Spotlight Items

City of Grande Prairie’s Pursuit of Excellence Committee members Lorne Radbourne, Chair and Bob Neufeld were on hand at the school this morning to present two scholarship and two athlete development awards to four outstanding athletes from Peace Wapiti Academy.

As a part of the City of Grande Prairie’s ongoing efforts to provide the best winter snow and ice control services, our city maintenance crews have started snow removal operations in our residential areas.

Construction on the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex has begun!

A groundbreaking ceremony was held today to mark the start of work on the complex. Excavation activity began on Nov. 17 and this part of the project is expected to take up to three months. Opening of the facility is pegged at September 2011.

Residents, businesses and community stakeholders have the opportunity to help shape Grande Prairie’s future.

A public information meeting is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 2 to gather input on how growth and development should occur as the City updates its Municipal Development Plan (MDP).

RCMP continue to investigate how a quantity of white powder found its way into a package of equipment delivered to a local manufacturing business.

Grande Prairie and area residents can experience the Olympic spirit first hand. The City is one of 1,000 communities where the Olympic Torch will pass through on its way to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games.

City Council today completed its 2011 Operational Budget deliberations with discussion focussing on balancing community needs with current economic uncertainty.

The City of Grande Prairie and the Community Housing and Supports for Everyone (gpCHASE) Advisory Board invite submissions for funding proposals under the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Provincial Homelessness Initiative.

“Lazy is not a disability!”  November 24 – 28 is Accessible Parking Awareness Week.  Enforcement Services will be increasing its enforcement of disabled parking stalls during this week. 

City Council has made adjustments to its 2009 budget and Thursday completed its proposed 2011 capital budget.

City Council has scheduled five days over the next two weeks to do a 2009 mini-budget review and to finalize 2011 capital and operational budgets for the municipality.

New traffic lights installed on 68th Ave. at Countryside will go into use starting Wednesday, Nov. 12.

The lights, part of the road widening project along that section of 68th Ave., are flashing red at the four-way stop in the interim.

Nearly 55 City of Grande Prairie employees can assist individuals experiencing cardiac arrest using the Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Christmas 2009 will bring a special gift to Grande Prairie – a new community temporary housing facility.

(Grande Prairie, Alberta) - Throughout the month of November, Grande Prairie RCMP, along with our enforcement partners, will step up efforts to educate the public on pedestrian safety.  Walking is part of a healthy lifestyle, and is many Albertan’s primary form of transportation, particularly children and youth.  In 2006, almost 40 per cent of the drivers in collisions involving a pedestrian failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.

Collision data within the City indicates that 89% or serious injury and fatality collisions occur at intersections.  Using the same collision data, the City has determined that red light violations are a significant factor into these collisions and has implemented a red light camera system with hopes of ultimaely reducing the number of people injured or killed in our community.

Basically, the system predicts and records vehicles that proceed into the intersection after the traffic light is red.  This includes vehicles that make right turns on a red light without stopping first (according to the Traffic Safety Act, drivers are still required to stop before making a right turn).  These videos are then reveiwed by an officer, and if they agree, a ticket is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle.

For more information on this initiative, click on the following link, which will take you to our webpage, which outlines the red light camera system, and allows owners of vehicles who have received a violation ticket to view a video of their violation:

Click here for more information on the City’s red light camera system.

Aboriginal residents can apply for a grant toward a down payment on a home thanks to a new provincially funded affordable housing program implemented by the City of Grande Prairie.

Mayor Dwight Logan was flanked by Ralph Barteski, Sargeant at Arms with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54, and Branch President Phil Dupuis, on Oct. 30 as Legion representatives visited City Hall to mark the start of poppy sales to commemorate Remembrance Day, November 11.

The Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex is a go!

The tender for construction of the facility was awarded today by City Council to Wright Construction Western Inc. of Saskatoon for $98,179,295, resulting in a $20 annual increase to the average property owner in 2011 and 2012, or $1.66 per month.

The total project cost is $109.6 million.

Here’s your chance to have a say on the future of Muskoseepi Park.

All residents are encouraged to provide input into the Muskoseepi Park Master Planning process by participating in our survey.

Terry Welsh is the new Community Services Director at the City of Grande Prairie.

Currently the Director of Recreation and Parks Services at the City of Brooks, Welsh replaces Greg Scerbak, who became City Manager on July 1. His appointment was made official at City Council Monday night.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception today officially opened Hearthstone Manor, Grande Prairie’s 40-unit affordable housing facility.

“We are proud of this project and the leadership role we have taken to address housing needs in our community,” says Mayor Dwight Logan.

About 50 Grande Prairie residents attended the City’s first in a series of Town Hall meetings on Oct. 16 at the Golden Age Centre. Topics ranged from the status of the Multiplex facility to beautification, road construction and maintenance, parks, housing, transit, snow removal, bylaw enforcement, and architectural standards. The City plans to have up to three Town Hall meetings annually to improve communication with residents. The next Town Hall meeting is scheduled for February.

The first in a series of Town Hall Meetings planned by the City of Grande Prairie is set for tonight at the Golden Age Centre.

“This meeting is for residents to tell us what is on their minds,” say Mayor Dwight Logan. “The public is invited to come out to speak to members of council and administration on any topic they are interested in. That may be ideas on how to improve the community or questions or concerns about municipal services, programs or infrastructure.

A City of Grande Prairie Transit bus wrapped in Arctic Winter Games images will soon be driving throughout the community carrying the message that excitement is building for the 2010 event and encouraging everyone to get on board.

The City of Grande Prairie’s Economic Development Department is leaving no stone unturned in promoting employment, investment and business opportunities in the region at upcoming and recent showcases across Canada.

Motorists are advised that 92 Street will be closed from the 132 Avenue intersection, north to the City Limits on Thursday October 16, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  

This will allow crews to carry out intersection improvements.  Detour signs will be in place and motorists are advised to use 97 Street as an alternative route.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we make enhancements to the roadway,” says Robert Carroll, Transportation Services Manager.

This Friday, October 10, is the deadline for City and County of Grande Prairie residents to submit applications for flood damage relief from the July 17, 2007 storm.  Any applications received after October 10, 2008, will not be eligible for assistance.

Breaking ground for Aquatera’s $8.3 million water system upgrade project on Monday Oct. 6, at the start of the future location of the transmission line at 134 Ave. and 97B, represented collaboration among local municipalities and funding partners. Turning the sod is, from left, City of Grande Prairie Mayor Dwight Logan, Peace River MP Chris Warkentin, County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Reeve Everett McDonald, Grande Prairie Smoky Constituency Manager Marie Buck, Sexsmith Mayor Claude Lagace, and Aquatera Board Member Rick Pfliger. The two-phase project involves a water reservoir expansion and extension of water transmission lines in the city. The federal and provincial governments injected $5.5 million into the project through the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (CAMRIF). Aquatera provided the remaining funds.

The City of Grande Prairie will continue to have a strong voice for municipalities at the provincial and federal levels. Alderman Helen Rice was re-elected Friday as Vice-President, Mid Sized Cities with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA).

Municipal elections should be held in the spring every four years, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association – prompted by resolutions from the City of Grande Prairie – will urge the Alberta Government.

The Grande Prairie Communities in Bloom Committee unveiled one of the community’s heritage trees Tuesday September 30 on the corner of 102 Street and 93 Avenue.

According to the regulations of the Traffic Safety Act, carriers who have trucks and trailers with tridem axle groups that operate off of primary or secondary highways, must have permission from the local road authority before operating that vehicle with full weights. If the carrier does not have permission, the axle weight permitted on that particular axle group needs to be reduced to 17,000 kgs (vs. 21,000 – 24,000 kgs depending on the configuration).

The first in a series of Town Hall Meetings planned by the City of Grande Prairie is set for Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Golden Age Centre.

“I am delighted to see this initiative get underway,” says Mayor Dwight Logan. “This first meeting will be in a central location and others are going to be held in schools and community facilities in neighbourhoods across the City.”

Motorists are advised that the entry to the Countryside South neighbourhood will be closed this Sunday, Sept. 28, beginning at 8 a.m. for approximately six hours. 

The entry is located at 90th Street and 68th Ave. This closure will enable a finishing layer of pavement to be laid at the intersection. 

The alternate entry/exit to Countryside South on that day will be at 88A Street. 

“We thank residents and visitors to the neighbourhood for their patience taking a detour,” says Steve Kay, Project Engineer. “This work and other enhancements in the Countryside South area will mean more effective flow of traffic.”

Today and Tomorrow. The Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce is marking the City’s 50th Anniversary with a full-colour, 108-page book by that title. It serves as a snapshot in time of the community today and looks ahead to an exciting future.

The book was produced with financial assistance through the City’s 50th Anniversary community fund and is available at the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Grande Prairie, Al’s News, Forbes and Friends, the Centre 2000 Gift Shop, the hospital gift shop, and Maxim Storage.

The City is holding an open house On September 17 and conducting a survey to allow the public to share their opinions in creating the future plans for Muskoseepi Park. This includes the Bear Creek North, Reservoir, Crystal Lake, Centennial Park, Trail System, and Bear Creek South areas of the urban park system. You can fill out the survey now. The open house starts at 7PM at Muskoseepi Park Pavillion. 

The tender for the construction of the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex closed Thursday with one bidder.

Wright Construction Western Inc. of Saskatoon submitted a bid of $104,273,000 for the facility. It will be part of the Community Knowledge Campus and connect to the Coca-Cola Centre, the Gymniks building and St. Joseph High School at 68th Ave. and Wapiti Road.

Alderman Gladys Blackmore, right, checks out A Muskoseepi Walk in Autumn with artist Valerie Ditch during the Grande Prairie Guild of Artists 50th Anniversary Reception and Sale on Sept. 11 in the City Hall foyer. Experiencing Grande Prairie, featuring 22 paintings of 12 local artists, was a show dedicated to Grande Prairie’s 50th Anniversary as a city. The paintings adorned the walls of the first floor of City Hall since mid-June.

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) held a public forum last night to gather input to create a Community Housing Plan.

The event, held at the Golden Age Centre, enabled community members to share their experiences with housing, affordability, and homelessness in the City of Grande Prairie.

Re:   Proposed Transportation Off-site Levy Bylaw C-1197

The purpose of Bylaw C-1197 is to establish Transportation Off-site Levies for land to be developed or subdivided.  This bylaw will replace the Transportation System Levy Policy 604.

A copy of the proposed bylaw is available at the Legislative Services Department, 2nd Floor City Hall, 10205-98 Street, Grande Prairie, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or may be accessed at cityofgp.com/citygov/bylaws.  Enquiries regarding this proposed bylaw may be made by calling (780) 538-0388.

The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) has recognized the City of Grande Prairie for Organizational Commitment to Creating a Positive Learning Culture for All Employees in its Awards of Excellence for Municipal Workplace Literacy and Learning Achievements. The City’s Workplace Learning Committee presented the CAMA plaque to Mayor Dwight Logan at Council’s Sept. 8 meeting. With the Mayor, from left, are committee members Audrey Cerny, Donelda Laing, Randy Wald, and Josy Burrough.  Other committee members are Brenda Adams, Casey Law, Joyce Mearon, Kristi Nelson, Leanne Thompson, and Todd Russell. They are joined by Wendy Gregg of Aquatera and CUPE representative Judy Barry.

The Crystal Centre is good to go with on-line ticketing!  The Box Office along with the City of Grande Prairie’s Information Resources Department and ticket service provider AudienceView are pleased to offer the new service.

Crystal Centre Box Office Manager Karen Podmore says, “We did a soft roll out a few months ago.  We wanted to make sure we worked out any glitches and have done just that.”

Six area agencies have partnered to present a two-day conference geared to helping participants enhance their ability to plan and respond to emergencies and work more effectively with other organizations.

The City of Grande Prairie Planning Department is hosting an open house on September 9, 2008 to answer questions regarding the recently annexed land from the County of Grande Prairie and to explain the rezoning of these properties to UR-Urban Reserve.  The 896 hectares of land that has been annexed into the city as of June 30, 2008 is currently classified under County zoning; in order to bring the land into the Land Use Bylaw the City of Grande Prairie has to rezone it to reflect municipal zoning.  Details regarding the rezoning will be displayed during the open house at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion Auditorium on September 9, 2008 from 7-9pm. 

The city of Grande Prairie has recently annexed 896 hectares of land from the County of Grande Prairie and is undergoing the zoning change of these lands to reflect municipal zoning.  The recently annexed properties are emphasized in dark grey on the map below will be zoned to UR - Urban Reserve.

The City of Grande Prairie’s Fire Department is hosting a number of recruitment sessions in early September for people interested in a career as a firefighter. The first is Wednesday Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. at the Pete Eagar Fire Station on Resources Road.

Mayor Dwight Logan officially opened the extension of 102 Street today, a project that will improve traffic flow in the northern section of the city.

The street was extended between 113 Ave. and 116 Ave. at a cost of $1.7 million. Work began in May.

The City of Grande Prairie has begun recruiting for its vacant Community Services Director position.

Responsible for the Arenas Group, Aquatics and Wellness, Community Development, Family and Community Support Services, Heritage Resources, Parks, and Recreation and Culture, the opportunity was made available when former Director Greg Scerbak became City Manager on July 1.

The City of Grande Prairie has begun recruiting for its vacant Community Services Director position.

Family and Community Support Services is partnering with the Prairie Art Gallery and the Cool Aid Society to present the 50th Anniversary Youth Art Mural at the Grande Prairie Museum on Thursday, August 21, 2008.  The event begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 6:30 p.m.

If you are looking for ways to stay active and busy this fall the new Fall issue of Community Connections will be out in Wednesday's Daily Herald Tribune.  There are programs for adults and youth, preschoolers and Seniors including fitness, education, arts and much, much more.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today at J.C. Mackie Park, named in honour of the Mayor in office when Grande Prairie became a City 50 years ago.

Grande Prairians had their cake and ate it, too!

The City’s 50th Anniversary Homecoming festivities concluded Sunday with a re-enactment of the delivery of its charter 50 years ago, a Homecoming Heroes parade and an 8-foot cake enjoyed by hundreds of City residents and visitors, who also took in the Heritage Festival in Muskoseepi Park.

The Government of Alberta has approved an annexation of land by the City of Grande Prairie from the County of Grande Prairie that will provide the municipality another 896 hectares of land comprising various lot sizes surrounding the community.

Get ready to rock’n roll, Grande Prairie!  

Who is Grande Prairie’s best Elvis? What lady looks most like Barbie? Who can hula-hoop the best?

Share information and learn from others, across northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, about how we can prepare our communities for an emergency.

This Forum will create:

§ Opportunities for networking

§ Enhanced partnerships

§ Essential connections for planning and responding to an emergency

Please see web link for more information:

http://www.pchr.ca/Events/CommunityEmergencyPreparednessResiliencyForu/tabid/831/Default.aspx

Muskoseepi Park will have trail access interruptions in the Mission Heights area today, tomorrow, and Thursday between 8am and 5pm.  A FireSmart project is being carried out in this location in partnership with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development.  This involves men and equipment clearing out accumulated deadfall and underbrush which may pose a fire hazard. Please exercise caution when walking in this area.

The City of Grande Prairie is asking for input on this question:

“Should the City stop performing dandelion control on City lands?”

For more information and to give us your input please fill out our survey which can be obtained by one of the following methods:

The City of Grande Prairie advises motorists that a four-phase roadway improvement project may cause delays over the next two months in the 68th Ave. and 90th/92nd Street area by Countryside subdivision.

Check out the Summer Edition of the CAMA Connection newsletter with a special on the Municipal Literacy Project.  CAMA President, Barry Carroll, presented the 2008 Awards of Excellence to several municipalities including the City of Grande Prairie.  Joyce Mearon and Josy Burrough were in Quebec City to accept our award.

 http://www.camacam.ca/downloads/cama-newsletter-2008-summer-e.pdf

Judges for the national Communities in Bloom program, Odette Sabourin-Dumais and Evelyn Alemanni, will arrive in our community this afternoon. Both Odette and Evelyn have volunteered extensively with the Communities in Bloom program and have judged communities around the world.

The Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness (ASAH) is visiting several cities who are underway with plans to address homelessness. Representatives were in Grande Prairie Thursday and Friday and among the stops they made was a tour of Hearthstone Manor, the City’s 40-unit affordable housing complex, due for opening in September.

The City of Grande Prairie is partnering with the DavTee Society to provide educational materials to children in Ethiopia. From left, society co-founder Teresa Plante, Leo Frey of Cat Rentals, Mayor Dwight Logan, and David Plante, co-founder, are shown with a 40-foot canister donated by Cat Rentals. It is located at the Zeller’s Lot at Prairie Mall for collecting textbooks and school supplies to send to Ethiopia in the fall.

From left, Mayor Dwight Logan and Ald. Bill Given welcomed Marcelo da Luz (far right) to Grande Prairie on Saturday. The Toronto resident is attempting a world distance record attempt by driving from Buffalo, N.Y. to Inuvik, N.W.T and back in a solar-powered car that he built himself.  In the process, da Luz is promoting the use of clean and sustainable energy through the project called The Power of One. Also shown in the photo are volunteers Carrie McKellar of Vancouver, Moritz Noster from Göttiugen, Germany, and Tippy Agogo from Edmonton.

The City of Grande Prairie is holding a big party on the August long weekend and everyone is invited!

In fact, residents attending Tuesday’s Canada Day Parade will be handed an invitation in the shape of a record album that provides every detail of the four days of festivities.

Prompt action is crucial!  Alberta Sustainable Resource Development confirms that local populations of adult Mountain Pine Beetles have emerged and are now looking for new pine trees to attack.

The shovel will go into the ground by the end of September to begin construction on Grande Prairie’s Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex.

The City of Grande Prairie has begun a strategic planning process to update its Municipal Development Plan and residents have opportunities to provide input through a newspaper and online survey as well as upcoming open houses.

Greg Scerbak is the new City Manager.

The current Director of Community Services, Scerbak accepted City Council’s offer Wednesday. His new position will be ratified at Monday’s Council meeting.

Alberta has remained free of Dutch Elm Disease and it’s important residents here continue their vigilant to avoid an outbreak, the City’s Integrated Pest Management Co-ordinator says.

Mayor Dwight Logan was presented with a Hometown Heroes vest at City Council Monday night by Ald. Gladys Blackmore, Council’s representative on the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone Board. The DownTown Association and the City’s Heritage Resources Department co-sponsored the Hometown Heroes program which honoured 80 Hometown Heroes, including Mayor Logan, Ald. Rice and Protective Services Director Bill Walker.

Residents can have input into the VLA/Montrose Area Redevelopment Plan Thursday, June 19 at a public meeting.

The Grande Prairie Fire Department is hosting an open house Tuesday, June 17 aimed at encouraging local residents to consider a career in fire fighting.

It’s Frank Sinatra … no … it’s Nat King Cole …or is that Jerry Lee Lewis? Or Tommy James?

The foyer of City Hall is alive with the sights of Grande Prairie.

Twenty-two paintings, mostly watercolours, adorn the walls of the first floor of the building. They form an exhibition by the Guild of Artists honouring the 50th Anniversary of Grande Prairie as a city. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the guild.

City Council will vote Monday on how it will provide the Prairie Gallery with new premises to replace its building which collapsed in March 2007.

Music … machines … munchies … municipal Olympics and much more!

The City of Grande Prairie’s seventh annual Municipal Government Day on June 18 at the Canada Games Arena west parking lot will have a 1950s flavour in honour of the City of Grande Prairie’s 50th anniversary as a city.

Nearly 60 Hillside Community School students toured City Hall on Thursday and then visited with Mayor Dwight Logan who talked to them about his job.

Grande Prairie recorded a 28 per cent participation rate in the May 22 Alberta Active Living Challenge Day, with 14,218 people registering their activity. That means the City once again outdistanced Red Deer on a per capita basis once again in our annual competition. Grande Prairie has outdistanced Red Deer in the level of participation four years in a row.

Are you wondering who the winners of the photo contest are?  Find out who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each of the eight contest categories and who the winner of the Grand Prize is.

View the brochure that was mailed out with the 2008 tax notices.

Tax notices were mailed out May 23, 2008.  The due date for taxes is June 30, 2008. 

If you have not received your tax notice by June 15, 2008, please contact the Assessment / Taxation department @ (780) 538-0315.

The City of Grande Prairie’s Pursuit of Excellence Committee is proud to support the top level athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers developing their skills in programs in and around the City of Grande Prairie by providing grant funding for travel and development and scholarship funding. 

The City of Grande Prairie has qualified for an Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) 2008 Municipal Demonstration Grant to install a fully accessible playground surface at J.C. Mackie Park.

Mayor Dwight Logan was the guest speaker on Thursday as part of the Grande Prairie Public Library’s 50th Anniversary Speaker Series.

The City of Grande Prairie has started re-inspections of improved residential properties with Crystal Heights, Crystal Lake Estates, Royal Oaks, and Pinnacle Ridge being covered this summer to wrap up a five-year cycle that started in 2003.

The City of Grande Prairie has won the 2008 Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) award for Organizational Commitment to Creating a Positive Learning Culture for All Employees.  

Flying High, The City of Grande Prairie, 1958-2008, a book published by the South Peace Regional Archives, in collaboration with the City of Grande Prairie, is now available for sale.

May is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month.  David Olinger, Manager of Marketing and Communications, delivered a proclamation at Crystal Park School on Thursday on behalf of Mayor Dwight Logan.

The City of Grande Prairie will have a key role in the Disaster Social Services Province Wide Forum next week in Edmonton.

Mayor Dwight Logan and long-time Alderman Helen Rice will share their perspectives May 8 on how the local political landscape has changed over the years to create the growing, vibrant community we enjoy.

Ald. Lorne Radbourne, Chair of the Protective Services Committee, brought greetings on behalf of Mayor Dwight Logan and Council Sunday at the launch of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10) at the Grande Prairie Museum. 

From left, Laurie Fisher, Chair of the Grande Prairie and District SPCA, Mayor Dwight Logan and County of Grande Prairie Reeve Everett McDonald, participated in an April 30 sod-turning ceremony for the new animal pound, a co-operative project between the County of Grande Prairie and the City, in collaboration with the Grande Prairie and District SPCA and the Municipal District of Greenview.

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 4-10! Visit our launch at the Grande Prairie Museum on Sunday May 4 at 2 p.m. to enter a draw for your chance to win an emergency kit.

A cheque was presented to the Red Cross for their Malaria Bites campaign to help prevent malaria around the world.

Following the passage of the City of Grande Prairie’s 2008-2010 Budget, a three-year Financial Plan Document was prepared for distribution to the public.

City Council will give third reading Monday to a 2008 property tax bylaw that provides an additional $2.9 million to reduce the debt required to build the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex.

Grande Prairie has changed a lot over the past 50 years. Here is your chance to test your knowledge of various sites in our community and how they have changed over time.

The City of Grande Prairie has become the first organization in Canada to receive approval of a standard licence to operate the 4.9 GHz public safety band on a permanent basis.

Celebrate with the Grande Prairie Public Library and discover why Grande Prairie is “the greatest place to be!” as our speaker series continues into May. Longtime members of the community will speak on sports, theatre, business and politics.

Adventurous, Exciting, Active – check out our fabulous city programs

 Designed for children ages 3 to 11 years!

Calling all former Grande Prairians!

We encourage all Grande Prairie residents to reach out to family, friends and former neighbours and invite them to return for this August long weekend event.

100 Avenue Westbound, between 96 Street and 97B Street

As a reminder during the busy summer season, residents need to apply for a "U-Lot access permit" to obtain vehicular access to the public utility lots (sometimes called "easements" or "grassed lanes") that run behind many homes in the City.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you for coming to the State of the City Luncheon. My sincere appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for hosting this event.

The Government of Canada announced funding in Council Chambers at City Hall Thursday to assist families and individuals in the community working to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty and build a stronger future for themselves.

Grande Prairie became a city 50 years ago last month when district guide and hunter Henry McCullough delivered its charter on horseback. With tribute to Henry’s trusty steed, Diamond, the City has long since surpassed its one horse-town status and is ready to hit the information superhighway at full speed.

On March 29, 2008, cities across Canada, and around the world will turn off their lights for Earth Hour, a WWF event to raise awareness about climate change and symbolize that, working together the people of the world can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Mayor Dwight Logan has proclaimed 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturday March 29 as Earth Hour.

EarthHourproclamation.pdf

The City of Grande Prairie will proceed with a risk assessment on the entire alignment of Bear Creek to enhance public safety, guide upcoming development and provide protection for existing and future infrastructure.

Mayor Dwight Logan selected the winning ballot in the first monthly draw of the City of Grande Prairie 50th Anniversary Photo Contest at City Council Monday night.

Mayor Dwight Logan received the Arctic Winter Games torch from Debbie Reid, President of the Grande Prairie 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society Monday.

Yellowknife – The City of Grande Prairie will contribute $500,000 over the next two years to the 2010 Arctic Winter Games, Mayor Dwight Logan told a reception hosted by the municipality last night in Yellowknife, NWT.

Financial Services Director Ken Anderson will serve as Interim City Manager while recruitment efforts continue to replace the retiring Dave Gourlay.

City Council Monday voted unanimously to create a Grande Prairie Regional College bursary in the name of retiring City Manager Dave Gourlay.

24 hour Road Restrictions in place, 50% of legal axel loading.

The City of Grande Prairie will be closing 102 Street from 99 Avenue to 97 Avenue for moving of the Historical Church on March 6, 2008 from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. Please use alternate routes.  The City of Grande Prairie thanks you for your patience and cooperation.

Dan Lemieux is the new City of Grande Prairie Fire Chief, effective March 11.

Currently a Senior Deputy Fire Chief, Lemieux assumes the post from Bill Walker, who retains his position as Director of Protective Services.

They came as business associates. They left as friends.

Those were the words of Licenciado Jorge Abel Lopez Sanchez, Presidente Municipal of Mazatlan, Mexico Sunday afternoon in a farewell brunch at the Holiday Inn for the visiting Mexican delegation.

