By Erika Rolling

County of Grande Prairie

Dunes West wildfire, OHV trespassing, and more: County of Grande Prairie Council Highlights

Oct 19, 2023 | 12:36 PM

County of Grande Prairie Council met on Monday, October 16 to discuss a long list of agenda items. Some of the highlights are:

Dunes West Wildfire Update

Administration compiled information and presented to council their application status for the province’s Disaster Recovery Program and fund advancement.

The current estimate for the County’s Disaster Recovery application estimate is $14.2 million, with current expenditures to date at $4.9 million.

The initial fund advancement for the County is said to be in progress. The provincial program duration is three years and will end in July 2026.

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

Remediation costs covered under the DRP, specifically are:

• Fixing damages incurred directly due to firefighting response and the creation of the fire guards in fire suppression efforts.
• Fencing and infrastructure damage falls under response to fire suppression.

Things like replacing trees and landscaping are not covered. The provincial program also does not include items that were burnt or damaged by the fire, as it is an insurable event and any damages directly related to the fire itself should be claimed through home insurance.

The County says several fireguards were established to protect people and property and to date, they’ve received 40 submissions from landowners impacted by the Dunes West Wildfire indicating direct impact to their property. Administration is completing reviews of submissions for approval at the next Council meeting.

There are plans to undertake brush pile cleanup in late fall into early 2024 for both the Dunes West area and the southeast area in response to firebreaks that were made.

OHV Trespassing

A resident in the Taylor Estates neighbourhood came to council to voice their concern for individuals using undeveloped, private land for off-highway vehicle activity.

The area is south and southeast of Taylor Estates.

Council directed administration to engage with the OHV Association, the City of Grande Prairie, Alberta Environment Protected Areas, and adjacent private landowners, to discuss solutions to OHV access to public lands south of Bear Creek and the use of the Taylor Estates environmental reserve.

Administration will bring back more information to a future Council meeting.

ATCO Electric Rates and Gas Franchise Fees in Hythe

The County is maintaining the ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas franchise fees for the Hamlet of Hythe at the current rates.

The County and ATCO had an agreement prior to the village’s dissolution.

Tax Arrears

Council decided to cancel the tax balance for Manitok Energy Inc.

The total amount owing was $382,484.73, but cannot be paid due to the company’s bankruptcy.

Sponsorship/Funding

The County is also giving money to the following groups:

• The Hythe & District Agricultural Society will be getting annual funding of $1,400 for the next three years. The money will be used to cover equipment costs to put up and take down Remembrance Day Memorial Banners and Christmas decorations.
• The Hythe & District Agricultural Society will also get one-time funding of $876 to rent a scissor lift to erect Christmas decorations for the 2023 Christmas season.
• The Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services will get a $500 sponsorship for the Annual Grande Prairie Round Dance event on November 25.
• The Wembley & District Agricultural Society will get a $500 sponsorship for their Annual Winter Gala event on December 9.
• The Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS) for the Great “Neigh” bour Dine and Dance Fundraiser will get a $1,000 sponsorship. It is set for November 4.