City of Grande Prairie 1997 Annual Report
Table of Contents for this page:
Preface
This page contains the City of Grande Prairie Annual Report - 1997 in Review.
Annual Report - 1997 in Review.
The Mayor and Council
Message from the Mayor
This Annual Report celebrates Grande Prairie's year as the Forest Capital of Canada. The City was instrumental in securing the bid and supporting the many activities of the Forest Capital Committee. Through the City's Grande Advantage Fund, we supported many educational programs and legacy projects. That opportunity to promote forest awareness will be a legacy for the children of this area for years to come. I'm very proud of the recognition the title "Forest Capital of Canada" brought to our City and the region. I'm also proud of what our City is accomplishing through growth. We have some of the best schools and educational facilities in the province; and the third largest Chamber membership shows the strength of our business community and the economy. We have an expanding trade area that encompasses most of Northwestern Alberta and into British Columbia. Grande Prairie is also diverse in its offerings of recreation, culture, shopping and entertainment. In construction, 1997 saw Grande Prairie achieve great things. Probably the highlight was that there were more single family homes built here than anywhere in the province after Edmonton and Calgary! I invite you to read through this report and join Council and staff in being very proud of what has been accomplished over the past year in Grande Prairie.
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Grande Prairie City Council
Back row, from left: Alderman John Boyle, Alderman Oscar Blais, Alderman Harold McKay
Alderman Derek Taylor, Alderman David Biltek,
Front row, from left: Alderman Helen Rice, Alderman Margaret Heath,
Mayor Gordon Graydon and Alderman Carol-Lee Eckhardt.
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City Council Corporate Achievements
City Council revisited its Strategic Plan during 1997 and identified five new focus areas to pursue over the next few years. These focus areas include: Northern Regional Centre, Fiscal Responsibility, Modern "Smart" City, Safe and Caring Community and A Beautiful Northern City.
Northern Regional Center
• Grande Prairie designated the 1997 Forest Capital of Canada.
• Building permits totaled approximately $81 million.
• More than 475,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space was developed.
• Issued 593 residential building permits.
• The residential vacancy rate remained under .5%.
• Unemployment in the region was in the 3.7% range.
• Grande Prairie Airport transferred to the City.
• Grande Advantage Fund provided support dollars for community projects.
• Joint City/Chamber of Commerce projects initiated.
• City established virtual office presence in the Center for Business Development.
• City participated in Yellowknife Trade Show.
• Aquatics Review undertaken; pool upgrades approved.
• Mayor Gordon Graydon elected as Alberta Urban Municipalities Association President.
• New Resource Development position established.
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Fiscal Responsibility
• The City's capital debt was reduced from $27,364,516.23 to $23,806,967.31 (see chart, in Financial Services section, below).
• Opportunities to increase non-tax revenue pursued i.e. Fire Department.
• City shifting to an entrepreneurial approach to doing business.
• City participated in the Northwestern Utilities Rate Intervention Hearings.
• City prepared for move to market value assessments.
• Revenue sharing agreement in place with the County of Grande Prairie.
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Safe and Caring Community
• RCMP Business Plan approved with 12 new officers to be hired over the next four years.
• RCMP host Safe City Forums.
• RCMP establish Liaison Officer and Traffic Education and Prevention Officer positions.
• Fire Department Master Plan review underway.
• By-Law Department Review completed.
• Community Policing initiative development continues.
• G.P. Transit use promoted through free use days, cash draws and expanded routes.
• By-Law Department role expanded to include Transportation of Dangerous Goods enforcement and Fuel Tax Act.
• Council requested legislation to ban people from riding in the back of pick-up trucks and to name young offenders convicted of violent crimes.
• Snowmobile use in the City reviewed.
• RCMP Dispatch Service reviewed.
• City supported Technical Search and Rescue Association.
• Fire Department opened Northern Safety Training Centre.
• RCMP Property Crimes Unit established.
• Medical Co-Response initiated.
• Utility Master Plans updated.
• Improvements to the treatment process implemented at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
• 100 Street Functional Review undertaken.
• New Regional Ambulance System created (Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Medical Service).
• Quality Management Plan for gas and electrical approved.
• By-Law adopted to allow bicycles on sidewalks, except in the Downtown.
• Two new handi-vans purchased for Disabled Transportation.
• Neighborhood Watch Program revitalized.
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Beautiful Northern City
• Downtown Parking Management Strategy proposed.
• Downtown Strategic Action Plan approved.
• Park improvements approved for Avondale, Crystal View, North Patterson and Ivy Lake Estates.
• Recreation Master Plan adopted.
• South Bear Creek Park Development Plan adopted.
• Swanavon Area Redevelopment Plan adopted.
