Vandalism program, borrowing bylaw for new Public Safety Communications Centre discussed at City Council meeting

Feb 18, 2026 | 6:01 AM

Grande Prairie City Council met on Monday afternoon.

– Council approved forming a Vandalism Recovery & Prevention Grant Pilot Program. This is meant to help businesses in the downtown BIA to repair damage and take action to prevent future vandalism. The grants would cover up to half of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $5,000 per business per year. Council also approved setting aside $80,000 from a reserve fund for this idea.

– Council heard a presentation from the Bear Creek Folk Festival. The delegation talked to council about possibly expanding the festival area to the east side of Bear Creek from the festival’s usual location on Borstad Hill. Organizers say this would be for Stage 2 and allow for the sale of another 500 main stage tickets. Festival producer Sarah Card told council that the event’s funding shortfall could reach $150,000 in 2026 due to higher costs, plus the festival no longer being eligible for some grants. Council did not take any action, opting to receive the report for information.

– Council gave first reading to a borrowing bylaws for $7.61 million. This would be used to establish a new Public Safety Communications Centre in the ‘City on 99’ building downtown. The city says this would see calls to 911, police, fire, Enforcement Services and Mobile Outreach all answered out of one location. A report compiled by administration says this would streamline how calls are handled. The total cost is $8.46 million, with a provincial grant covering the rest of the cost. This will come back to a future council meeting.