Back to SearchJanuary 13, 2025
Clairmont Municipal Police Service Agreement — Council approved signing the Clairmont Municipal Police Service Agreement as received from Public Safety Canada, permitting the County of Grande Prairie to enter into the agreement establishing the municipal RCMP service contract in the Hamlet of Clairmont, effective April 1, 2025. The Alberta Police Act indicates that when a village (the Act treats hamlets as if they were villages) reaches a population greater than 5,000, the local municipality is required to provide policing services. The Act provides some options for doing so, including contracting the RCMP. In 2022, the Province of Alberta provided an estimated population for Clairmont at 5,135. In response, County administration worked alongside representatives from Public Safety Canada to formalize the new agreement.
As part of the agreement, Council also approved $80,000 annually at final budget to support a Public Service Employee position to provide administrative support to the detachment.
Provincial Grant Application for Base Paving Project — Council endorsed Administration’s proposal to apply for a provincial grant through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs’ Local Growth and Sustainability Program. The program offers up to 50 per cent of project costs. If awarded, the grant will support the budgeted $2 million Range Road 100 base paving project between Highway 667 and Highways 43/723 that was previously approved by Council.
Applications to Relieve Burden of Unpaid Taxes — Council directed Administration to apply for the 2024 Provincial Education Requisition Credit (PERC) and Designated Industrial Requisition Credit (DIRC) programs provided by the Government of Alberta to relieve the financial burden of unpaid taxes on municipalities.
Spring Lake Ski Hill Capital Funding Requests Approved — Council approved $20,000 to offset the Spring Lake Ski Hill Association’s projected operating budget deficit for November 2024 to January 2025, matching the funding provided by Saddle Hills County. Council also approved the Association’s $20,000 capital funding request based on 50 per cent of the invoiced cost (excluding GST) for replacement rental equipment. Council appointed Councillor Brian Peterson to the Spring Lake Ski Hill Board of Directors.
Climbing Wall Facility Project Application — Council received a presentation from Grande Prairie Climbing Association representatives regarding a proposed climbing facility at the City of Grande Prairie’s Activity and Recreation Centre (ARC). Council directed Administration to communicate to the Association that they may apply for funding under the County’s 2026 Capital Grant Program.
Grande Prairie Skate Club Sponsorship Funding — Council approved $1,000 in sponsorship for the Grande Prairie Skate Club’s 2025 Star Series #3 Invitational Competition being held on January 24-26, 2025, at the Design Works Centre in Grande Prairie.
Agricultural Fieldman Appointed — Council appointed Tracelle Hinze, Acting Director of Agriculture as the Agricultural Fieldman for the County of Grande Prairie, in accordance with the Agricultural Service Board Act.
Honoraria and Expense Reimbursement Approved — Council approved Policy F10 – Council and Board Honoraria and Expense Reimbursement as presented. The updated policy now reflects the two per cent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) approved for County staff during interim budget meetings in December.
Staff Introductions — Council welcomed Kimberly Eisler as the new Project Coordinator with Recreation Public Lands in the Recreation and Culture department.
The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on January 27, 2025. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on January 16, 2025.
Council and Committee meetings are available to the public via live stream. Find connection instructions and meeting agendas under Council Meetings on the County website.