County of Grande Prairie and Town of Beaverlodge strengthen collaboration on regional recreation

Joint Media Release – For Immediate Release, Wednesday, October 15, 2025

County of Grande Prairie and Town of Beaverlodge strengthen collaboration on regional recreation

(County of Grande Prairie, Alberta) – Residents in both the County of Grande Prairie and the Town of Beaverlodge will continue to enjoy access to high-quality recreation facilities through a renewed cost-sharing partnership between the two municipalities. The new five-year Recreation Services Agreement, effective January 1, 2026, supports the continued operation and maintenance of Beaverlodge’s recreation amenities, which serve residents across the region.

Through the agreement, the County will provide annual funding to the Town to support facilities including the pool, arena, fitness centre, community centre, and playing fields. The partnership recognizes that residents from both municipalities use these spaces regularly and ensures they remain open, well maintained, and accessible to everyone.

“This agreement is a practical way for us to work together so residents in both communities can keep enjoying these important facilities,” said Reeve Bob Marshall, County of Grande Prairie. “We know people cross municipal lines every day to use the pool, arena, and fitness spaces. Sharing the costs just makes sense.”

Under the renewed agreement, the County will provide $578,688 in recreation funding in 2026 with a 2.5 percent increase each year for the term of the agreement. The County will also contribute half the cost, up to $175,000, toward the arena roof repair, and will continue to support maintenance and renewal through annual capital contributions.

“These facilities are central to our community and well used by residents across the region,” said Mayor Gary Rycroft, Town of Beaverlodge. “This renewed agreement ensures we can continue to maintain them for everyone to enjoy.”

The agreement aligns with Alberta’s Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework legislation, which requires neighbouring municipalities to collaborate to provide residents with services efficiently and fairly.

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Media Contacts:       
Bob Marshall
Reeve, County of Grande Prairie
780-933-2053 
communications@countygp.ab.ca 

Gary Rycroft
Mayor, Town of Beaverlodge
780-354-2201