A new signage project is underway in Peace River in an effort to streamline navigation in the municipality.

According to the Town of Peace River, the municipal government is currently developing a wayfinding plan that will include the design and installation of directional signage throughout the town to make navigation easier in the community.

Director of Community Services for the Town of Peace River, Tanya Bell says the signage will “fill a gap” in the community so residents and visitors can more easily find their way to points of interest, which in turn, could be beneficial for tourism and day-to-day life in the community.

“We have so much to offer in Peace River and this project will help make sure no one misses out,” she says.

The project was funded through a $200K grant from Alberta’s Northern and Regional
Economic Development Program, matching the town’s own investment.

Officials say the project is currently underway and the implementation of signage throughout the town will begin in 2025.

Fire crews are tackling numerous blazes in the region on a day filled with high, gusting winds and above average temperatures

According to the County Fire Service, crews are operating on a wildfire northwest of Valhalla Centre. Crews from the county and Alberta Wildfire are on site and have confirmed three homes have been evacuated as a precaution.

Additionally, county crews are responding to a wildfire four kilometres east of Tee Pee Creek near Rural Road 31 and Township 740. Officials describe the blaze as moving away from the community; however, one home has been evacuated, and enforcement personnel are in the area in case further restrictions are required in the interest of public safety.

Equipment has been stationed to respond to the blaze and structural protection is being provided to the evacuated home.

The fire is considered out of control and crews from the County of GP and Alberta Wildfire are working together to fight and contain the flames on the ground and in the air. Officials say a specialized wildland fire group from Alberta Wildfire is working on the site.

The Grande Prairie RCMP responded to a complaint describing a “suspicious male” checking vehicles and looking into windows of houses the morning of May 8th.

Police located the individual who was close to the dispatch scene and promptly arrested and charged 24-year-old Grande Prairie resident Christian Deltess with alleged attempted break and enter, mischief-obstructing enjoyment of property, and failure to comply with probation orders.

Deltess remains in custody and will appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on May 13th.

According to police, a string of videos have surfaced on social media depicting a male going through vehicles and attempting to gain entry to houses between April 21st and May 8th.

Anyone with video footage of a male checking doors to houses, garages, and vehicles in the areas of Royal Oaks and Northridge is asked to contact the RCMP at (780)-830-5700.

The City of Grande Prairie is seeking an artist to be tasked with the creation of a monument celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Treaty Eight signing.

The anniversary takes place on June 21st of this year and Mayor Jackie Clayton says the event serves as a significant reminder, commemorating the First Nation’s land the city is located in and the collaboration between the municipal government and First Nations leaders.

“Creation of a monument for the 125 anniversary of the Treaty 8 signing is a time for us to recognize and honour our past, in the present, as we build the future together,” she says.

The monument will be placed in an area of high traffic, visibility, and accessibility for residents.

Interested artists are encouraged to submit expressions of interest to the city that include examples of their experience with designing public art surrounding Indigenous themes.

Artists will be allowed to provide up to three concept sketches and photos of previous work, and there are no restrictions on the type of materials that can be used for the monument; however, the sculpture must be able to withstand Grande Prairie’s climate.

Additionally, respondents are asked to focus on five key points when designing mock-ups for the monument including- historical significance, community and unity, natural environment, resilience and future aspirations, and educational value.

According to the city, responses will be considered based on their relevance to Treaty Eight, skill in sculpture, cultural awareness, feasibility and planning, and connection to Treaty Eight territory.

Interested artists can submit their expressions of interest on the City of Grande Prairie’s website until May 29th at 2:00 p.m.

Crews from Bezanson, Teepee Creek, Clairmont, Dunes, and Alberta Wildfire responded to a brush fire in the area of Crystal Creek on May 9th around 9:00 p.m.

Officials say fire crews received word that a brush fire was burning on Range Road 34 near Township 712 and quickly responded with a helicopter and heavy to establish a perimeter around the blaze. Reports suggest that the flames are contained an are “not expected” to grow in size.

Fire crews are currently on scene alongside a helicopter and will continue to operate until the fire is out.

Officials say the cause of the fire was directly related to a two-year-old burn pile and is the second fire that has rekindled after more than 24 months from when it was first lit. Fire officials suggest that lack of precipitation over the last two years has created “extremely” dry conditions.

“We are seeing fires coming back after dormant periods that we have never seen before, please re-check any burning that has been completed in the last two winters,” the County Regional Fire Service says.

As a result, county fire stations will be staffed with equipment on standby through the weekend to ensure crews can respond as quickly as possible if needed.

The County Fire Service is urging all residents to exercise extreme caution in all activities including the operation of off-highway vehicles.

Amid another wildfire season, the provincial government is proposing amendments to legislation that officials say will help them support municipalities. Premiere Danielle Smith says, historically the province sees flood, drought and wildfire emergencies most likely in May and June. In recent history, these events include the Slave Lake fire in 2011, the floods in Calgary and area in 2013, the Fort McMurray fire in 2016, and the record wildfire season last year.

“When we have these catastrophes in the past, [after] when we have the post mortem we hear ‘why didn’t the province react,’ ‘why wasn’t the province more proactive,’ so this is us hearing them and reacting to that,” Smith says.

Included in the proposed changes is what the UCP government calls clarity on how the government can respond during emergency events and how they will work with municipal governments. Smith says the proposed changes will be able to initiate an “all-hands-on-deck approach,” with the province taking the necessary authority to manage the situation.

“Emergencies will happen in the future, but we can be better prepared for them when they come and that’s what we’re proposing to do,” Smith says. “Anytime a fire is encroaching on another jurisdiction is when the province needs to step in and help. – Emergencies and public safety is a provincial responsibility full stop.”

The proposed changes would also require local authorities to report information to the province during a state of local emergency which includes the nature of an emergency. According to the province, local officials will be “responsible for the day-to-day emergency planning and management within their jurisdictions, unless the situation needs a provincial response.”

Smith says the changes would make it so that anytime a fire is encroaching on another jurisdiction or covers multiple jurisdictions this is when the province can step in and help coordinate resources and efforts. Also giving the government authority to construct fireguards and remove buildings or structures for wildfire suppression.

Another proposed change is moving the province’s election date from May to October. Smith says the change would keep the election from happening during a wildfire, drought or flood emergency. Smith explains this will help mitigate some of the struggles that the province saw last year. Smith says facing another disaster is a certainty and during that time the Albertans need their government to be fully focused and not have to worry about or navigate an election.

“None of us had access to government devices or computers. The caretaker period made it harder to support Albertans during these wildfires.”

If passed the next provincial election would be moved from May 31st, 2027 to October 18th, 2027.

The City of Grande Prairie is conducting its bi-annual Resident Satisfaction Survey from May 13th to the 31st.

According to the city, the survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and includes questions about residents’ views on services, property taxes, allocation of government resources, and resident priorities.

The survey will take place over the phone to a random sampling of residents. If called, residents are encouraged to complete the phone survey and share their feedback. Anyone who is not called but still wishes to send feedback can do so online starting on May 15th.

Additionally, all responses are combined so no identifying information will be included and all responses will remain anonymous.

Results of the 2024 survey will be reviewed against historical data gathered from surveys in past years and other municipalities for long-term planning. Results will be made public upon the conclusion of the survey.

Northwestern Polytechnic is “rooting” for Women’s Volleyball Coach Lauren Hale-Miller in her new East Coast adventure as the University of New Brunswick’s REDs Women’s Volleyball team’s Head Coach.

Coach Hale-Miller coached the Wolves for five seasons and NWP President Dr. Vanessa Sheane says while the school is sad to see their beloved coach leave, NWP remains “extremely grateful” for the wisdom Hale-Miller has left with her athletes.

“Naturally we are sad to see her go, but we understand that this is a tremendous opportunity for career advancement in a location that is close to her heart,” Dr. Sheane says.

The coach was born and raised in Fredericton and graduated from UNB in 2016. Her coaching career took her around the province when she served as Head Coach of Fredericton’s Leo Hayes High School’s J.V. boys volleyball team and assistant coach for the girls’ varsity squad. Additionally, the coach operated in various capacities for numerous provincial teams in Alberta and New Brunswick.

Hale-Miller describes the moment as a bittersweet one, saying she is excited for her next chapter while reflecting on her time in Grande Prairie.

“My time at NWP has been filled with great people and memories that I will cherish,” she says. “As a proud Frederictonian and UNB alum, I’m honoured to now be able to give back to the community that supported me throughout my volleyball career.” 

The coach will wrap up her duties with the NWP Wolves at the end of May, and the polytech says they have begun the search for a qualified replacement in Hale-Miller’s absence.

UPDATE: Amanda Veilleux is said to have been located safe and unharmed by Grande Prairie RCMP. Officers are thanking the public for their assistance in finding her.

The public is being asked for help locating a missing 32-year-old woman.

According to Grande Prairie RCMP, Amanda Veilleux was last heard from on Wednesday, April 24th and they would like to speak with her as they are concerned for her well-being.

Amanda is described as being 5’8″, weighing roughly 130 pounds, with brown eyes and hair.

Anyone with information on Veilleux where abouts is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

The City of Grande Prairie is hosting a public hearing on the proposed amendments to regulations governing secondary suites on June 3rd.

