By Shaun Penner

Looking Ahead

Capital projects, municipal election to make for busy 2021 in Grande Prairie says Given

Jan 1, 2021 | 7:00 AM

Bill Given says the City of Grande Prairie is in for a busy year in 2021, with many projects and events on the horizon.

Given, who officially resigned as Mayor on New Year’s Eve to become the new CAO in Jasper, says after a tumultuous 2020, there are many things residents can look forward to this year.

One of which is a busy capital construction season.

“With the construction of the activity and reception centre, a really robust road program,” said Given. “The initiation of Phase 4 of the Downtown Rehabilitation program.”

In the 2021 municipal budget, $14 million has been allocated for Phase 4 of the downtown rehab project, which will see sanitary and storm water service upgrades, work on sidewalks, walkways, curbs, gutters, roads, and landscaping, among other things, along 100 Avenue between 100 and 99 Street.

Another $8 million will go towards roadwork projects, while another $6 million will go towards rehab of the old Highway 43 Bypass.

As he makes his exit, Given says he is proud that council was also able to develop a budget for 2021 that include a zero per cent increase in property taxes.

He also celebrates the fact that keeping taxes flat means council was able to reach a net tax rate reduction over its four-year term.

“That means, that for this term, property taxes will actually be lower at the end of the four-year council term than they were at the beginning of the term,” said Given.

“That’s a really significant accomplishment.”

Given also points out, as he vacates the Mayor’s chair, that the next municipal election will go in October.

“My hope is that the community will be focusing on the types of people that they want to elect to City Council, to represent them for the next four years,” said Given.

He adds he is very interested to see who might be willing to put their name forward to become the City’s next mayor, or council member.

“I hope that people out there that view Grande Prairie as their home, who love this city, and who would like to be involved in the decisions that shape this city, choose to run for council.”