City of Grande Prairie holds 2026 State of the City event

“We brought a good cross section between residents, students, and industry,” Clayton says. “To talk about where there’s opportunities for collaboration, where there’s opportunities for improvement, or maybe things that we’re missing that other municipalities across the province are doing. Really have that conversation as we sort of set forward over the next couple of years.

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

One major talking point at the event was the upcoming switchover between the GPPS and the Grande Prairie Police Service, with Chief Lakusta praising their growing membership.

“We have members that have previous experience with tactical operations, canine operations, forensics specialists, and major crimes investigators, and we currently have trained one of eight polygraph techs here in the province and situated right here in Grande Prairie,” Lakusta says. “We continue to partner with Lethbridge Polytech, which is not only meeting but also exceeding training standards right across the province here.”

Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh

Fash talked about the housing boom in Alberta, with a total of 53,000 housing starts announced.

“After the past four years, most of the growth and upwards of 92 per cent of all housing starts have been in the Edmonton-Calgary regions,” says Fash. “Historically, were at like usually 70-80 percent in Edmonton and Calgary. The growth wasn’t based on a resource boom; it was based on a population boom, based on migration both national and international.”

Park discussed trends the chamber has seen driving growth and how Grande Prairie will have bigger opportunities by supporting sectors that build Alberta’s strengths.

“AI infrastructure is a big piece; hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, and energy transition opportunities, including Energy Alberta’s nuclear project in the Peace Region,” says Park. “Grande Prairie is quite well located within the province to take advantage of all of these types of Alberta’s strengths.”

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

Another major talking point at the panel was skills gaps in Grande Prairie, with Northwestern Polytechnic’s CEO, Dr. Vanessa Sheane, discussing ways to fill them.

“Healthcare professionals? Of course there’s a skills gap there,” Sheane says. “So, the partnership and hosting the University of Alberta’s Northern Alberta medical program has been a success. The other area where we’re seeing gaps is teachers. We launched our Bachelor of Education elementary degree this past fall; we’re launching a Bachelor of Education secondary degree this coming fall.”

(Image Credit: Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh)

Mayor Clayton says a major highlight of the event was discussing the intersection between education and industry.

“Where are the opportunities for alignment, recognizing growth opportunities in trade but also efficiency opportunities within building and development?” she says. “In Gande Prairie, we’re really proud of our reduction of time in our permitting services. Hearing from an external person to highlight that we’re on the right track is always great.”

A full recording from the State of the City will be uploaded soon.

County of Grande Prairie Deputy Reeve Bob Chrenek and MD of Greenview Reeve Ratzlaff also attended the event to give brief presentations on how 2025 went for their respective municipalities.

Everything GP Staff/Nathaniel Leigh

by Nathaniel Leigh