The proposed amendments to the bylaw include allowing secondary suites in semi-detached dwellings, expanding density limits in neighbourhoods increasing the number of eligible homes by 50 per cent, removing floor area restrictions for basement suites, eliminating minimum lot width requirements, reducing parking requirements to one space less than the number of bedrooms, and permitting backyard suites.

During the hearing, residents can share their opinions with council regarding the proposed amendments, and council will then discuss and decide on the proposed amendments following the conclusion of the hearing. Mayor Jackie Clayton says public hearings are a critical part of council’s decision-making process.

“The public hearing provides residents with an opportunity to ask Council questions, to express their viewpoints and perspectives, and to learn more about the proposed amendments,” she says.

Ahead of the official hearing, residents can attend three informational open houses where they can access city administration to answer questions and learn more about the proposal. The sessions will operate in a drop-in format and are scheduled for May 22nd and May 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and another on May 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Police are turning to the public for help locating a missing 35-year-old woman who has ties to the area.

According to a release from Boyle RCMP, Candace Mineault was last seen in the Buffalo Lake area around 10 a.m. on April 25th. Though she was last seen in central Alberta, officials say that she has ties to not only Grande Prairie but Fort McMurray as well, and at times goes by the names of “Minnow” or Candy”. Police say that they are concerned for her well-being and would like to speak with her.

Mineault is described as being around 5’7″, weighing around 161 lbs, with brown eyes and hair. She has a medium complexion and was last seen wearing a white shirt, black pants, and gray running shoes. At the time she is also said to be carrying a pink suitcase and black duffel bag.

Anyone with information on Mineault’s whereabouts is asked to contact RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

The Grande Prairie Museum has partnered with the Boreal Wetland Centre, PhilipJ Currie Dinosaur Museum, and the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre to celebrate International Museum Day.

On May 18th, each museum will offer free admission from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along with free shuttle service between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to ensure attendees can visit each museum. Additionally, special featured exhibits and activities will be highlighted during the event, and an event passport with a prize valued at $200 will be given away to a randomly selected winner.

Each location will feature a variety of exhibits and activities for attendees. The Boreal Wetland Centre will have interpretive trails, the Grande Prairie Museum’s “A Passing Fancy: Fashion through the Decades” will showcase the changes in fashion through the past 120 years, Dinosaurs Among Us will be hosted at the Philip J Currie Museum until the end of the summer, and the Veterans Memorial Gardens will launch its “D-Day and the Battle of Normandy” exhibit during the event.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says the city is “excited” to host the sixth annual event as it serves as an important reminder of the work museums do for communities across the region.

“Join us in honoring the profound impact of museums as pillars of learning, fostering curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of our world by visiting one or all of the participating facilities,” she says.

This year’s “Museums for Education and Research” event theme was chosen by the International Council of Museums to highlight the role of museums that provide an important educational experience for attendees.

The World’s Largest Pumpjack will be debuting for the first time on Canadian soil at the Peace Region Energy Show May 15th and 16th in Grande Prairie.

The monstrous pumpjack stands taller than a five-story building at more than 50 feet in height at the top of its stroke (double the height of the Great Wall of China) and weighs over 160K pounds.

The jack was manufactured by Alberta-based Artificial lift company, Redhead, and installation of the jack for the show will be completed by local oilfield operator, Peace Country Industries.

Officials say the jack is industry-ready and can be used for “record-breaking” oil production and Redhead representatives say they would love to stick a “sold” sign on the gargantuan machine by the end of the show.

The Fairview Health Complex Emergency Department will be without an on-site physician due to the inability to secure coverage.

From 7:00 a.m. May 9th to 7:00 a.m. May 11th, the Fairview Health Complex ED will not have an on-site doctor; however, nursing staff will remain on-site to provide triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternative emergency departments as needed.

Patients and residents can still access 9-1-1 during a medical emergency and EMS will remain available to the community.

Residents are also reminded to call Health Link at 8-1-1 for 24/7 non-emergency health-related questions. Additionally, patients seeking care at the ED are encouraged to access services that may be available through local pharmacies.

The City of Grande Prairie is joining the county in the implementation of a fire ban due to increased wildfire risk in the region.

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on May 8th, the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department will issue a fire ban within city boundaries, barring the use of all outdoor fires including recreational outdoor fires, torches, displays, and open burns, suspending all fire permits, requiring all fires currently burning to be extinguished. The lighting of incinerators, burning barrels, wood fires, and fireworks will also be prohibited.

The use of natural gas, propane, and electric barbeques, fire pits, and heaters are permitted as long as they meet the manufacturer’s specifications for safe use.

City Fire Chief Mark VanWerkhoven says the ban comes as a result of expected hot, dry conditions alongside wind throughout the region.

