November 28, Committee of the Whole

Update on Lowered Borrowing Costs for Municipalities — The Committee received an information report from Administration regarding upcoming changes to borrowing costs for municipalities, effective in 2025. According to a Government of Alberta announcement issued on September 26, 2024, municipalities will now pay the same interest rate as the province for loans used for infrastructure and capital projects, leading to reduced borrowing costs.  

County Sportsplex 2024 Performance Update — The Committee received an update from Administration on the County Sportsplex's performance and occupancy for 2024, including an update on the Expression of Interest campaign that closed on November 15, 2024, to secure a new naming rights sponsor. As of the end of September, the Sportsplex 2024 operating budget is projected to exceed expectations by $148,387, a 3.9 per cent improvement over last year, due to the trending 12 per cent revenue increase and reduced utility costs and expenses. If met, the facility’s 2025 budget estimates a 5.2 per cent increase in net impact to the County. 

Administrative Complex Redesign Update — The Committee directed Administration to include construction funding for the Administrative Complex Redesign project in the proposed 2025 Capital Budget. Additionally, Administration is to explore further options for the project, which includes revising the project’s goal to become a three-to-five-year plan and completing only the necessary building repairs. Administration will bring high-level costs to Council Interim Budget Meetings in December. 

Evergreen Park Annual Update: Financial Position and Future Plans — The Committee directed Administration to include a three-year term (2025, 2026, and 2027) with a 3.5 per cent escalator and complete a multi-year operating funding agreement with the Grande Prairie Regional Agricultural & Exhibition Society, with operating funding included in the proposed 2025 Recreation and Culture grants budget. Since 2016, Evergreen Park has received $400,000 in annual operating assistance, which includes the 3.5 per cent annual escalator added in 2020. In 2024, the Society received a $475,076 operating grant through the Community Assistance Grant Program, which is part of the County’s Recreation and Culture Grant budget. 

County Regional Fire Service Presents 2024 Third Quarter 2024 Report — The Committee received a year-to-date information report from Administration on call statistics, deployments, fire permits, new staff, and an overtime cost comparison between 2023 and 2024.  

Funding Opportunities for Museums — The Committee received an information report from Administration regarding research to identify available operating assistance grants for the Kleskun Hill Museum Society. The report included major funding sources from both provincial and federal governments specifically for museums. Overall, operational funding for museums is limited and difficult to access, with most available funds tied to specific projects or professional development. Administration provides advice on grants, connections to a grant writer, and training opportunities through the monthly Community Groups newsletter and will connect organizations with those resources, if requested.  

Funding Opportunities for Grande Prairie Traditional Pow Wow Event —The Committee deferred the $18,723 sponsorship request from the Grande Prairie Aboriginal Circle of Services (GPACOS) to the 2025 Interim Budget deliberations. Administration provided an information report on various funding options for GPACOS, including their eligibility for additional grants. Additionally, the Grade Prairie Regional Agriculture and Exhibition Society has contributed $10,867 in facility rental fees as a gift in kind, reducing the event’s rental costs to $18,723. 

Grande Prairie Regional Recreation Committee Annual Update — The Committee received the annual update on projects and initiatives undertaken by the Grande Prairie Regional Recreation Committee (GPRRC) in 2024. Established in 2017 as part of the Grande Prairie Joint Recreation Master Plan, the GPRRC includes representatives from the County of Grande Prairie, City of Grande Prairie, and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley. The MD of Greenview withdrew in October 2024 to focus on other committees. The County's proportional financial contribution to the salary for GPRRC’s Regional Recreation Coordinator for 2025 is projected to increase due to cost-of-living adjustments and the withdrawal of the MD of Greenview. 

Presentation on Growth of Pickleball — The Committee received an information update from the Grande Prairie Pickleball Club regarding the remarkable growth of the sport, both internationally and locally. Having been established for over a decade, the Club has seen significant growth and community engagement. The presenters noted the current facilities available and shared their vision for a future indoor/outdoor pickleball complex. 

While the Club did not seek funding from the County at this time, they have proactively reached out to the City of Grande Prairie and local representatives, including MP Chris Warkentin and MLA Nolan Dyck, to explore potential grant opportunities for future projects. 

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place onDecember16, 2024. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place onDecember19, 2024.Interim Budget Council Meetings will be held on December 11, 12 and 13. 
 
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