• Municipal Development Plan adopted.
• S.C.O.R.E.S. Agreement reviewed with School Districts and College.
• Waste Management initiatives implemented.
• Annual Residential Tree Planting Program approved.
• Summer Weed Control Program approved.
• Grande Prairie designated a "Green Streets Canada Community".
• New Eco Centre opened.
• Grande Prairie participated in "Communities in Bloom" Program.
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Modern "Smart" City
• City facilitated tie into a fibre optic network.
• Development of Geographic Information and Maintenance Management Systems progressed.
• City Hall Review initiated.
• CyberCity initiative underway.
• Policy (Red Tape) Review undertaken.
• Computer Software upgraded.
• Public information accessible through the City's Internet pages.
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Agencies, Boards and Committees
Standing Committees
• General Government Services Committee
• Planning and Community Development Committee
• Protective and Emergency Services Committee
• Public Works Committee
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Council Representatives
• Chamber of Commerce
• Forest Capital of Canada Society - 1997
• Grande Prairie Regional E.M.S. Board of Directors
• Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural and Exhibition Society
• Grande Spirit Foundation
• Northern CARE
• Peace Library System
• S.C.O.R.E.S.
• S.M.E.D.A. Board of Directors
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Council Committees
• Arts Development Committee
• Assessment Review Board
• City Hall Review Committee
• City/County Liaison Committee
• Downtown BRZ (Business Revitalization Zone) Board
• Emergency Services Location Committee
• Grande Prairie Airport Commission
• Joint Development Appeal Board
• Library Board
• Land Use By-Law Review Committee
• Policy Review Committee
• Pursuit of Excellence Committee
• Subdivision Approving Authority
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
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City Service Highlights
Message from the City Manager
I am very pleased to present the 1997 annual report. This has been another very busy year for our community and our organization. For much of the year Grande Prairie lead the way with the lowest unemployment rate in the Province. Many employers were finding difficulty in attracting skilled trades people and yet the pace of development continued. Subdivisions, housing and tremendous growth in the commercial sector made life very interesting and challenging.
From a civic point of view, this very positive growth cycle has placed a fair amount of stress and strain on your local government as we strive to keep pace with infrastructure demands. Throughout this challenge our municipal work force has proven to be our greatest asset. The positive side of growth means that our services and facilities must be examined and more efficient methods of using these facilities must be put in place. Of course, this approach can only take us so far until we must add or physically expand facilities. The trick is to do these things while still providing good value for your tax dollar. From a financial perspective, we ended the year with a surplus thanks to many factors including the very mild start to the 97/98 winter.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff for their dedication and efforts in 1997. Also, to the Mayor and members of City Council who have faced many difficult issues and questions but who have provided the type of guidance required to continue to make Grande Prairie The Greatest Place To Be!
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Human Resource Group
Ongoing change marked 1997 as the Human Resource Group was reorganized. Some of the changes included the return of the compensation and benefits function and an expanded role supporting the Corporate Leadership Team.
Our Safety Advisory Team and Employee Health & Safety Teams had a busy year. Members updated our health and safety program training manual and record keeping process, along with promoting and facilitating employee safety training and other related initiatives. Employee health and wellness concerns continued to be a focus area. Team members and employees worked very hard to prepare for our safety audit and as a result, we passed our 1997 Partners in Injury Reduction Program safety audit and received our certificate.
Ongoing support and assistance was provided for a wide range of employee staff development activities throughout the organization. A corporate staff development calendar was prepared to profile staff development events held throughout 1997 and these events were well attended.
The Human Resource Group assisted the organization with the review and renewal of our Corporate Mission and Values, working with the directors and a core group of employees appointed to set parameters. Individual employees in all City work units met to identify their key guiding beliefs. Human Resource staff, directors and core group representatives conducted 26 sessions with 195 employees (65 small groups) and their supervisors during March and April. The findings were compiled and as a result, our new Guiding Beliefs of Service/Caring, Integrity, Fun, Co-operation and Flexibility were introduced and new brochures and posters profiling our Vision, Mission and Guiding Beliefs developed and distributed.
During work team meetings, an assessment exercise was also undertaken in order to measure, from the participants' own perspectives, how they rated their units' performance compared to that of other high performance organizations. Assessments measured the six categories of productivity, team effectiveness, alignment, empowerment, commitment and inspiration. Results were compiled by work unit, service area and for the organization as a whole. This feedback will be utilized by the Corporate Leadership Team as a basis for planning ongoing initiatives for 1998.
