Highlights from Monday’s city council meeting

Other highlights from Grande Prairie city council’s Monday meeting include:

– Council approved having Mayor Jackie Clayton write a letter of support for a new project proposal from Rising Above. It is looking to build a three-storey, 3,200 square foot building near its current addiction facility near Centre 2000 in the old young offenders centre. This would be used to house women who come in for treatment. They are currently housed at four other locations in the city. Officials hope to break ground in spring 2024. Council has also asked administration to talk with Rising Above officials about their request for a 40-year lease on the current facility.

– Council approved operational funding and operational grants for a long list of community groups. Capital funding requests have been put off until fall budget talks.

– Council also agreed to delay a payment from the Storm on a loan the city gave the hockey team. The payment was due on July 1. The total loan amount still owing is around $170,000. Council has asked city staff to bring back a report on amending or forgiving the loan. Council also approved waiving the $30,000 facility rental fee for Bonnetts Energy Centre for the upcoming season and another $35,000 in facility fees to allow the team to do some youth development programs.