Grande Prairie’s Sister City Agreement with Mazatlan, Mexico will be officially ratified Saturday when its mayor is in our community as part of a three-day visit by a five-member delegation. 

The City will play host to the group throughout the weekend with tours of venues profiling economic development, educational and cultural opportunities.

The purpose of this study is to identify the City of Grande Prairie’s growth needs and potential growth areas in advance of development. The study assumes a 50 year timeframe as well as a 30 year increment for projection purposes.

The nomination was announced late last week and came in the category of Major Facility of the Year under 8,000 capacity.  General Manager Jane Cada-Sharp says, “This is a first and an incredible surprise to the entire staff.”

The City of Grande Prairie has released the list of events and projects it has funded for the 50th Anniversary during the proclaimation of "I Love Grande Prairie Day" on February 14, 2008.

A team of HazMat specialists have determined that the unknown substance found at the Canada Post mail sorting station is non-hazardous and the facility has reopened.

The City of Grande Prairie today announced the list of events and projects it has funded for the 50th Anniversary during a proclamation as part of festivities that included a free community breakfast and a new park opening.

GP Transit is asking everyone, customers & non-customers, to complete the Transit Survey. Your input will help us build a better Transit system for the future. Here's your chance to make your comments count.

With temperatures dipping to the minus 40 range, factoring in wind chill, the City of Grande Prairie urges motorists to take extra time and precautions when driving in the community and on area highways.

The official launch of Grande Prairie’s 50th Anniversary as a city on Feb. 14 will give residents plenty of reasons to embrace their community.

Grande Prairie Mayor Dwight Logan, left, and County of Grande Prairie Reeve Everett McDonald shook hands Friday after signing an extension to the existing fire services agreement between the two municipalities, which was due to expire at the end of the year. The extension runs through 2010, and paves the way for development of a regional fire service.

Grande Prairie Mayor Dwight Logan is flanked by Margaret Tardif, Mayor of the Town of Falher, and Tim Stone, Saddle Hills County Reeve, at the Northwestern Alberta Mayors, Reeves, CAOs, Chiefs and Chairperson’s Group meeting at the TEC Centre at Evergreen Park Friday. Tardif and Stone were elected Vice Chair, Urban and Vice Chair, Rural, respectively, of the organization.

The City of Grande Prairie is holding an Open House on Wednesday for anyone who may be impacted by a proposed Transportation Levy.

Know someone who has been a driving force in the development of our community?

Valentine’s Day is a special day to demonstrate affection to others. In Grande Prairie this year, it will also be a reason to embrace our community. Fifty years ago on that date, Grande Prairie received its charter, officially making it a city.

The City of Grande Prairie and surrounding communities will soon see improvements to their water system and fire protection services.

City Council Monday approved a 2008-2010 budget that significantly increases snow removal and road maintenance expenditures, provides greater fire and police protection, additional crime prevention, and higher investments in arts, culture and recreation.

A drier start to winter has enabled Public Works crews to get a jump on clearing the snowfall to date.

The 2008-2010 budget recommended to City Council Monday will significantly increase snow removal and road maintenance expenditures while providing greater fire and police protection, additional crime prevention, and higher investments in arts, culture and recreation – for about $14 extra a month for a typical home owner living in a house assessed at $295,000.

Preparations are well underway for the 2009 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards, including the selection of a theme – Iskoteo.

City Council is seeking community input on establishing a Boxing, Wrestling and other Combative Sports Commission before considering adopting a proposed bylaw to enable its creation.

The Honourable Mel Knight, MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky, left, and Gordon Graydon, MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti, presented Crime Prevention Program Manager Karen Gariepy, a cheque for $15,000 Friday on behalf of the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. The funds will support the Building Families – Creating a Safe and Caring Community One Family at a Time Initiative.

The City of Grande Prairie will continue to have a strong voice for municipalities at the provincial level. Ald. Helen Rice was re-elected Friday as a Director and Vice-President, Cities up to 500,000, with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA).

City of Grande Prairie positions calling for Internet voting to be allowed and a monthly 911 call answer fee to be levied to cell phone subscribers will be forwarded to the province after being approved by the delegates at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) Convention in Calgary Friday.

The City and County of Grande Prairie and the Town of Sexsmith have received an Honourable Mention through the Minister’s Awards for Municipal Excellence program for the creation and operation of Aquatera Utilities Inc.

