May 7, 2026 Committee of the Whole Highlights

May 7, 2026 

Opposition to Bill 28, Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act — The Committee directed Administration to send a letter opposing Bill 28 — The Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, and future changes to the Libraries Act and/or Libraries Regulation arising from the Bill, to Government of Alberta representatives.

Bill 28 was introduced April 2, 2026, and proposes changes to how public libraries are governed, including restrictions on access to certain materials.

Economic Development Update — Administration presented the Committee with an overview of all the Economic Development activities and progress to date in 2026. The report outlines key initiatives, conference participation, current projects, and planned activities for the remainder of the year, along with an analysis of the County’s overall economic development efforts.

Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Review — Administration provided the Committee an update on the City/County of Grande Prairie Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) The City and County signed this agreement in February 2022 and are reviewing it this year, as required by the Province. The ICF sets out how the two municipalities work together, including shared services, traffic signal operations, cost and information sharing, and fire response support, along with the committee that oversees the agreement.

Alberta Rural Industrial Caucus (ARIC) — The Committee approved participation in the Alberta Rural Industrial Caucus (ARIC) on May 11, 2026, with representation from two members of Council and one member of Administration. Council also acknowledged the County of Grande Prairie as host for the July 2026 ARIC meeting.

Wembley Health and Wellness Society — Representatives from the Wembley Health and Wellness Society provided the Committee with an update on the Society’s operations and the Wembley Medical Clinic. The Clinic uses a Nurse Practitioner–led model, which was established under the governing Society, aligning with Alberta’s three-year pilot program for Nurse Practitioner–led primary care.

Canadian Northern Corridor Initiative — The Committee received information from representatives from Pisim Power, on a proposed multi-provincial infrastructure project aimed at addressing transportation and utility gaps across northern Canada through an integrated corridor approach. The Committee directed Administration to provide a letter of support for the Canadian Northern Corridor Initiative.

Wapiti Shooters Club Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Grant — The Committee directed Administration to provide a letter of support to the Wapiti Shooters Club for their Club’s Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Grant application.

Councillor Information Request Policy Review — The Committee directed Administration to bring Policy F17 — Councillor Information Requests to a future Regular Council Meeting for Council’s consideration in six months.  

Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) — The Committee received information from Administration on the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), a municipally enabled financing program that helps residential and commercial property owners fund eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades through repayments added to the property tax bill over time.

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on May 25, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on May 22, 2026.

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