Photo: Liam Verster / EverythingGP staff

By Liam Verster

Capital Investments

Federal, provincial funds help Grande Prairie set record $54.5-million infrastructure investment

May 20, 2021 | 1:32 PM

The City of Grande Prairie is investing a record $54.5-million in budgeted capital projects and community enhancements during the 2021 construction season, thanks in part to some federal and provincial programs.

Of those funds, $4,958,181 are coming through the federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), with another $7,875,584 coming through Alberta’s Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) allocations.

Mayor Jackie Clayton says with these funds, the City can do a lot of infrastructure improvements and community enhancements.

“Such things as improvements to roads, sidewalks and our trail networks; we’re improving storm lines and upgrading sewer systems; adding bridges, such as the Maskwôtêh bridge which will go to the new Grande Prairie Regional Hospital,” explained Clayton.

“We’re adding a recreation and activity centre in the Smith subdivision; a bike park in the Crystal Lake area. So, the capital plan is really [meant] to maintain community assets, prepare for future growth, and invest in services for the quality of life for the residents.”

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The ICIP funds have already been allocated to several projects:

• $240,000 will be used for the North Bike Skills Park
• $3.2-million will be used to build an Emergency Response and Activity Centre in the Smith neighbourhood
• $194,000 will go towards planting trees in the Hillside subdivision
• $176,000 will be used for the construction of the Maskwôtêh Bridge
• $240,000 will go towards playground upgrades and surfacing
• $800,000 has been allocated for trail resurfacing
• $108,160 will be used to plant over 300 trees throughout the City

The federal funds will cover 80 per cent of the costs associated with the projects, and the City will foot the bill for the remaining 20 per cent.

Clayton says as there are lots of projects slated to go throughout the 2021 construction season, the City is putting out maps to show people where work is underway.

“Through the City of Grande Prairie website, we’re going to continually upload maps so people can see where we’re actually doing construction through the season. So, if you’re looking to avoid congestion with construction, that interactive map will show exactly where the work is being done.”

The map will be updated as construction projects begin and end to continually provide relevant information for the public.

Clayton adds last year’s construction season saw lots of road work done on arterial and main roads, and this year’s plans are more selective to not close the busy roads too much, and to put more resources into residential road work.