July 13, 2026 Council Highlights

July 13, 2026  

Maskwa Medical Center Engagement Plan Results — Council received the results of the Maskwa Medical Centre loan guarantee survey. The public engagement ran from June 8 to 28, 2026, and gathered feedback from 172 County residents. Of those who responded, 66.3 per cent supported the proposed $5.84 million loan guarantee; 30.8 per cent opposed it, and 2.9 per cent were neutral.   

Maskwa Medical Center Loan Guarantee Bylaw — Council gave third reading to Bylaw #3268, being the Maskwa Medical Center Guarantee Bylaw. The bylaw authorizes the County of Grande Prairie to provide a $5.84 million loan guarantee toward Maskwa Medical Center’s $23.35 million construction loan from ATB Financial. The new medical center has an estimated total project cost of approximately $40 million. 

Connected Community Grant Policy Update — Council rescinded Policies K2, K11, K12, and K19 and approved updates to Policy K6, renaming it the Connected Community Grant. The updated policy introduces a new funding framework to streamline community funding programs and consolidates existing grant programs into one program, transitions multi-year operating funding to Policy K14 – Operating Assistance, and establishes seasonal application periods. For more details, read the media release on our website.   

Pathway Between Five Mile Community Hall and Harry Balfour School — Council directed Administration to explore the cost of constructing a pedestrian pathway between Five Mile Community Hall and Harry Balfour School and bring the findings back to a future Regular Council Meeting. 

Video Surveillance Policy Update — Council approved updates to the Video Surveillance Policy (R4) to reflect organizational changes, align with current privacy legislation and clarify how video surveillance is used in County facilities and public spaces.  

Rural Municipalities of Alberta District 4 Director — Council supported Councillor Karen Rosvold’s application for reappointment to the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) District 4 Director position at the RMA Convention in November 2026. Councillor Rosvold is currently serving in the position and is seeking another term.  

Northern Alberta Medical Program Update — Council received an update from the Northern Alberta Medical Program (NAMP) on the program’s progress. NAMP provides medical students with opportunities to complete their education and training in Grande Prairie and communities across northern Alberta. Council also directed Administration to explore hosting a NAMP barbecue during the second weekend of May 2027 to welcome and support medical students in the region. 

Helping Homeless Restart Society Funding Request — Council approved a $50,000 capital funding request from the Helping Homeless Restart Society for the purchase of the Dew Drop Inn. Funding will come from the 2026 Capital Grant Program budget. The Helping Homeless Restart Society is a not-for-profit organization based in the Hamlet of Hythe that provides stable housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness. 

Letter of Support for Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association’s DMO Application — Council will provide a letter of support to the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association for its application to be designated as the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Northwest Alberta. 

Bioelectrical Anaerobic Sewage Treatment (BEAST) System Testing — Council tabled the Bioelectrical Anaerobic Sewage Treatment (BEAST) System Testing item to the August 10, 2026, Regular Council Meeting. 

Capital Grants Policy Update — Council postponed discussion of Policy K10 – Capital Grants to a future Committee of the Whole Meeting for further discussion. 

Public Hearings: