May 22, 2026 Committee of the Whole Highlights

May 22, 2026

County of Grande Prairie Library Board 2025 Annual Report — The Committee received the 2025 County Library Board Annual Report as information. The Library Board delivers library services to County residents through community libraries in Elmworth, Hythe, La Glace, and Valhalla; library outreach to Clairmont and Horse Lake; and through annual grant funding with partner libraries in Beaverlodge, Grande Prairie, Sexsmith, and Wembley. Library activity remained strong in 2025, with the 5,251 County library cardholders checking out 131,858 physical items.

The County of Grande Prairie Library Board’s Community Initiatives Program (CIP) grant application was approved by the province, with $53,182 provided to deliver an 18-month Bezanson pop-up library pilot project in the east County. A soft launch of the project is expected in summer 2026. Partners on this project include the County of Grande Prairie, Peace Library System, Grande Prairie Public Library, and the Bezanson Agricultural Society.

Grande Prairie Public Library 2025 Annual Report — The Committee received an information report from Grande Prairie Public Library (GPPL) representatives, outlining 2025 funding sources and library use statistics related to County residents. The County Library Board provides annual funding to GPPL, including $340,477 in 2025, to support access for County residents.

First Quarter Financial Report — Administration presented the County’s 2026 first quarter financial report, including year-to-date revenues, expenditures, and capital spending compared to the approved budget.

Healthcare Professional Recruitment and Retention Business Plan — The Committee directed Administration to prepare a business case for a County of Grande Prairie partnership with the Northern Alberta Development Bursary for Council’s consideration for the 2027 interim budget process.

Physician Recruitment and Retention Policy — The Committee directed Administration to bring back Policy M13 – Physician Recruitment and Retention to a future Committee of the Whole Meeting for review and discussion.

Meeting Dates Discussion — Administration provided the Committee with an information report on potential operational changes should the Municipal Planning Commission and Regular Council Meetings be rescheduled. The Committee recommended that Council take no further action to reschedule Municipal Planning Commission and Regular Council Meetings.

Northwestern Polytechnic May 2026 Update — Representatives from Northwestern Polytechnic presented an information update to the Committee. The presentation provided an overview of their strategic priorities, goals, new post-secondary programming, expanded skilled trades, dual credit opportunities for high school students, and new facility developments. 

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on May 25, 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.