Grande Prairie Minute: Secondary Suites, Ice Arrangement, and Noisy Vehicle Enforcement

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

This Week In Grande Prairie:

• Tuesday is Standing Committee Day. Beginning at 9:00 am, there will be meetings of the Financial & Administrative Services Committee, Invest GP Committee, Operational Services Committee, Public & Protective Services Committee, and the Strategy & Communication Services Committee. The agendas can be found online.
  
  
• The City of Grande Prairie will plant 19 new trees near Holy Cross and IV Macklin Schools thanks to a grant from Tree Canada's Community Tree Grants program. This initiative, which previously saw nine trees planted in 2020, aims to provide shade and enhance the green space for students. Mayor Jackie Clayton expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting its role in beautifying the city and benefiting residents.
  
  
• Efforts are being ramped up by Grande Prairie Enforcement Services to tackle noisy vehicle complaints by focusing on education and enforcement. Peace Officers have undergone training specifically targeting modified exhaust systems and vehicle-related noise issues, conducting vehicle checks throughout the month. The initiative aims to address the spike in noise complaints during spring, particularly related to inadequate mufflers and driving behaviors like stunting. Offenders under could face fines of $162 or a mandatory court appearance.

Last Week In Grande Prairie:

• The City urged residents to complete the 2024 municipal census, aiming for a 90% response rate to validate the census. Officials are emphasizing the importance of participation, noting that census data shapes decisions regarding infrastructure, services, and funding allocation. Failure to reach the 90% completion rate could result in the loss of grant dollars for community services and infrastructure. The City is also assuring residents that census responses are confidential and cannot be used to increase taxes or affect property assessments. Of course, the census is optional, but if you wish to participate, the deadline is June 30th. More information can be found online.
  
  
• Council approved a new arrangement with the Grand Prairie Storm and will no longer provide free ice time. In previous years, the City has covered 100% of the Storm’s ice costs for offseason training programs, but this year only 50% will be covered. Mayor Jackie Clayton said this was to support parity with other athletic programs in Grande Prairie. Council also approved other arrangements with the Storm, including continued support of large-scale events like the home opener, Indigenous Night, playoff festivities, and the prospects camp.
  
  
• Council made adjustments to the Land Use Bylaw regarding secondary suites, focusing on traditional formats like basement suites and duplexes rather than approving backyard or "garden suites" at this time. Mayor Jackie Clayton clarified that while garden suites are not approved currently, it's not a permanent rejection but rather a delay for further consideration. The new bylaw introduces changes to parking requirements, lot width, size restrictions, and the allowance of up to eight suites within a 30-meter radius. These changes aim to make secondary suites more accessible and address the pressing need for additional housing options. Council also updated the Development Incentives and Grants program to include secondary suites and duplexes.