May 20, 2025 Council Highlights

County Awards Over $200,000 to 64 Community Groups — The County of Grande Prairie awarded $227,816 in annual operating assistance and cemetery grants to support 64 non-profit organizations and volunteer groups. Please see our full media release here.  

Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission — Council approved the submission to the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission as presented. The Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission is undertaking a review of the current provincial electoral boundaries and is seeking input from Albertans and relevant geopolitical data sources. 

Petro Chemical Facility Development Permit — Council approved the development permit from Cool LNG Inc. to build a new Petro Chemical facility located approximately 0.68 miles southwest from the Hamlet of Elmworth.  

Alberta Provincial Housing and Service Needs Estimation Application — Council directed Administration to apply to the Rural Development Network, and if approved to conduct an updated Alberta Provincial Housing and Service Needs Estimation. 

Teepee Creek Stampede Funding Request Approved — Council approved $25,000 in funding to the Teepee Creek Stampede Association for the 2025 Teepee Creek Stampede on July 10-13, 2025, at the Tire Pro Events Centre in Teepee Creek. 

2025 Beaverlodge Art Walk Funding Request Approved — Council approved $5,000 in funding for the Beaverlodge and District Chamber of Commerce for the 2025 Beaverlodge Art Walk on June 6, 2025, in Beaverlodge.  

Hythe & District Agricultural Society Funding Request for Mowing and Trimming Approved — Council approved $6,000 in one-time funding to the Hythe & District Agricultural Society for contract mowing, along the Provincial Highway in Hythe. A broader policy discussion on community beautification plans will take place at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. 

Community Foundation Golf Tournament Sponsorship Request Approved — Council approved participation for Council members wishing to attend the Sexsmith & District Community Foundation Golf Tournament, taking place on June 13, 2025, at the Morningview Golf Course in Sexsmith, Alberta.  

Office and Facility Closure Policy — Council approved Policy L21 – Municipal Office and Facility Closures as presented in response to previous direction given by Council. The Policy establishes a standard practice for County office and facility closures for holidays and other events and eliminates the need to seek direction from Council annually. 

Policy Updated — Council approved amendments to Policy F10 – Council and Board Member Honoraria & Expense Reimbursement which clarifies reimbursement for external committee participation at regular and sub-committee meetings.  

Development and Subdivision Officer Appointed — Council appointed Evi Ebede as a Development Officer under the Land Use Bylaw, and as a Subdivision Officer under the Subdivision Authority Bylaw for the County of Grande Prairie.   

Staff Introductions — Council welcomed Jamie Hannaford as the new Manager of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP), and congratulated Andrew Goldberg on being appointed as the new Director (Agricultural Fieldman) of Agriculture Services.  

Council recognized the following new staff members: 

Council welcomed new and returning seasonal staff members and summer students: