Grande Prairie Minute: Issue 96

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

📅 This Week In Grande Prairie: 📅

• All Standing Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday - the Investment and Strategy Committee, Financial and Administrative Services Committee, Operational Services Committee, and Public and Protective Services Committee - have been cancelled.
  
  
• Grande Prairie City Council approved several measures at Monday’s meeting, including a 3.9% increase to Aquatera utility charges, raising residential costs by $5.56 per month for water, wastewater, and garbage services. Council also endorsed Mayor Jackie Clayton writing a letter supporting a local initiative to bring physiotherapy training to the city. Council received a framed set of Special Olympics Alberta medals and acknowledged an $11,202 legacy gift from last year’s games hosted in Grande Prairie. The Grander Winter Strategy was approved, aiming to expand programming, events, winter spaces, indoor recreation, and safe mobility networks. Finally, Council recognized 2025 Volunteer Award recipients, honouring Margaret Bowes and the Grande Prairie Firefighters Charitable Foundation. The next Council meeting is scheduled for February 2nd.
  
  
• The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) is nearing its goal of fully taking over policing in the City of Grande Prairie, with the transition now scheduled for October 21st, 2026 - two years ahead of initial plans. Since its establishment in 2023, GPPS has sworn in 54 officers, with a third Recruit Class and sixth Experienced Officer program set to graduate in March, bringing the total to 70. The service has also developed its own in-house training program, and 42 officers are currently stationed at the Grande Prairie RCMP detachment, including assignments with specialized units. Chief Dwayne Lakusta highlighted the service’s strong operational performance, fiscal responsibility, and community-focused approach. Officials say this municipal transition demonstrates that a city can establish its own police service successfully while maintaining public safety and trust.
  
  
• The Rotary Club of Grande Prairie is marking its 75th anniversary, celebrating decades of local service and community impact. Founded on January 22nd, 1951, the Club says it has contributed more than $12 million to initiatives supporting health care, housing, youth programs, food security, environmental efforts, and overall community well-being. Over the years, members have helped package hundreds of thousands of meals, supported local housing builds, removed massive amounts of waste through community cleanups, and maintained long-standing programs for youth development and exchange. The Club has also operated the Rotary Campground since the early 1970s, reinvesting all net proceeds back into community projects. While recognizing the milestone, the organization says its focus remains on future leadership, partnerships, and continued service in Grande Prairie.
  
  
• The City is hosting a free Family Day celebration on Sunday, February 15th, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Families can enjoy free swimming at Eastlink Centre, along with inflatable obstacle course, fieldhouse games, an eSport lounge, treat decorating, a quiet craft corner, snacks, and prizes. Free drop-in skating will also be available at Design Works Centre, with skate rentals provided while supplies last. Mayor Jackie Clayton emphasized the importance of simple, shared community experiences. Full details are available on the City’s website.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