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History

The History of the Grande Prairie Detachment

The presence of the Force in the Grande Prairie area in the latter part of the 19th century and during the 1st two decades of the 20th century was intermittent.  In fact, Grande Prairie was opened and closed 4 times between 1910 and 1929.  It reopened again in 1932, with 1 sergeant and 3 constables and has remained open ever since. 

Through the years, the Force's presence has brought law and order to one of Canada's last frontiers.  Although homesteading is not what it used to be, the Grande Prairie area is still on the leading edge of gas and oil explorations and other resource development.  This activity led to a dramatic increase in the detachment's establishment from the period 1978 - 1981, when the gas exploration "boom" hit.  As the City of Grande Prairie continues to grow, so does the need for additional  resources.  In 1983 the Municipal establishment was 28 member.  In 1990 it grew to 38, and in 2006 there will be 64 members located in the new building.

Although the needs for policing and the demands made on Force personnel are far greater now than in 1909, members of the RCMP who have been posted at Grande Prairie have good reason to be proud on their contribution and  partnership with the City of Grande Prairie.