Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

March 7 council highlights

Mar 8, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Other highlights from the March 7 meeting of Grande Prairie City Council:

Seniors facility in Spirit River:

– Officials from the Grande Spirit Foundation spoke to council about the new seniors facility to be built in Spirit River. Construction is expected to start later this year. The Foundation says the cost estimate has gone from $4 million in 2020 to $7.4 million in an estimate done in December. They say what they call residential construction inflation is the main reason for the increase. They say there was a 25 to 35 per cent increase from 2020 to 2021 in Alberta. This added $2 million dollars in cost. Another $400,000 of the increase came from adding five per cent to a contingency fund to cover inflation during construction time. Adding two suites and a multi-purpose room in a partial fourth storey added $500,000 to the cost. Changing the size of the building to allow more room for things like electrical and circulation added another $500,000. Council approved Mayor Jackie Clayton to write a letter outlining the city’s continued support for the project.

Land bylaw changes near Flying Shot Lake:

– Council has approved bylaw changes to add more land near Flying Shot Lake to the Kensington Area Structure Plan. This came after the city got an application to have land along the east and north shores of the lake between 68 and 76 Avenues. The land was annexed into the city in 2016. City officials say more plans would have to be filed with the city and approved by council. City administration estimates close there would be room for 3,000 people to live in this area.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Large Scale Tourism Funding grants:

– Council has given out its Large Scale Tourism Funding grants for 2022. Council has approved giving $50,000 to the East Coast Garden Party. The event will return July 21 and 22 at the South Bear Creek Ball Diamonds after not being held the last couple of years. Another $50,000 is going to the Odyssey House GrandeCon. The fan show for those who like things like comics and cosplay is set for July 15 to 17 at the Bonnet’s Energy Centre. Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible Hulk on TV in the 1970’s, is among the guests who are scheduled to attend.

Art Development Funding:

– Council also approved a $14,000 grant from its Arts Development Funding for the Grande Prairie International Street Performers Festival. It will return in July.

2024 Alberta Winter Games bid to host:

– Council also approved having administration work with community groups to submit a bid to host the 2024 Alberta Winter Games. Proponents say this will be an economic boost and give people another reason to get together again.