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(Image Credit: Curtis Galbraith.)
By Curtis Galbraith
City Hall

Highlights from Monday meeting of Grande Prairie City Council

Apr 28, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Grande Prairie City Council met on Monday for the first time since March 30. 

– The city recorded a budget surplus of $3,786,000 for 2025. Council approved dividing up the money between three reserve funds. There is $2,336,000 going into the Financial Stabilization Reserve, $1,150,000 to the Facility Renewal reserve, and $300,000 to the Community Enhancement Reserve. Administration says auditors looked at the city’s financial statements and did not find any concerns.

– Council approved a motion to have Mayor Jackie Clayton write the provincial minister in charge about upcoming changes to provincial programs for disabled people. The province says that in July, all people currently on AISH will switch to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program. In making the motion, Councillor Jenna Flach said she had received several emails about the change, adding the tone of the emails she has received from people on AISH is “fear,” and “a lot of uncertainty surrounds this transition to ADAP.” Flach said recipients will be getting a maximum of $1,740 under the new program; $200 less than they are getting now. The motion says the letter should ask for “local impact data, including the number of residents affected.” It also asks for more consultation with Grande Prairie residents and a delay in bringing in the changes until this information can be looked at.

-Council approved a new Fair Access Policy. It is meant to guide future transit and recreation program subsidies. The new policy calls for a 70-30 split; with 70 per cent being covered by a subsidy. There is also a cap of $1,000 per family per year and $200 per individual per year. A report from administration says no cap will mean budget pressures. Last year, these subsidies cost over $500,000 when there was just over $331,000 allocated in the budget. The subsidies are for things like bus passes and drop-in recreation fees. The changes would be in place as of January 1, 2027.

– Council approved naming several people to the Housing and Homelessness Advisory Committee. Five have been named for terms that end on December 31, 2027. That includes Brad Cameron, Brittany Oracheski, Jane Manning, Alicia Jones, and Edwin Aluku. Four more will see their terms end on December 31, 2028. They are Shelby Fitzpatrick, Shelly Dachuk, Jarred Gossen, and Julie Phelps. Councillor Mike O’Connor will serve a term that will last until October 18, 2026. City staff member Tammy Wentzell will serve as chair for six months. Council says a city staff member is being named chair to help the group and its newcomers get settled into their roles.

– Council approved a change to the Fees, Rates & Charges Bylaw. This will see a proposed 10 per cent increase to the cost for the National Lifeguard course dropped to one per cent. Administration says a 10 per cent increase would have raised the cost to almost $600, making it too expensive for some potential lifeguards.

– Mayor Clayton read out a pair of proclamations. Youth Week will run May 1-8. The proclamation says it is ” a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and potential of young people in our community.” Mental Health Week is set for May 4 to 10. The proclamation asks people to “join together to increase awareness and understanding of mental health, reduce stigma and offer support to those facing mental health challenges.”

The next council meeting is set for May 11.

by Curtis Galbraith