Photo by Curtis Galbraith.

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

Highlights from June 17 meeting of city council

Jun 18, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Grande Prairie City Council discussed several things besides housing at its meeting Monday. That included the following:

New Health Care and Retention Strategy

Council approved a new Health Care and Retention Strategy and an action plan to cover 2024 to 2026.

The plan includes working with other local groups so efforts in this area are not duplicated.

It will also include promoting this area to people in health care, looking at new ways to deliver services, and working with Northwestern Polytechnic, universities and other levels of government to have training 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

Council had previously approved $50,000 in the 2024 budget for this work.

General Appeal Board

Council approved setting up a new General Appeal Board.

This means there will be one group to hear appeals from the public, rather than several different ones.

A report by city staff says this should lead to a more consistent approach for anyone involved in an appeal and make things more efficient and easier to understand.

The board would hear appeals based on the Municipal Government Act, Weed Control Act and a dozen bylaws and policies that govern everything from animals and pets to business licenses and transit.

Grande Prairie Storm

Council approved a new working arrangement between the city and the Grande Prairie Storm.

This includes waiving the facility fee at the Bonnetts Energy Centre for the 2024-25 season and the city supporting big events like the home opener, Indigenous Night, a playoff festival, and prospects camp.

Council also agreed to charge half of the normal fee for ice time for development programming like skills camps and spring hockey.

A committee had recommended the entire fee be waived, but council decided that would not be fair to other sports groups.

Land Transfer to Metis Local 1990

Council approved transferring the land on 99 Avenue where the Elder’s Caring Shelter sits to the Metis Local 1990.

The group had come to council about a year ago asking for this.

A report by city staff says this transfer should mean more stability and the possibility of expansion.

The purchase price will be $1.

The two sides also agreed that if the Metis local decides to change the use of the land or sell it within five years, the city would have first chance to buy it at 85 per cent of the fair market value of any building sitting on that land.

Council’s next meeting is set for Tuesday, July 2.