November 9, 2026 Council Highlights

November 9, 2026  

Joint Public Hearing Set — Council approved a joint public hearing with the Town of Sexsmith on December 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. in County Council Chambers. The hearing will consider Bylaw #3289, an update to the County of Grande Prairie’s Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Town of Sexsmith, which received first reading on October 20, 2026. The proposed amendments affect about 320 acres of land near Sexsmith, changing the land use from agricultural to industrial. As part of the public engagement process, the applicant will also host an open house on December 3, 2026, at the Sexsmith Civic Centre. 

A Dedicated Space for Student Support at Peace Wapiti Academy — Council accepted the Partnership Statement of Commitment and directed administration to include $66,631 in the 2027 Budget for the construction of a student support office in the new Peace Wapiti Academy. The 10-square-metre space will support the County’s Community School Liaison Counsellor Services program and other student support services. 

Revised Community Fireguard Plan to Reduce Wildfire Risk — Council directed Administration to apply for a Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) grant through the Community Fireguard Program using a revised project map. The proposed changes relocate the fireguard outside the recreational areas used by the Disc Golf Club, 3D Archery Club and Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS), while maintaining vegetation management in those areas. The project aims to reduce wildfire risk through vegetation thinning, pruning and removal of dead and downed trees in the area surrounding Evergreen Park, as well as the addition of a fireguard. 

2026 Family and Community Support Services Delegate Appointed — Council supported Councillor Brian Peterson putting his name forward to become the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) northwest district representative.  

Disposal of Personal Property — Council directed Administration to manage and dispose of any personal property left on the tax-forfeited property at NW-23-71-5-W6 after the required 30-day holding period, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act. This may include selling the items with the property, disposing of them, or otherwise dealing with them as deemed appropriate by the CAO or designate. Any proceeds from the sale of personal property will be handled according to the Municipal Government Act, including payment to a former owner who proves entitlement within the legislated timeframe, after County costs are recovered. This authority will remain in effect until changed or rescinded by Council. 

Alberta Transportation Provides Update on Key Highway Projects — Council received an update from Derek Young, Regional Director with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, on highway infrastructure projects in the County and surrounding area. Updates included the Highway 40X Southwest Grande Prairie Bypass, Highway 40X/Highway 43 interchange, Highway 724 overlay, Highway 722 bridge crossing over the Beaverlodge River, Beaverlodge bypass and highway maintenance activities, including work on three-digit highways. 

Policies Presented for Approval — Council is undertaking a review of all County policies in 2026. The following policies were reviewed:  

Public Hearings: 

Sponsorship Requests — Council approved the following sponsorship requests:  

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on November 23, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on November 20, 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.