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By Tanner Smith
County of Grande Prairie

County Council approves multi-use sports pad & updated health professional retention strategy

Sep 10, 2026 | 6:04 AM

County of Grande Prairie Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Among the topics discussed, Council approved the development of a multi-use sports pad at Whispering Ridge Park at a cost of $123,280.

Located along 154 Ave and 106 Street, the 60-by-120-foot asphalt pad will “will provide year-round recreation space, including winter skating and other activities.”

Council also approved an updated policy they say “strengthens support for family physicians and nurse practitioners, with a greater focus on retention, inclusion and long-term community integration.”

They add that the “change aims to help health-care providers put down roots and strengthen ongoing access to primary health-care services.”

Council also directed administration to find an emergency funding source for road repairs along Township Road 713 west of Aspen Ridge subdivision after a landslide closed the road in June.

The current cost of the repair is estimated at $580,000.

Other highlights included Council updating its debt strategy, giving a final reading to a road closure bylaw and approving three sponsorship and funding requests:

Recreation Advisory Boards — Council approved Policy K15 – Operating Assistance – Recreation Advisory Boards, which consolidates several existing recreation funding streams and provides greater clarity around base funding, transportation assistance, and programming-specific projects. The policy also establishes an annual application period from January 1 to March 1, with Recreation Advisory Board deliberations taking place in early April. 

Debt Strategy — Council approved Policy C38 – Debt Strategy, which was updated as part of the 2026 Policy Review Project. The revisions provide greater clarity through updated policy guidelines, definitions, purpose, and references, while removing outdated definitions and information. 

International Paper/Global Cellulose Fibers Assessment Appeal — Council directed Administration to fund the $854,639 excess assessment appeal settlement for International Paper/Global Cellulose Fibers from the Financial Stabilization Reserve. 

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Business Plan — Council directed Administration to reapply for an Alberta Community Partnership grant, with the County as the managing partner and the Town of Wembley as co-applicant, to complete Phase 2 of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Business Plan. The next phase will further assess opportunities to improve the Museum’s attendance and revenue, develop a five-year funding strategy, strengthen the school market, and better integrate the Museum with Pipestone Creek Park programming. 

Town of Wembley Alberta Community Partnership Grant Application — Council supported the Town of Wembley’s application for an Alberta Community Partnership grant, with the Town acting as the managing partner, to complete an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). The IDP would provide a framework for coordinating long-term land-use planning, growth, economic development, servicing and transportation between the Town and County. 

Regional Economic Development — Council directed Administration to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Sexsmith to establish a framework for collaboration on regional economic development. The agreement will support ongoing communication and information sharing on economic development initiatives, investment opportunities, market trends, grant opportunities and regional development projects, without creating financial or legal obligations for either municipality. 

Tax Recovery Properties — Council directed Administration to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), or designate, to dispose of unclaimed personal property located on tax recovery properties after the required 30-day retention period, including offering the property for sale with the tax-forfeited land where appropriate. Any proceeds from the sale of personal property will be administered in accordance with the Municipal Government Act, including payment to a prior owner who establishes entitlement, less any costs incurred by the County. 

Sponsorship and Funding Requests — Council approved the following sponsorship and funding requests:  

  • Council directed Administration to work with the City of Grande Prairie and the Grande Prairie Sport Hosting Society to develop a regional sponsorship proposal for the 2028 Alberta 55plus Winter Games. The proposal will include the requested sponsorship amount, recognition opportunities, County highlighting opportunities, and any related financial or operational considerations. 
  • $850 for a table at the Friends of the Grande Spirit Foundation Harvest Dine and Dance  
  • Council to purchase tickets for $125 for the members of council who wish to attend the 16th Annual Chair Extraordinaire event. 

The next regular County of Grande Prairie Council meeting is set for Monday, Sept. 14.

by Tanner Smith