February 23, 2026 Council Highlights

February 23, 2026

2026 Fire Guardians Appointed — Council approved the appointment of this year’s fire guardians, from March 1, 2026, through to December 31, 2026. Fire guardians assist with issuing permits and educating residents on safe burning practices. Contact information for this year’s fire guardians will be available at www.countygp.ab.ca/fireguardians. 

Hythe Brine Line Ad-Hoc Committee — Council established an ad-hoc committee in accordance with Bylaw #3205 — County Owned Facilities Building Committee Bylaw to oversee the Hythe Brine Line Building Project. Councillors Karen Rosvold, Brian Lieverse, and Brian Peterson were appointed to the Committee for the duration of their term or the project’s, whichever comes first. Council directed Administration to bring back information for the disposal of concrete from the Hythe Arena Brine Line demolition at no cost to the association. 

Cemetery Bylaw Approved — Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw #3252 — Cemetery Bylaw as presented and directed Administration to the add list of fees on the County website. The Cemetery Bylaw establishes requirements and standards for the ownership, operation and management of cemeteries owned by the County of Grande Prairie.

Middle of Everywhere Branding Update — Council directed Administration to retire “Middle of Everywhere” as a standalone or primary economic development brand for the County, and to deliver County-led economic development marketing and communications under the County’s corporate brand, while retaining ownership of the “Middle of Everywhere” intellectual property for limited or future use.

Divisional Equitable Fiscal Allocation Policy Updated — Council approved Policy C40 — Divisional Equitable Fiscal Allocation Policy as presented and directed Administration to bring back Policy C27 — Financial Reserves and Levies to reflect the amendments to the Divisional Equitable Fiscal Allocation Reserve, to a future Regular Council Meeting.

Peace Region Economic Development Alliance — Council directed Administration to continue the County of Grande Prairie’s membership with the Peace Region Economic Development Alliance (PREDA) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and provide notice of the County’s intent to withdraw from PREDA, effective April 1, 2027. 

Council directed Administration to enter into discussions with PREDA members to establish a PREDA and Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDI) Northern Transportation Advocacy Bureau (NTAB) subcommittee as an independent alliance of municipalities in northwest Alberta with which the County would consider membership. 

Clean Energy Improvement Program — Council directed Administration to explore and bring back information on the County’s participation in the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) offered through Alberta Municipalities.

Permitting Process — Council directed Administration to bring back information explaining the permitting process, from development to final completion of commercial and residential developments, to a future Regular Council Meeting.

Bylaw Revision — Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw #3279 — Revising Bylaw to Bylaw # 2680-25-017, to correct clerical errors. 

Public Hearings:

• Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw #3278 ­— Bylaw to Provide for the Lease of Environmental Reserve Lands to the Aspen Ridge Community Association as presented.

Sponsorship Requests — Council approved the sponsorship request of $25,000 to the Bear Creek Folk Festival Society for the 2026 Bear Creek Folk Festival. Council directed Administration to provide a silent auction item (for a value up to $150) for the Tiny Hands of Hope Illuminate the Night Gala.

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on March 9, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on March 26, 2026.

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.