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Resident Delegation – A delegation of residents from the Whispering Ridge and Westlake Estates subdivisions presented to Council regarding winter recreation on stormwater ponds in their neighbourhoods.  

Recreation on Stormwater Ponds – The County will continue recreation on stormwater ponds in residential subdivisions following last winter’s pilot project. Council directed Administration to develop a program, similar to the existing Neighbourhood Ice Surface Program, where interested residents can apply to manage their local stormwater pond ice surface as volunteers. Read the full media release for more details.  

Requests for support – County Council approved a Community Assistance Grant of $20,000 for the 2023 Vital Signs Project. Vital Signs is a public opinion and research project managed by the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta that examines quality of life in the region, including diving into the economy, the gap between different economic classes, learning, health and wellness, housing, transportation, environment, recreation, and more. The County has contributed $80,000 in support of Vital Signs projects from 2015 – 2021. 

Council received a request from Dr. Bertozzi from the Northwest Echocardiography Lab for $100,000 to support a research study related to improving outcomes for rural heart attack patients. Council directed Administration to work with Dr. Bertozzi on potential funding sources available for the project.  

Aquatera Contract for Solid Waste Services – Council directed Administration to request more information from Aquatera Utilities regarding a proposed increase to Residential Solid Waste Management Services as the contract is up for renewal.   

Appointing External Auditing Firm – Council appointed BDO Canada LLP to provide external auditing services for the 2022-2024 fiscal years at a total cost of $333,875, as required by the Municipal Government Act.  

Audio Upgrades – Council approved $10,738 for upgrades of the existing audio system in Council Chambers to improve sound.  

Road Use Agreement Bylaw – Council gave three readings to Bylaw 3193, an updated Road Use Agreement Bylaw, which was amended to improve the administrative processes in executing agreements with industry and revised notification requirements to align with municipal best practices.  

Policies Presented for Approval – Council is undertaking a review of all County policies in 2022. The following policies were reviewed: 

  • Council approved Policy D11 – Roadside Seeding as presented.  
  • Council approved Policy D17 – Farm Family Awards as presented. 
  • Council approved Policy D19 – Clubroot as presented. 
  • Council approved Policy L17 – Anti-Racism as presented. 

Public Hearings – Council held the following public hearings:   

  • For Bylaw 2680-22-025 to redesignate 3.21 acres of land, located in the Hamlet of Clairmont, west of Highway 43 and north of 144 Ave, from a Rural Medium Industrial (RM-2) District to a Rural Heavy Industrial (RM-3) District to accommodate the development of an auto wrecker and metal recycling facility. Council took no action on the bylaw as the application was withdrawn prior to the public hearing.  
  • For Bylaw 2680-22-027 to redesignate 20.61 acres of land, located south of Township Road 760, adjacent to Range Road 84 and the boundary of Saddle Hills County, from an Agricultural (AG) District to a Country Residential (CR-5) District to accommodate the  subdivision of one residential lot. Council gave the bylaw three readings. 
  • For Bylaw 2680-22-028 to redesignate 10.81 acres of land, located adjacent to the western boundary of the Hamlet of Clairmont and 3.5 km north of the City of Grande Prairie, on the eastern side of Range Road 64, from an Agricultural (AG) District to a Country Residential (CR-5) District to allow for the development of one residential lot. Council defeated the Bylaw at first reading.  

Proclamations – Council proclaimed November 2022 as Family Violence Prevention Month in the County of Grande Prairie. An elected official will read the proclamation at the November 1 kickoff event hosted by IMPACT Grande Prairie.  

Council proclaimed December 5 as International Volunteer Day in the County of Grande Prairie.  

Correspondence – Council will send a letter to the Premier, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and local MLA’s outlining the County of Grande Prairie’s concerns with a proposed United Conservative Party initiative that would require municipal politicians to register as lobbyists.  

Remembrance Day Ceremonies – County Councillors will attend Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Friday, November 11, in Beaverlodge, Hythe, Sexsmith, Wembley, as well at Bonnetts Energy Centre and the Grande Prairie Cenotaph in the City of Grande Prairie.  

Employee Introductions – Council and staff welcomed Sarah Unger to the Janitorial team as well as Dawn Greig, Ivy Dube, Jessica McFarlane, Maryna Poslavska, Kristy Wagner, and Ryan Way to Financial Services.  

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on November 14, 2022. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on November 1, 2022. 

Council and Committee meetings are available to the public via live stream. Find connection instructions and meeting agendas through the events calendar on the County website.