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Fire Services
The Grande Prairie Fire Department continued to be involved in ongoing programs which provided new challenges and opportunities for Fire Department Members and our Customers. Members of the Department took on new services within the City and the region which will ensure that Grande Prairie continues to be a safe, viable community. Team members were involved in ongoing programs such as Learn Not to Burn and the Inspection programs while taking on new roles in Airport Protection, Water and Ice Rescue, Medical Response and Dispatch. Some of the major events surrounding fire emergencies in the City included an increase of 51 percent in emergency responses.
City property losses per capita showed a significant increase; up to $3.2 million in 1997 from $1.4 million in 1996; due mainly to three major fires - Keddie's, Napoli Pizza, and Woodland Do-It Center. Fire injuries continued to decline - only one civilian injury and one firefighter lost-time injury last year.
Probably the most significant highlight of the year in the service side was the 911 service initiated for nine communities and M.D.s, resulting in a 31% increase in the number of 911 calls. The Fire Department also took over dispatch services for six towns and villages as well as emergency medical dispatch for Grande Cache and Beaverlodge-Hythe.
See also Grande Prairie Fire Department 1997-2002 Business Plan (70 Kb). The mission, vision and strategic focus/priority statements summarize a new way of doing business for the department.
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Police - RCMP
Community policing and the assurance of safety to the citizens of Grande Prairie continued to be a major focus for the RCMP during 1997 in helping to make Grande Prairie the "safest place to be". Our Neighborhood Watch/Block Watch program was revitalized with three areas targeted in 1997 - V.L.A., Patterson and Avondale. With the creation of the School Liaison position, a variety of programs were available in the schools, including DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and PARTY (Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth).
Grande Prairie's first Property Crimes Unit was established in the fall of 1997. This unit investigates property related offenses including break-ins, thefts and vandalism. More than $50,000 worth of stolen property was recovered as a result of this new initiative.
Our Mountain Bike Unit continued to be very active, operating with two members from May 1 to September 30. A new initiative during the summer of 1997 was the Community Safety Officers. These officers worked toward a goal of crime reduction and increased contact between citizens and police during non-crises situations.
Traffic Services carried out several programs throughout the year to insure the safety of vehicles on the highway, promote safe driving and deter drinking and driving. Highway and routine City check stops were conducted and bicycle safety was promoted in the fall.
See also Policing Mission and Vision Statement - Grande Prairie detachment of Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
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Bylaw Services
Many new and exciting changes were implemented in the Bylaw area as a result of a major operational review during the year. We undertook customer service training and improvements were made to our customer inquiries and complaint handling process. In addition, a permanent Bylaw Coordinator was hired to manage the Department.
Greater awareness and education on the responsibilities of pet owners were provided through pamphlets and school presentations. A partnership with the S.P.C.A. operating the Animal Shelter was also initiated.
A review of parking in the Downtown resulted in the development of the 'Downtown Parking Management Strategy'. This strategy outlines planned improvements to parking over several years coordinated through the Bylaw Department.
We continued to work with several other local enforcement agencies including the RCMP, Motor Transport, and Mistahia Health Unit to promote a safe city.
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Engineering Department
Over one point two million dollars was spent on the 1997 Overlay Program. The long awaited Sandman Inn construction started which includes a number of City projects: a new parking lot behind Towne Centre Mall, a new bus terminal and the widening of 100 St. The twinning of the Highway 2 Bypass as part of the north/south trade route concept was completed except for landscaping. This work included the construction of two new lanes, new street lights, new traffic control lights, a new bridge and service road link to the Super 8 Motel.
We also launched and completed an erosion protection program for the banks of Bear Creek. As well, a survey of Resources Road was done in preparation for future design and construction.
A corporate Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) team was established in 1997. This team has been working towards a co-ordinated corporate G.I.S. in Engineering and an application in the Fire Department.
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Solid Waste Utility
The City implemented major changes to encourage waste reduction and alternatives to disposal this year. One of the things we launched was a Green Think line, which was used to inform and educate our community about waste reduction options. A three bag allowance for garbage was also introduced for residential waste collection and grass clippings and leaves were prohibited from disposal.
A separate curbside collection was provided at a fee, free drop off at a depot was made available and backyard composting and mulching were encouraged. Free curbside collection for grass and leaves was provided in the fall. A large volume of grass and leaves were diverted from the landfill and composted. Residential recycling increased by 60 % from 1996, largely due to the positive changes in waste collection and education of the public.
Probably the biggest highlight of the year was the Eco Centre opening in December. The Centre provides an opportunity for larger volume recycling, demonstration projects and further education. Its location next to the bottle depot provides a one stop recycling and diversion opportunity and enhances the City's partnership with Recycle Plus.
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Public Properties
A highlight of this Department was joining the Communities in Bloom Program. Downtown beautification was a part of this initiative with a focus on tree planting and more hanging flower baskets. Operations were adjusted to accommodate City growth and recent weather trends. Snow removal services were maintained at the highest level possible with appropriate adjustments to the budget. Park mowing services were below levels this year with adjustments made in budget and equipment for the coming year.
