train the community on train safety

The City of Grande Prairie announced that September 15th to 21st will be Rail Safety Week in the municipality.

Rail safety week is intended to improve awareness and educate rail safety around the community, with hopes that it will save lives and prevent injuries in the future.

Canadian National Railway Police Constable AJ Potter says the week is an important reminder that safety isn’t to be ignored when it comes to railway crossings as the consequences can be frankly disastrous.

“We address a lot of trespassing and crossing incidents, that have a negative impact on the health and safety of communities of railroaders of our industry and ultimately the economy. So rail safety week is an initiative we put on every year that’s going to allows us to address the issues and bring attention to the cause and of course that cause is safety for the communities that we live and operate in.”

Potter says it’s imperative for both pedestrians and drivers to always slow down and look both ways when crossing a train track.

Special air quality statement issued as wildfire smoke sits over Grande Prairie region

My Grande Prairie Now Staff
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0
Special air quality statement issued as wildfire smoke sits over Grande Prairie region

Smoke from wildfires is billowing into the region and has prompted a special air quality statement from Environment Canada.

Officials say while smoke concentrations can change very quickly over short distances in a short amount of time, conditions are expected to improve marginally overnight Tuesday, but could quickly worsen again Wednesday.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations, and anyone with pre-existing lung, or heart conditions, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

People in the region are being urged to reduce their activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice.

Library lizard escape prompts legendary response

Thomas Robertson
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Library lizard escape prompts legendary response

The Grande Prairie Public Library had a weekend to remember as the escape of its pet lizard prompted a call for an extra few set of hands.

On Saturday September 6th, Skink Floyd, the beloved Schneider’s skink that calls the library home. Was out on a routine stroll until he got away from members and climbed into a hole behind a cupboard in the staff room. Staff than tried everything to get their pet out, using every tool imaginable in the building, but still, no luck.

One of the staff members helping, is an on-call firefighter, who then called her platoon chief and asked if they were busy. Fortunately they were not. After roughly ten minutes, six fire team members showed up with a few Search and Rescue members ready to save the day.

Bailey Randolph who is the head of Children and Teen Services at the library, was not sure if this was up the fire department’s alley.

“We knew the fire department will get cats and dogs out of trees and stuff, but we weren’t sure if they would handle a lizard”

The firefighters used many of their tools to try and get the animal out, with one of those items being an infrared scanner… only to realize that Schneider’s skink’s are cold-blooded animals and would not show up on the scanner.

After many tears and a dreadful three and a half hours, Search and Rescue and the fire department, were able to lift the cupboards and get Skink Floyd free.

Randolph, mentioned how the room felt after their lizard was finally free.

“once we realized she was alive everyone was having a great time”

Skink Floyd is now back in her enclosure, and is not expected to be let out for the next little while as she has been placed on house arrest by library staff.

City needs volunteers who really dig trees

Thomas Robertson
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City needs volunteers who really dig trees

The City of Grande Prairie is inviting residents to get dirty and volunteer for TD Tree Days on Sunday, September 14th.

The purpose of the event is to plant trees and shrubs to grow and enhance community green space in Ivy Lake.

Over the years, volunteers have planted more than 550,000 trees and shrubs across Canada. This year TD is partnering with 75 organizations to add more than 30,000 plantings.

The event will run from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Ivy Lake and 100th Avenue.

If you would like to help grow the greenspace, you can register on the city’s website.

 

Grande Prairie Art Gallery is looking to celebrate the community for its 75th anniversary

Thomas Robertson
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Grande Prairie Art Gallery is looking to celebrate the community for its 75th anniversary

The Grande Prairie Art Gallery is looking to give back to the community with their event on Saturday September 6th.

The event will be split up into two tiers, a day-time portion and an evening portion; the day-time section will be completely free to the public with the doors will opening at 11am, and will feature attractions like a sketch party, speeches, and an street art workshop for kids 14-18.

The evening section will be ticketed, doors open at 6:30 and will have live music, a battle of the brushes, and much more. The event will be catered.