“This fire ban is a crucial measure to protect our community and its natural surroundings,” he says. “Compliance with these restrictions is vital for everyone’s safety.”

Negligence or non-compliance with the ban could result in fines of up to $10,000 in administrative penalties, and all residents are asked to take the necessary precautions to prevent wildfires in the region.

Quick response from city firefighters mitigated the damage caused by a pair of home fires in the city.

In 24 hours the Grande Prairie Fire Department responded to two residential fires, with the first one at a Country Side South home on Wednesday, May 8th. According to officials two engines, a ladder truck and a command unit responded to the scene, where on scene to deal with what was described as a “fast-moving fire.”

According to a release from the Fire Prevention Branch, “The main fire structure sustained significant damage. Crews were able to stop the fire from major damage to [the] adjacent residence.”

The second fire was reported at a downtown home around 3 a.m. Thursday, May 9th. Crews found fire and smoke coming from the home when they arrived at the home, but were about to “quickly suppress the fire and prevent spread to the rest of the home.”

No injuries were reported in either incident. Both fires are under investigation.

The County of Grande Prairie will be lifting the road ban restricting all county gravel roads to 75 per cent axle weight on May 9th.

The ban was initially issued as a regular part of the county’s operations during the spring thaw when gravel roads are more susceptible to damage, and saw anyone wishing to operate on gravel roads overweight requiring a permit.

As of May 9th at 10:00 a.m. the ban will no longer be in place and gravel roads will return to 100 per cent axle weight loading, 24/7, unless otherwise posted.

The county adds that road bans are a standard procedure throughout the province and is seen regularly on numerous Alberta roads in order for municipalities to protect important infrastructure during construction, maintenance, or seasonal conditions.

Curious residents can visit the county’s road ban website, or call the road ban information line at (780)-513-3964 for 24/7 information.

Olympic silver medalist and first First Nations hockey player named on Canada’s National Women’s Team Brigette Lacquette shared stories of her hockey journey with students and staff at Hythe Regional School and Beaverlodge Elementary School on May 7th.

According to the Peace Wapiti School Division, Lacquette told her story from the first time lacing up her skates at five years old, to representing Canada at the Olympics, and becoming a professional scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, and students were described as being “entranced” by her many adventures throughout her hockey career.

The PWPSD says elementary students were eager to hear about her stick preference, the amount of NHL stars on her phone, and whether she likes chicken nuggets, and when she was asked about her personal hero, Lacquette shared that Jordin Tootoo has always been one of her favourites.

“When I was younger there wasn’t anyone who looked like me on the national team, representation matters,” Lacquette says.

Lacquette was given the opportunity to speak at Hythe Regional School and Beaverlodge Elementary as part of the Classroom Champions program, which aims to empower children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Lacquette is scheduled to speak at a public event on May 8th at 5:30 p.m. in St. Joes’ High School’s gymnasium.

The County of Grande Prairie is implementing a fire ban that includes the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley.

As of 1:00 p.m. on May 8th, all outdoor fires will be prohibited, existing burning permits will be revoked, and no new fire permits will be issued until the ban is lifted. Additionally, the county is requiring all fires currently burning to be extinguished immediately.

Officials say the ban comes due to the hot, dry, and windy weather conditions and lack of forecasted precipitation in the region.

Under the ban, recreational fire pits, barbeques that use charcoal, open pit burning, burning barrels, burning of refuse, brush piles, and fireworks are prohibited; however, propane appliances such as barbeques are allowed under the ban. Additionally, industry open pit flaring will be suspended.

The ban will remain in place until conditions change, and a full list of fire restrictions and bans in place across the province is available on the Alberta Fire Bans’ website.

The County of Grande Prairie is encouraging residents to sign up for the Voyent Alert notification system during Emergency Preparedness Week.

The MD of Greenview announced the launch of Voyent Alert in their community at the end of January and says the system provides notifications during emergency scenarios, and day-to-day affairs such as community events, facility hour changes, garbage and recycling pickup dates and times, and road closures.

In the county, the Voyent Alert system will serve as a multi-purpose tool to keep residents informed of a variety of subjects with an emphasis on “critical events” like fires or floods.

County officials say the service will provide a more direct and personalized way to provide crucial information to residents, which is especially important given the wildfire risk going into the summer.

According to the county, notifications for day-to-day communications such as road advisories, utility outages, and disruptions to public services will be added “in the coming days.”

Users of the notification system can opt to be notified by one or all of the different communication channels: text, email, voice call, or directly to their device through the Voyent Alert app. The county adds that most alerts will also be displayed on the county’s website and social media pages.

Interested residents can download the Voyent Alert app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Email, text, or phone call registration can be completed online on Voyent Alert’s website.