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Community Services
Our department distributed $38,000 in Pursuit of Excellence grants and $30,000 in festival funding was also distributed to establish new festivals in the community. The Department established Terms of Reference for the Arts Development Fund. There was a new Recreation Master Plan adopted and a greater link to the community was put in place with the creation of a Community Development Coordinator position.
In 1997, Community Planning assisted in the completion of several planning projects and provided ongoing support of subdivision approvals.
Completed projects included:
• a neighborhood plan for the Swanavon area to address residents' concerns with redevelopment within the area.
• preparation of a development plan for the South Bear Creek Park area to guide future decisions in this important recreational area.
• adoption of an area structure plan for a new neighborhood to be named Pinnacle Ridge located west of the Mission Heights area.
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Planning and Development
Permits for 381 single family dwellings valued at over $38 million were issued in 1997 compared to 281 single family dwellings valued at around $27 million in 1996. Total building construction value in 1997 was $81,327,472.00 compared to $48,339,792.00 the year before. All building categories exceeded or were about equal in construction value in 1997 over 1996.
The increase was especially noticeable in single family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, commercial and industrial.
Large projects this year include:
• Wal-Mart $4,200,000.00
• Additions to Heritage Lodge $2,022,000.00
• Alterations to Swanavon School $1,350,000.00
• Gregg Distributors $1,084,000.00
• Alterations to Canada Safeway $1,200,000.00
• Northland 91 Suite Apartment $2,094,000.00
• Northland Sandman Inn $2,406,000.00
In 1996 there were only six construction projects valued over one million dollars. Revenue at the end of the year was $798,966 compared to $501,337 in 1996. Off site levy fees collected in 1997 were $865,358 compared to $722,775 in 1996.
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Family and Community Support Services
The FCSS Department underwent major restructuring in 1997. With this change, FCSS now focuses more on community development and social planning. A highlight of the year came in December when the City, in partnership with the Wapiti Community Dorm Society and Canadian Mental Health Association opened the much needed Wapiti Lodge Dorm to house the chronically mentally ill, homeless persons and transients.
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Crystal Center
The Crystal Centre enjoyed its most successful year to date, fulfilling its mission to be the premiere entertainment and exhibition centre of the Northwest. The regional and multipurpose nature of the facility was positively highlighted and resulted in the presentation of events normally restricted to major markets, such as Lord of the Dance. Other sold out events included two Ice Capades shows, The Harlem Globetrotters, Paul Brandt concert, and Great Big Sea cabaret.
The major sports tenant, Grande Prairie Storm Hockey, continued to be the elite of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in performance and attendance. The focus for 1998 will be to attract, retain, and increase a diversified client base and to offer a variety of entertainment opportunities to the Northwest market.
See also the Crystal Centre website [frames, heavy graphics, animations, tables] - the Premiere Entertainment and Exhibition Centre of the Northwest.
See also Index for "City Facilities - Crystal Center" photos (75 Kb).
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Leisure Center
The Leisure Centre experienced a very successful year in many areas. As well as the ongoing programs and activities, we introduced new programs such as the Kidz Kamp at the Dave Barr arena which recovered its costs in the first year. Increased use of the Fitness/Weight room enabled us to recoup the costs of new weight training equipment in less than a year. Pool attendance was up and the Johnny MacDonald arena was running to capacity. There were also a number of building improvements including new lights, lane ropes and non-slip coating put down on the floor in the change room. A highlight for us was a new program called Food Bank Friday. Over $3000.00 in food bank items was collected and pool attendance quadrupled on Friday nights.
See also the Recreation Services Website: Frames version, or Noframes version.
See also Index for "City Facilities - Leisure Center" photos (35 Kb).
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Muskoseepi Park
During 1997, Muskoseepi Park was as busy as ever! We hosted 65 community special events with thousands of participants and spectators. Among the highlights were our Winterlude Festival, the 24 Hour Relay, Canada Day celebrations, the Great Peace Country Duck Race, our weekly summer concert series and many, many other events. Countless visitors also dropped by to take advantage of our facilities and outdoor spaces through all the seasons. Our school programs were taught to a record number of classes this year and the popular summer day camp program was once again a success providing fun summer activities to 241 children.
See also City Parks, Trails, Recreational Lakes and Green Spaces. The Photo Gallery contains three indexes of photos of Muskoseepi Park, its trails, amenities, recreational lake, outdoor pool, etc.
