Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

Council highlights from April 22 meeting

Apr 23, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Besides the discussion of covering the budget shortfall caused by no stormwater utility charge this year, City Council discussed several other things at Monday’s meeting. That included the following:

Foxtail Issues

Council approved changes to the Minimum Property Standards Bylaw meant to deal with complaints about foxtail piling up in people’s yards.

The change means foxtail is now listed as a specific nuisance.

City administration says this is meant to clarify that foxtail is part of this bylaw.

Plan Ahead

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Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

People had complained that foxtail seed was piling up in their yards after it was left to grow in undeveloped lots nearby.

Sidewalk Patio Program

After a lengthy discussion, Council approved a new Sidewalk Patio Program Policy.

The policy includes four options for businesses to use part of the sidewalk or the street by their place to sent up a patio for their customers.

The policy also includes a $100 annual fee.

While there have been such patios in previous summers, there was no formal policy in place.

Cannabis Retailer Hours Change

Council approved new operating hours for cannabis retailers that are in line with the regulation set out by Alberta Gaming Liquor & Cannabis.

These stores can now operate from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m.

The previous city regulations set hours at 10 a.m. until midnight.

AGLC recently changed its rules as well as it had hours set at 10 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Grande Prairie Stompede

Council approved $10,000 in cash a a $5,000 gift-in-kind for the Grande Prairie Stompede.

The cash will come from the Council Sponsorship Fund.

The rest will be covered under transit.

City buses will be used to transport kids to Evergreen Park for Classroom in the Dirt, a Stompede idea where young people learn about rodeo and the western heritage.

Stompede officials had told the city they needed a sponsor for this.

This year’s edition will run from May 29 to June 2.