The six-day Iskoteo Arts Festival, highlighted by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards, wrapped up Sunday.
What a phenomenal success!
The festival demonstrated that this City and region produce high-calibre artists and artisans, and we also provide residents and visitors top-level cultural offerings.
It once again illustrates that this community is capable of staging first-class provincial, national and international events. I extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in planning and producing this fabulous arts festival and gala.
Iskoteo benefitted from the usual high level of volunteer participation we have come to expect in Grande Prairie. As well, this event set a standard for collaboration between organizations.
And, of course, Iskoteo also occurred just as the Montrose Cultural Centre was opening its doors. What a splendid addition to our growing range of attractions! This venue will draw visitors from near and far and, more importantly, firmly establishes Grande Prairie as a centre of arts and culture.
Community Energy System
Last Monday saw Council sitting as Council Committee of the Whole vote to not proceed with connecting the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex to the Community Energy System followed significant debate around the Council table and a lot of discussion in the community and the media.
It can happen that a municipality is faced with a project that seems to be a great idea, but finds flaws when the details are examined.
The CES is one such case. There was just not enough sound information to convince most of council that the project is viable at this time. Several factors remain of concern, including the absence of a solid list of partners, financing, security of fuel supply, nature of fuel, and time lines.
The system is designed to provide heat from the Cogeneration facility to a variety of facilities, ranging from the Multiplex, to the City Service Centre, the Peace Wapiti Public School Division building, and Grande Prairie Regional College.
Council will vote again on this issue at its June 29 meeting.
Community Planning
Several key planning processes are under way in Grande Prairie and open houses were held this week for two of them – the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) update and the draft amendment to the Montrose Section of the Downtown Enhancement Plan.
Key highlights from the MDP Residents Survey, Focus Group Sessions and the Public Information Meeting conducted in the past year were presented at Tuesday’s Open House.
Feedback on the MDP, which will guide growth and development in Grande Prairie for the next 20-25 years, will be integrated into the earlier draft Council reviewed. The finalized plan could be ready for approval in the fall.
The amendment to the Montrose Section of the Downtown Enhancement Plan outlines a plan for the southern portion of the former Montrose School site, south of the new Montrose Cultural Centre – the new Library/Gallery facility.
Comments received at the open house will be forwarded to the South Montrose Site Steering Committee for consideration in the draft document before submitting the amendment to Council.
As with the MDP process, it will be important to ensure we have input from all stakeholders to ensure this development has strong community support.
