June 8, 2026 Council Highlights

June 8, 2026
 
Maskwa Medical Center Loan Guarantee Public Engagement Plan — Council directed Administration to proceed with launching the public engagement plan. Residents are invited to learn more about the Maskwa Medical Center Loan Guarantee and complete the survey by midnight on June 28 at www.engagecountygp.ca 

Tender Awarded for Range Road 53 and Township Road 714 Roundabout Improvement — Council awarded a $1,024,452 contract to Knelsen Sand & Gravel Ltd. for the Range Road 53 and Township Road 714 roundabout project. The estimated total project cost is $1,202,821. The project will improve the existing roundabout at Five Mile Hall by adjusting the roundabout’s apron (the space around the centre of the roundabout), the geometry of medians, and will see upgraded signage, sightlines, drainage and vehicle accommodation according to the Transportation Association of Canada guidelines. 

Hamlet of Hythe Speed Limit Revision Approved — Council directed Administration to begin the process to reduce the Hythe speed limit to 30 km per hour on all County roads, excluding the Willow Grove subdivision and industrial area, and provincial highways.

CAO Receives Long Service Recognition Award — Council congratulated County of Grande Prairie Chief Administrative Officer Joulia Whittleton for receiving the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) long service award for her 20 years of service in municipal government management.

2026-2027 Policing Priorities Outlined for Grande Prairie Rural/Clairmont RCMP — Council directed Administration to submit the community safety priorities of relationship building, community engagement, crime prevention, and enhanced service delivery for inclusion in the Grande Prairie Rural/Clairmont RCMP Community Priorities Plan for 2026-2027.

2026-2027 Policing Priorities Outlined for Beaverlodge RCMP — Council directed Administration to submit the community safety priorities of crime reduction, traffic/road safety, communication, off-highway vehicles, and trespassing for inclusion in the Beaverlodge RCMP’s Community Priorities Plan for 2026-2027

2026 Recreation Advisory Board Operating Assistance Grants — Council awarded $199,395 in 2026 operating assistance grants to non-profit organizations and volunteer groups as presented. See the media release for details. Council also approved $40,000 in 2026 Cemetery Improvement Grant requests to provide $5,000 to each of eight cemeteries: Teepee Creek, Elmworth, Hythe, Halcourt, Riverview, St. John’s Lutheran, Valhalla, and Webster. The remaining $10,000 balance in the 2026 Cemetery Improvement Grant program will be referred to the Community Grants Reserve as directed by Council.

Regional Fire Service Applying for TC Energy Community Investment Program Grant — Pending a successful grant application, Council direct Administration to purchase a M400 drone, H30T Camera, a two-year coverage plan, and training for two drone pilots totaling $25,000. The technology will be used to monitor wildfire activity, increase firefighter safety, and enhance fire investigations.

Maskwa Medical Center Facility Lending Bylaw — Council gave final reading to Bylaw #3280, the amendment to Bylaw #3232 – Maskwa Medical Facility Lending Bylaw. This bylaw extended the repayment term of the $3.5 million loan previously provided to Maskwa Medical Centre. 

Hythe Heritage & Historical Society Dissolution Funding Request — Council approved a $5,000 funding request from the Hythe Heritage & Historical Society to complete the society’s dissolution. Council also directed Administration to act as the primary contact for the third-party contract needed to complete the society’s dissolution.

Crime Prevention Work Plan — Council approved the 2026 Crime Prevention Work Plan as presented. The plan guides the work of the Community Safety Coordinator for 2026.

2026 Policy Review Project — Policies M5 — Model Process for Subdivision Approval and Private Sewage and M7 — Waiving Application Fees were presented to Council for information. Council directed Administration to bring Policy M3 — Development or Enhancement of Municipal Reserve Land to a future Committee of the Whole meeting for discussion and clarification. 

Public Hearings:

• Council recessed the public hearing for Bylaw #2680-26-022 to redesignate 4.05 hectares of land located east of Range Road 44 and north of Highway 43, approximately nine miles east of the City of Grande Prairie to the July 13, 2026, regular Council Meeting.
• Council gave final reading to Bylaw #2680-26-023 to redesignate 1.78 hectares west of Range Road 34 and south of Township Road 713A, approximately five miles southwest of Bezanson, from Country Residential CR-4 to Country Residential CR-5 to accommodate a boundary adjustment with the adjacent lot.

Sponsorship Requests — Council approved the following sponsorship requests:

• $3,000 to the Grande Prairie Women’s Residence Association (operating as Odyssey House) for the 2026 GrandeCon event.
• $7,500 to the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie for the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow.

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on June 22, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on June 25, 2026.
 
Council and Committee meetings are available to the public via live stream. Find connection instructions and meeting agendas under the Council icon on the County website.