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Financial Statements and Reports
Financial Services
The financial management plan the City initiated in the 1980's and reviewed annually since inception is evidence of the benefits of planning and commitment. Long term debt outstanding is well within regulatory limits and the City Council debt benchmarks set out in the Financial Management and Debt Reduction Policy. The balance sheet of the organization is significantly stronger from adherence to the pay-as-you-go philosophy. In 1997 the outstanding long term debt was reduced to $23.8 million, a reduction of $3.6 million.
The primary focus for 1997 in the Financial Services area was coaching the organization and enabling the community through access to information. An organization wide change from character based to Windows 95 workstations was a significant undertaking for both Information Resources and the entire organization. This change will provide staff with the means for improved productivity and proficiency.
The City involvement in Cyber Space is a source of civic pride. At a 1997 conference of over 4,000 municipal officials, the City of Grande Prairie web site was touted the best municipal web site in Canada. This past year our site has grown from 122 pages to over 840 pages ranging from economic development information to Bylaw and policy details. Our site receives in excess of 20,000 page views monthly and is proving to be a major source of requests for information on all aspects of Grande Prairie.
In Purchasing our focus shifted from transaction to strategic procurement in 1997. Revisions to our self pay purchase order system have increased usage to 93% of all purchase transactions. The organization and the community realized a significant benefit from involvement of staff in the 1997 utility rate negotiations. Our focus on customer service has generated an increase in enrollment for pre-authorized and budget payment plans of utility customers to 15% of the customer base. Other improvements to service delivery in this area resulted from eliminating signed utility applications, revisiting customer deposit requirements and accepting telephone applications.
A general assessment was completed in 1997 as the first step in the move to market value assessment for the 1998 property tax levy. Our tax staff have developed an information package explaining this change and will distribute it to all taxpayers in 1998. The financial challenges of our growing community were identified and managed in 1997. This is foreseen as our primary challenge for managing the financial demands of our infrastructure and services in this expanding market. See also the Assessment/Taxation/Accounts Receivable Self-managed Team website.
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Consolidated Balance Sheet
See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Revenues
See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Expenditures
See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Statement of Operating Fund Equity
DECEMBER 31, 1997 Unaudited 1997 1996
Budget (restated
Revenues note 15)
Net municipal property taxes
(schedule 4) $ 17,797,054 $ 18,360,746 $ 17,546,259
Government transfers 1,750,842 3,027,233 2,328,707
User fees and sale of goods 12,793,516 14,884,347 12,225,754
Interest and investment income 801,049 906,534 1,042,142
Penalties and costs of taxes 170,000 183,646 174,045
Development levies 368,840 1,702,841 1,270,640
Franchise and concession contracts 1,631,300 1,719,470 1,412,282
Fines, rentals, licenses, permits 1,826,999 2,108,964 1,529,702
Other 540,747 1,416,304 1,802,943
----------- ----------- -----------
37,680,347 44,310,085 39,332,474
----------- ----------- -----------
Expenditures
Council, other legislative services 432,862 479,400 645,245
Administration services 1,475,490 2,304,649 873,270
Protective services 8,140,466 8,087,800 7,459,657
Transportation services 6,175,128 6,406,026 5,249,311
Utilities and disposal services 6,599,927 7,770,835 7,416,187
Public health and welfare services 916,143 859,416 932,639
Planning and development services 1,217,531 967,367 1,377,209
Recreation and cultural services 5,636,744 6,349,151 5,970,768
Other services 1,309 91,920 351,934
----------- ----------- -----------
30,595,600 33,316,564 30,276,220
----------- ----------- -----------
Excess
of revenues over expenditures 7,084,747 10,993,521 9,056,254
Net interfund transfers from (to):
Reserves 663,072 (1,827,834) (315,314)
Principal repayments
on long-term debt (3,800,819) (3,575,026) (6,047,057)
Capital projects
funded by operating fund (3,947,000) (3,729,939) (2,746,645)
----------- ----------- -----------
Change in fund balances $ - 1,860,722 (52,762)
=========== ----------- -----------
Fund balance - beginning as previously stated (33,235) 242,188
Change in accounting policy (note 15) (1,539,038) (1,761,699)
----------- -----------
Fund balance - beginning as restated (1,572,273) (1,519,511)
----------- -----------
Fund balance - ending $ 288,449 $ (1,572,273)
=========== ===========
Fund balance consists of:
City of Grande Prairie $ 280,120 $ (1,582,687)
Grande Prairie Public Library Board 8,329 10,414
----------- -----------
$ 288,449 $ (1,572,273)
=========== ===========
See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Unaudited 1997 1996
Budget (restated
note 15)
Revenues
Property taxes $ 31,413,182 $ 31,563,047 $ 29,489,113
Less: Education requisitions (11,870,626) (11,958,086) (10,679,352)
Other requisitions (150,502) (149,215) (150,502)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net municipal property taxes 19,392,054 19,455,746 18,659,259
Government transfers (schedule 5) 7,971,842 8,898,497 4,445,022
User fees and sale of goods 12,793,516 14,884,347 12,225,754
Interest and investment income 801,049 969,505 1,054,401
Penalties and costs of taxes 170,000 183,646 174,045
Development levies 368,840 1,702,841 1,270,640
Franchise and concession contracts 1,631,300 1,719,470 1,412,282
Fines, rentals, licenses, permits 1,826,999 2,108,964 1,529,702
Other 1,418,819 1,857,962 2,009,708
Donated physical assets (note 7) - 16,020,212 -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total Revenues 46,374,419 67,801,190 42,780,813
----------- ----------- -----------
Expenditures
Council and other legislative svces 432,862 479,400 645,245
Administration services 2,185,490 2,495,630 1,138,584
Protective services 8,140,466 8,136,624 7,661,342
Transportation services 16,314,128 29,657,501 9,418,686
Utilities and disposal services 7,343,927 9,656,409 8,393,074
Public health and welfare services 916,143 861,177 932,639
Planning and development services 1,217,531 967,367 1,377,209
Recreation and cultural services 6,021,744 6,685,587 6,506,173
Other services 1,309 116,920 352,101
----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenditures (schedule 6) 42,573,600 59,056,615 36,425,053
----------- ----------- -----------
Excess revenues over expenditures 3,800,819 8,744,575 6,355,760
Long-term debt issued - 219,900 400,000
Long-term debt repayments (3,800,819) (3,575,026) (6,047,057)
----------- ----------- -----------
Change in fund balances $ - 5,389,449 708,703
=========== ----------- -----------
Fund balance - beginning as previously stated 14,118,375 13,638,002
Change in accounting policy (note 15) (1,419,243) (1,647,573)
----------- -----------
Fund balance - beginning as restated 12,699,132 11,990,429
----------- -----------
Fund balance - ending $ 18,088,581 $ 12,699,132
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See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Statement of Capital Fund Equity
December 31, 1997 Unaudited 1997 1996
Budget (restated
note 15)
Revenues
Special taxation levies $ 1,595,000 $ 1,095,000 $ 1,113,000
Return on investments - 62,971 12,259
Federal government transfers 956,000 677,413 228,045
Provincial government transfers 5,265,000 5,014,291 1,825,744
Transfers from local boards, agencies - 179,560 62,526
Donated physical assets (note 7) - 16,020,212 -
Other 215,000 441,658 206,765
----------- ----------- -----------
8,031,000 23,491,105 3,448,339
Expenditures
Administration services 710,000 190,981 265,314
Protective services - 48,824 201,685
Transportation services 10,139,000 23,251,475 4,169,375
Utilities and disposal services 744,000 1,885,574 976,887
Public health and welfare services - 1,761 -
Recreation and cultural services 385,000 336,436 535,405
Other services - 25,000 167
----------- ----------- -----------
11,978,000 25,740,051 6,148,833
Excess (Deficiency)
of revenues over expenditures (3,947,000) (2,248,946) (2,700,494)
Net interfund transfers
from (to) operating fund 3,947,000 3,729,939 2,746,645
Long-term debt proceeds - 219,900 400,000
----------- ----------- -----------
Change in fund balances $ - 1,700,893 446,151
===========
Fund balance - beginning 252,341 (193,810)
----------- -----------
Fund balance - ending $ 1,953,234 $ 252,341
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See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
DECEMBER 31, 1997 1997 1996
(restated
note 15)
ASSETS
CURRENT
Cash and temporary investments (note 2) $ 19,562,643 $ 15,721,210
Taxes and grants in lieu receivable (note 3) 167,935 450,283
Trade and other receivables (note 4) 2,006,071 1,525,168
Prepaid expenditures 426,009 304,882
Land held for resale 1,808,471 2,896,053
Agreements receivable (note 5) 842,188 158,110
Investments (note 6) 61 61
----------- -----------
TOTAL FINANCIAL ASSETS 24,813,378 21,055,767
PHYSICAL ASSETS (note 7) 260,260,263 234,871,706
----------- -----------
$285,073,641 $255,927,473
=========== ===========
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 4,845,797 $ 5,180,112
Deferred revenue (note 8) 488,532 642,477
Long-term debt (note 9) 24,009,390 27,364,516
----------- -----------
29,343,719 33,187,105
=========== ===========
MUNICIPAL EQUITY
EQUITY IN PHYSICAL ASSETS 237,641,342 210,041,236
CAPITAL FUND (Statement of Capital Fund Equity) 1,953,234 252,341
----------- -----------
239,594,576 210,293,577
OPERATING FUND (Statement of Operating Fund Equity) 288,449 (1,572,273)
RESERVE FUND (Statement of Reserve Fund Equity) 15,846,897 14,019,064
----------- -----------
255,729,922 222,740,368
----------- -----------
$285,073,641 $255,927,473
=========== ===========
See also the complete audited year-end Financial Statements for 1997 (77 Kb), including auditor's notes, etc.
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Customer Services
Helping to make Grande Prairie the Greatest Place to be! For inquiries about
this service Visit this Department or Phone
Accounts Payable Finance 538-0305
Accounts Receivable Tax/Assessment 538-0437
Administration City Manager 538-0312
Business Licenses Bylaw 538-0378
Census City Clerk 538-0314
Chauffeur Permits Bylaw 538-0378
City Council/Committee Mtgs City Clerk 538-0314
Commissioner For Oaths Svc City Clerk 538-0314
Cultural Activities Community Services 538-0380
Animal Control/Licenses Bylaw 538-0378
Driveways Engineering 538-0417
Economic Development City Manager 538-0312
Election City Clerk 538-0314
Facilities/Facility Booking Community Services 538-0407
Family and Community Support Community Services 538-0409
Financial Statement/Matters Financial Services 538-0302
Fire Operations Fire Hall 538-0393
General Survey Information Engineering 538-0417
Insurance Claims City Clerk 538-0338
Interpretive Services Muskoseepi Park 538-0451
Land Planning and Development 538-0421
Legal Matters City Clerk 538-0338
Maps Engineering 538-0417
New Road Construction Engineering 538-0417
New Sewer and Water Const Utilities 538-0348
Parking Tickets/Meters Bylaw 538-0378
Permits:
Building/Development Planning and Development 538-0421
Demolition Planning and Development 538-0421
Moving Planning and Development 538-0421
Occupancy Planning and Development 538-0421
Plumbing/Heating Planning and Development 538-0421
Signs Planning and Development 538-0421
Police RCMP 538-5701
Proclamations Mayor's Office 538-0310
Purchasing Purchasing 538-0344
Pool-Leisure Centre Leisure Centre 538-0455
Recreation and Sports Recreation Services 538-0380
Road Maintenance Field Operations 538-0354
Service Connection Permits Planning and Development 538-0421
Taxes/Assessment Tax 538-0315
Tenders Purchasing 538-0344
Traffic Signs/Data Engineering 538-0417
Transit Service Field Operations 538-0337
Water/Sewer Billing Utility Billing 538-0340
Water and Sewer Maintenance
and Wastewater Treatment Utilities 538-0348
Zoning/Development Info Planning and Development 538-0421
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1997 in Review
JANUARY
• Open house held for Pursuit of Excellence Fund
• 1997 Forest Capital of Canada Events begin
• New Year's Eve "First Footings Celebrations"
• Two sold out shows of the Ice Capades at Crystal Centre
• Christmas Tree Mulch collects approximately 4300 trees
FEBRUARY
• Fire Department completes Ice Rescue Training
• Sold out show of the Harlem Globetrotters at Crystal Centre
• "Winterlude" Family Fun Day - Muskoseepi Park
• Fire Department takes over responsibility for Airport fire protection
MARCH
• City opens Green Think line (538-0452) so that residents can call for information on solid waste services
• Home Show at Crystal Centre
• Fire Department completes Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Course
• Easter Egg Hunt - Muskoseepi Park
• Old Timers Hockey Challenge at Crystal Centre
• Fire dispatch services begin for Sexsmith Fire Department
APRIL
• City implements a three bag allowance on household garbage collection
• Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce Trade Show at Crystal Centre
• Bylaw Department coordinates annual bike auction
• Grande Prairie Auto Dealers Show at Crystal Centre
• City begins a new composting program
MAY
• Rotary Green-A-Thon
• Composting Awareness Week
• Grande Prairie Composite High School Graduation Ceremony at Crystal Centre
• Teddy Bears' Picnic - Muskoseepi Park
• Department launches new Water Rescue Unit
• Unicef Children's Carnival - Muskoseepi Park
JUNE
• City bids to host 2000 Alberta Summer Games
• Blue Rodeo concert at Crystal Centre
• Environment Week
• Household Toxic Roundup
• 1997 World Police & Fire Games Provincial Torch Relay makes its Northwest run from Grande Prairie
• Fire Department completes Swift Water Rescue Training
• Students Against Drinking and Driving (SADD)
• Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Ukrainian Dance and Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Learn Not To Burn Program graduates 1423 students
• 24 Hour Relay - Muskoseepi Park
• Aboriginal Awareness Day
• Full Gospel Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Volleyball Tournament - Muskoseepi Park
JULY
• Canada Day
• Les Bucheron Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Fire dispatch services begin for LaGlace Fire Department
• Great Peace Country Duck Race - Muskoseepi Park
• Watchtower Convention at Crystal Centre
• Jerusalem Ridge Concert - Muskoseepi Park
AUGUST
• Heritage Day
• 12 Gauge Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Shriners Convention at Crystal Centre
• Family Fun Day - Muskoseepi Park
• Grande Prairie Storm Exhibition series at Crystal Centre
• Prairie Celidh Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Battle of the Bands - Muskoseepi Park
SEPTEMBER
• 2000 Alberta Summer Games awarded to City of Grande Prairie
• Household Toxic Roundup
• Grande Prairie Storm season opens
• Free Transit services offered for the first day of school
• Terry Fox Run - Muskoseepi Park
• Kaybridge Puppet Show - Muskoseepi Park
• Forest Capital Reverse Trade Show at Crystal Centre
• Fishing Derby - Muskoseepi Park
• Andre Phillip Gagnon concert at Crystal Centre
• Toys for Tots
• Kid Stuff trade show at Crystal Centre
• AIDS Walk - Muskoseepi Park
• Downtown Parking Token program begins
• Amanda Marshall concert at Crystal Centre
• SPCA Dog Jog - Muskoseepi Park
OCTOBER
• Mayor Gordon Graydon elected President of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA)
• Fall Yard Waste Program
• Fire Department begins Emergency Medical Co-response Program
• Ma Fletcher Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Bylaw Department participates in the Jail-N-Bail
• World of Women trade show at Crystal Centre
• Emergency Medical Dispatch services begin for Grande Cache Emergency Medical Services
• Fire dispatch services begin for Grande Cache Fire Department
• Jann Arden concert at Crystal Centre
• Fire dispatch services begin for Hythe Fire Department
• City hosts Alberta City Managers' Conference
• Grande Prairie Transit holds the "Take the Bus on Us and Win" Sweepstakes
• Take Your Kids to Work Day
NOVEMBER
• Guidelines developed for Arts Development Fund (Canada Games Legacy)
• CCR concert at Crystal Centre
• Sold out performance of Lord of the Dance at Crystal Centre
• Comic Book Exchange - Muskoseepi Park
• Moscow on Ice at Crystal Centre
• Fire Department opens Northern Safety Training Centre
• Sold out Paul Brandt concert at Crystal Centre
• Fire dispatch begins for Wembley Fire Department
• Fine Art and Craft Show and Sale at Crystal Centre
• Christmas Craft Sale - Muskoseepi Park
• Sold out Great Big Sea cabaret at Crystal Centre
• Festival of Trees at Crystal Centre
• Kinsmen Auction at Crystal Centre
DECEMBER
• Grand opening of the Eco-Centre, a large recycling depot for both commercial and residential clients
• Nutcracker on Ice at Crystal Centre
• Fire dispatch services begins for Beaverlodge Fire Department
• Emergency Medical dispatch services begins for Beaverlodge-Hythe Medical Services
• $30,000 of Festival Funding is distributed in 1997
• St. Joseph's Christmas Eve Service at Crystal Centre
• $38,000 of Pursuit of Excellence Funding is distributed in 1997
• Grande Prairie Transit offers free service on New Year's Eve
• Senior Citizens' Christmas Lights Tour
• Winter Sports Equipment Sale - Muskoseepi Park
• Students Against Drinking & Driving (SADD) Sound Off Send Off
• Christmas Carol Concert - Muskoseepi Park
• Fire Department begins dispatch services for PACE crisis line
• Fire Department is selected to provide dispatch services for Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Medical Services
• Bylaw Department participates in Candy Cane Check Stop with RCMP and SADD
• School's Out Skate Pond Opening - Muskoseepi Park
• 9-1-1 receives 12,630 calls during 1997
• Woodchopper's Ball wraps up "1997 Forest Capital of Canada" festivities
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A Look Ahead to 1998
While 1997 has been a very successful year, 1998 is shaping up to be every bit as good, if not better. Private sector investment is pushing our City from all sides; and our positioning as the regional center continues to take shape. Facilities such as Crystal Center will be home to more world class events and will continue to help Grande Prairie become more well known both regionally and across North America.
A major change in the provincial assessment system will hit Grande Prairie as we move toward market value assessment. This change will make it easier for all community members to understand the relationship between our home value and our local tax bill.
Our utility system will be under tremendous pressure to expand and improve as will our road system. New or improved facilities like fire halls, civic space and recreation facilities will be topics of discussion throughout the year. The fall of 1998 will see municipal elections throughout the province. Our local election should prove to be an exciting race as current and new candidates vie for the right to set direction and policy for our community.
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