Approximately 50 new affordable housing units will be developed in Grande Prairie with the help of funding from the Province’s Municipal Sustainability Housing Program and Capital Enhancement Program.

The Winter 2008 issue of Community Connections can be found in the Wednesday November 28 issue of the Daily Herald Tribune and at many locations throughout the city.

Mayor Dwight Logan, right, helped launch the Salvation Army Christmas Fundraising Campaign on Nov. 16. The goal for this year is to collect $280,000, about one third of which would come from the recognizable kettles that residents will find at various locations in Grande Prairie. From left are: Captain Gordon Taylor, Captain Karen Taylor, Paul Rathke, and Mayor Logan.

The City of Grande Prairie will seek other opportunities to deliver dispatch services following a decision by Peace Country Health to develop its own system.

The City of Grande Prairie is receiving a total of $8.7 million through a provincial/federal funding initiative for two affordable housing projects that will create a combined 104 units.

City Council voted unanimously Monday for the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex to move full steam ahead.

City Council and the Grande Prairie Regional College Board of Governors agreed Friday to explore ways to collaborate on future initiatives.

City of Grande Prairie Mayor Dwight Logan and Aldermen completed two days of 2008-2010 capital budget review Thursday and now turn their attention to operational budget presentations Nov. 21-23.

Budget presentations for the City of Grande Prairie begin this morning at the Sandman Inn.

The City and County of Grande Prairie have agreed to a two-year extension to their existing fire agreement, paving the way for development of a regional fire service.

The Development Services Department of the City of Grande Prairie recently completed a review of the sign regulations in the Land Use Bylaw. 

The City of Grande Prairie introduced a new tool today in its efforts to slow down drivers, particularly in school and construction zones.

Mayor Dwight Logan and City Manager Dave Gourlay met with Grande Prairie Regional College President Don Gnatiuk and Board Member Mike O’Connor today to discuss the college’s interest in partnering in the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex as well as other issues of mutual concern.

The City of Grande Prairie’s 50th Anniversary Committee today unveiled the logo for next year’s celebrations and revealed details of a $40,000 funding program that will help community groups stage events to participate in the festivities. 

The City has asked the County of Grande Prairie and Grande Prairie Regional College to meet to determine their interest in partnering on the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex.

The Community Group 50th Anniversary Sub-Committee is hosting a visioning meeting on Monday, Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Grande Prairie Museum.

Grande Prairie’s new city council was sworn in Monday night during a ceremony in council chambers.  

Mayor Dwight Logan proclaimed the launch of Small Business Week 2007 in Grande Prairie during an Oct. 22 breakfast hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at Centre 2000.

Aquatera, the City and the County of Grande Prairie have partnered with Project Porchlight to bring change to our community one household at a time. Project Porchlight will distribute one compact fluorescent light bulb to every home in the region.  

National Waste Reduction is a national event recognizing the importance of waste minimization and conservation.

City of Grande Prairie officials met today with architects of the aquatics and wellness multiplex to begin the schematic design phase.

City Council gave the go-ahead Monday to the detailed design stage for the Aquatics & Wellness Multiplex.

Jubilee Park was re-dedicated as a Peace Park on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Grande Prairie joined with communities across the country in commemorating the 15th anniversary of the original dedication of Peace Parks during the Canada 125 celebrations in 1992.

A local centre will be open for two days next week to process claims from City and County of Grande Prairie residents who suffered property damage during flooding on July 17.

Jubilee Park will be rededicated as a Peace Park on Tuesday.

The City of Grande Prairie invested $65,000 Thursday in the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. A funding announcement was made at Muskoseepi Park as part of a ceremony to mark the signing of an agreement with the 2010 Arctic Winter Games Host Society.

The City of Grande Prairie should pursue an operational partnership for emergency response that would include area municipalities, the Peace Country Health Authority, industry, and the regional airport, a consultant recommends in the Fire Master Plan.

The City of Grande Prairie can proceed with construction of an $80 million Regional Aquatics and Wellness multiplex with one field house without raising local property taxes.

The Protective Services Committee will recommend to City Council at its Oct. 9 meeting that the City approach the County of Grande Prairie with an integrated fire service proposal.

5 blooms! Alderman Gladys Blackmore, Chair of the local Communities in Bloom Committee, was on hand in Moncton as the Committee received the results of the evaluation completed by Nation Judges Chris Andrews and Dave Hilton last July.

A visioning session is set for Monday, October 1, 2007 to engage the community and generate additional ideas of potential events to help celebrate Grande Prairie’s 50th anniversary as a city.