October 16, 2026 Committee of the Whole Highlights

October 16, 2026  

Committee Proclaims Small Business Week — The Committee officially proclaimed October 18-24, 2026, as Small Business Week. Representatives from the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce attended the meeting and provided an overview of events and activities planned for the upcoming week. 

Helping Rural Adults through the South Peace Rural Learning Association — Representatives from the South Peace Rural Learning Association (SPRLA) presented an overview of 2026 programs and operations. The SPRLA is a non-profit organization that provides accessible, practical learning opportunities to rural adults throughout the County to build confidence through English language instruction, digital skills development, numeracy and literacy programming, one-on-one tutoring, and dedicated support for individuals pursuing the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). 

Committee Recommends Amendments to Proposed Local Improvements Policy — The Committee recommended that Council amend proposed Policy C42 – Local Improvements to establish separate sections for County-initiated and ratepayer-initiated local improvement projects. The amended policy will be brought back to a future Committee of the Whole meeting for consideration. Local improvements are neighbourhood-specific infrastructure projects, such as paving, sidewalks, streetlights, and water or sewer upgrades, that provide a greater benefit to a defined area than to the municipality as a whole. 

Proposal for Red Willow Falls Designated Trail Site — In response to high recreation use, the Province of Alberta is proposing that Red Willow Falls become a designated trail site. The Committee directed Administration to bring back additional information to a future Committee of the Whole meeting, including examples of how municipalities manage similar recreation sites, along with any Alberta Energy Regulator concerns related to reclamation at Red Willow Falls to a future Committee of the Whole Meeting, to support further discussion.  

County Receives Update on Alberta Policing Service Models — Administration provided the Committee with an updated overview of the various policing service delivery models used by other municipalities throughout Alberta. 

County Outlines Privacy Management Program — The Committee received an information report from Administration outlining the County’s current Privacy Management program, which includes privacy training, privacy impact assessments, mandatory privacy incident reporting, and activities related to access to information. 

The Organizational Meeting will take place on October 19, 2026. The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on October 20, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on November 20, 2026. 
   
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