Grande Prairie Minute: Councillor Leave, Experienced Officers, and Internet Connectivity Issues

Grande Prairie Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Grande Prairie politics

This Week In Grande Prairie:

• Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, a day to support causes that make a difference. If you appreciate the work we do and want to help us continue advocating for common sense at City Hall, we’d be grateful for your support. We don’t usually make an explicit ask in these emails, but given that we’re a non-profit and don’t take a dime of government funding, we rely on your support to keep us going. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so by clicking here. Thank you!
  
  
• Today, at 2:00 pm, there will be a City Council In-Camera Meeting, followed by a public meeting of City Council at 3:00 pm. The agenda includes the 2024 Volunteer Awards, along with a Public Hearing to address the Kensington Outline Plan and Land Use Bylaw Amendments.
  
  
• Nominations are now open for the 2025 Passionate Heart Awards, recognizing individuals, teams, and businesses that make meaningful contributions to the community. Organized by Family and Community Support Services in Grande Prairie and surrounding towns, the awards feature categories such as Exceptional Service, Exceptional Team, Business Award, and the Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award. The awards aim to highlight the efforts of those in fields like policing, social services, and education, with over 10 years of service required for the lifetime achievement honor. Nominations close on January 17th, 2025, and winners will be celebrated during a luncheon at the Bonnetts Energy Centre on February 14th. Nominations can be submitted online, and tickets for the event go on sale December 8th for $30.

Last Week In Grande Prairie:

• Grande Prairie City Council took steps to address internet connectivity issues following concerns from local businesses about unreliable service. Council approved a broadband analysis to assess network needs and a Fibre Optics Rebate Program to refund City fees for fibre optics projects. Councillor Mike O’Connor emphasized that improved connectivity is crucial for supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones, particularly in poorly connected areas like Richmond Industrial Park and the city’s northern regions.
  
  
• The City said it is considering implementing parental and bereavement leave for Councillors. A report from City Administration highlighted similar policies in municipalities like St. Albert, Spruce Grove, and Sherwood Park, which typically allow up to 26 weeks of parental leave with written notice. Councillor Dylan Bressey supports the change, noting it could encourage younger candidates to run for office while managing family responsibilities. Some Councillors, such as Gladys Blackmore, expressed the need for more detailed information before forming an opinion. Any policy changes would require the creation of a bylaw, and the issue will be revisited in future Council discussions.
  
  
• The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) continued to expand, with the graduation of its second class from the Experienced Officer Program. The three graduates have strong ties to the area and bring expertise in organized crime, rural policing, and child forensic interviewing. GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta emphasized the program's role in modernizing law enforcement and preparing for the transition to becoming the primary jurisdiction police service by early 2026. The program provides five weeks of intensive training, covering topics such as trauma-informed care, Indigenous values, mental health, and firearms. The first class of GPPS recruits is set to graduate in February 2025.