The midblock crosswalk on 100 Avenue west of 99 Street. Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

Highlights from Monday’s meeting of Grande Prairie City Council

May 16, 2023 | 6:00 AM

Highlights from Monday’s meeting of Grande Prairie City Council:

• Some residents in the Swanavon neighbourhood say they do not want a roof on the outdoor rink in their area. They cited concerns over security, the appearance, and cost of the million dollar proposal. Mayor Jackie Clayton says the City was hoping to put a four-season recreation facility in that area and that there would be more conversations on what it would look like.
• Council has asked administration to work with the Downtown Association on the possibility of setting up flashing pedestrian lights at the mid-block crosswalk on 100 Avenue between 99 and 100 Streets (pictured). The association wrote to the City proposing lights be put at that crosswalk, as well as another on 101 Avenue due to safety concerns for pedestrians. The association has offered to pay for the one on 100 Avenue.
• Council approved rezoning of vacant land on 105 Avenue, west of 100 Street. It’s expected to make it easier for a project proposed in that area to go ahead. In October, council approved selling the land to the Woodland Cree Nation for $340,000 to be used for a housing project. The land was purchased by the City in 2019 for a possible permanent supportive care project, but the city decided the land was no longer needed with the subsequent purchase of the former Stonebridge Hotel – now the Coordinated Care Campus.
• Council approved their advocacy priorities; things it will talk to other levels of government about. The list includes electricity distribution costs, attracting and retaining healthcare professionals, improved rail shortages, daycare services, federal and provincial funding for housing, provincial support for grants to attract industry, and a fiscal framework that provides funding to local governments.
• Councillor Gladys Blackmore thanked all the people working to fight the fires in the region, saying some had gone 48 hours without sleep. This drew applause from other members of council. Councillor Mike O’Connor also thanked all the people fighting the fires.