By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

Highlights from Monday’s Grande Prairie City Council meeting

Nov 29, 2021 | 7:48 PM

City budget talks start Thursday. Among the items to be discussed will be putting another $200,000 into the Economic Recovery Program. Since it started in 2020, the program has given out 106 grants worth over $552,813.

There is still over $352,187 left in the fund. It gives out grants under several programs, including Beautification and Patio and Local Marketing.

Council will also discuss $75,000 for the development of a revitalization strategy for the Richmond Industrial Park at budget talks.

City administration says it expects to have a strategy before council in the spring and this money would allow some work to go ahead between that time and 2023 budget discussions.

Council has approved $250,547 for a Geotechnical Liner for the crawl space at the Coca Cola Centre. Water from an aquifer is getting into the space. This liner would prevent problems like rust. Administration calls this basic upkeep.

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Any groups hosting events at the Coca-Cola Centre or Eastlink Centre who want to live-stream those events can now do so. Live streaming capabilities are now in place.

The province has granted an extension for two projects funded under its Municipal Stimulus Program. These include the South Bear Creek building replacement and storm infrastructure repairs and improvements.

The province created a $500 million fund for such projects to, among other things, create jobs. The letter from Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver says the money must be used for these projects next year as more extensions will not be granted.

Council has named winners for a pair of volunteer service awards. The local branch of the Salvation Army has been named the recipient of the Bill Bowes Volunteer Organization Award.

The late John Boyle and Joe Redhead have been named recipients of the George Repka Award. Boyle served on city council and as interim mayor around 20 years ago.

Thirteen people have been named to the city’s next Youth Advisory Council. They will serve a one-year term that will end on December 31, 2022. The group connects young people with city officials and community agencies and allows youth to discuss issues important to them.

Council has approved giving $10,000 to the Grande Prairie Curling Centre to help it host the 2022 Best of Alberta men’s and women’s provincial curling championships. The money will come from $50,000 left in the large-scale tourism budget. The downtown arena will host the championships January 3 to 9.