Executive Director and Chief Curator Jessica Groome mentioned that the public often has the wrong idea of what the art gallery really is.

“I think sometimes our galleries can be perceived by people as being kind of not for them or that it is only for the rich and fancy, but what we want is for people to come and realize that this gallery is for them.”

Groome says that this milestone is about giving back to the community, especially during this difficult time.

“We really wanted to celebrate the community to let people know that we’re grateful for their support over the years, and that we wanna make this event for them, especially in these times when budgets are tight across the board.”

The event as a whole, will be running from 11am until midnight at the Montrose Cultural Centre.

Grande Prairie unemployment rate down from July to August

Kass Patterson
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Grande Prairie unemployment rate down from July to August

The number of people looking for work in the Grande Prairie region saw a slight decline from July to August.

According to the latest report from Statistics Canada, 7.2 per cent of those looking for a job in the Banff – Jasper – Rocky Mountain House and Athabasca – Grande Prairie – Peace River economic region were without employment. That is a 0.2 per cent decline from July to August. 

According to the national report, manufacturing, wholesale and retail jobs saw the largest decline in the number of jobs available. While the healthcare and social assistance, educational services, and utility industries saw an increase in the number of positions offered. 

Camrose-Drumheller and Red Deer were tied with 5.4 per cent for the lowest unemployment rate in Alberta, while Edmonton reported the highest with 8.7 per cent.

Across the province, the unemployment rate saw an uptick in August, going from 7.8 percent in July to 8.4 per cent; the second-highest unemployment rate reported across the country. 

Across Canada, the unemployment rate grew to 7.1 per cent, the highest it has been since May 2016, excluding the pandemic.

City hops to public education campaign over feeding feral rabbits

Thomas Robertson
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City hops to public education campaign over feeding feral rabbits

You may have noticed Thumper and the gang hanging around your neighbourhood, and because of that, the city has started a public education campaign about feeding feral rabbits.

With the Swanavon neighbourhood reporting a massive influx of the fluffy creatures, the city has already hand-delivered 150 informational sheets and mailed 313 letters with updated information to residents.

Grande Prairie’s Chief Public and Protective Services Officer Dan Lemieux says the animals can cause a bushel of problems for homeowners, especially those with healthy gardens.

“Each rabbit can consume up to 1 kilogram of vegetation each day, so they tend to stay around urban areas and around our parks and certainly cause a lot of damage to gardens, shrubs and trees,” he adds.

Lemieux also mentioned that if you see anybody feeding the rabbits to call 311 or reach out to other enforcement services, as it came come with a pretty hefty fine.

“It is against the bylaw to feed feral rabbits. Under [the] bylaw, there is a fine for first offence of $250.”

Lemieux noted that despite the complaints coming in about wild rabbits, the problem may have started closer to home.

“The concern with these feral rabbits, they are actually descendants from abandoned domestic pets”

In the city’s information sheet, they recommend sealing accesses under sheds, decks, and outbuildings with wire mesh buried at least 15 cm deep, to help prevent the rabbits finding hiding spots near your home.

OHS charges Birchcliff Energy Ltd in connection to 2023 a workplace death

Thomas Robertson
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OHS charges Birchcliff Energy Ltd in connection to 2023 a workplace death

Birchcliff Energy Ltd. has been charged in relation to a workplace fatality dating back to October 2023.

According to Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, the company faces 18 counts under the province’s OHS Act. The alleged violations include failing to provide proper equipment, establish safe work systems and ensure workers were adequately trained.

Officials allege that on Oct. 10, 2023, a contractor at a Birchcliff facility near Bay Tree, Alta., fell into an open water reservoir while gathering a sample and suffered a fatal injury.

Birchcliff President and CEO Chris Carlsen, said in a statement, “Birchcliff continues to be deeply saddened by this tragic event.  We continue to recognize the incredible loss that his family, colleagues and friends have suffered and we have taken meaningful steps to support the family.”

The charges were laid on Aug. 22, 2025, following a prolonged investigation by OHS.

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