Budget surplus, addictions week proclamation among highlights from Monday’s city council meeting

At a recent meeting, the city’s Financial & Administrative Services Committee asked city staff to come up with a draft policy that would see 10 per cent or any surplus set aside for community enhancements like planting trees.

National Addictions Awareness Week

Deputy Mayor Mike O’Connor read out a proclamation for National Addictions Awareness Week November 24 to 30.

The proclamation says the week is “an opportunity to raise awareness of the impacts of substance use and addiction” and a chance to talk about support available in Grande Prairie.

The proclamation also says healing is possible with the right support and community connections.

Fibre Optics Rebate Program

Council approved a Fibre Optics Rebate Program. This would see any fees the city charges for such projects that started between July 1 this year and December 31 next year eligible for a rebate of up to 100 per cent.

A report by city staff says the hope is this will make projects more viable, attract businesses and support expansion.

City staff add these fees usually bring in about $30,000 a year in revenue for the city.

Changes to Elections Bylaw

Council put off approval of a new Elections Bylaw.

Council approved a motion from Councillor Dylan Bressey to add a provision to the bylaw to ban the taking of pictures of ballots unless it was to help someone with vision problems. It is due back before council at its next meeting.

The city says a new bylaw for elections was needed after the province’s Bill 20 came into effect.

The new rules for elections include banning electronic vote counting and a requirement to have a permanent register of electors. There are also new rules for voter’s identification.

City administration estimates that the new legislation will add an estimated $150,000 to the cost of holding a municipal election.

Tax Recovery Sale in March

Council has set March 14, 2025, as the date for its tax recovery sale.

There are 22 properties on the list of potential sales.

The city says it has been several years since any properties were actually seized and sold as the back taxes are often paid by banks or mortgage companies.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Council approved having the city send an application to a Federation of Canadian Municipalities call for proposals under its Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation.

City administration says in a report a Climate Adaptation Plan would include things that could be done now, and in the future, to manage any impacts from climate change.

This would include protecting people, assets and infrastructure.

Council’s next meeting is scheduled for December 2.

by Erika Rolling