October 5, 2026 Council Highlights

By County of Grande Prairie - Oct 06, 2026

October 5, 2026

Proposed Land Use Bylaw Amendments — Council approved first reading of Bylaw #2680-26-046, amendments to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) that establish a new Data Centre Campus (DAT) District and remove “Data Processing Establishment” from all other land use districts.

The proposed amendments reflect the changing nature of data centre development and are intended to modernize the County's planning framework while providing greater transparency when considering data centre proposals.

Residents can now review the proposed amendments, provide feedback and participate in a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on December 2, 2026, before Council makes a final decision on the bylaw. Read the media release to find out how to participate.

Council Seeks Highway Project Update — Council directed Administration to invite representatives from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to a future Council meeting to provide an update on highway projects within the County, including activity around the Highway 724 and Highway 43 intersection.

Council Streamlines Operating Assistance Grant Program — Council approved Policy K14 – Operating Assistance as presented, and rescinded Policy G14 – Seniors and Accessible Transportation Operating Assistance Grant. The updated policy allows operational funding for both facilities and organizations to be allocated under the same policy, creating a more consistent application process.

Council also directed Administration to develop a procedure outlining the term of funding for Policy K14 and bring it back to a future Council meeting. Under the policy, groups receiving term funding would automatically receive funding throughout the term.

Clairmont Food Bank Building Replacement — Council approved $142,677 to purchase and install a new 14- by 62-foot well-site office building at the current Clairmont Food Bank site.

Recreational Use of Stormwater Ponds Policy Updated — Council approved Policy K18 – Recreational Use of Stormwater Ponds as presented. The policy was updated to include a clearer policy purpose, updated terminology, enhanced training requirements, and revised guidelines for fire pits and fire barrels on pond ice surfaces.

Land Use Zones Redesignated — Council gave final reading to:

Bylaw #2680-26-037 redesignating a portion of land from a Rural Medium Industrial (RM-2) district to a Rural Heavy Industrial (RM-3) district. The land is located west of Range Road 111 and south of Highway 43, within the Hamlet of Hythe.

Bylaw #2680-26-038 redesignating a portion of land from a Rural Light Industrial (RM-1) district to a Rural Industrial – Direct Control (RM-DC) district. The land is located east of Highway 43 and south of Highway 672, immediately south of the Hamlet of Hythe.

Bylaw #2680-26-039 redesignating a portion of land from an Agriculture (AG) district to a Rural Medium Industrial (RM-2). The land is located east of Range Road 63 and 0.5 miles south of Highway 672, approximately four miles southwest of the Town of Sexsmith within the Emerson Trail Industrial Area.

The three rezoning applications were considered during the September 21 Public Hearing.

Bylaw Deferred — Council deferred third reading of Bylaw #2680-26-040 to redesignate a portion of land from a Comprehensive Commercial (CC) district to a Rural-Medium Industrial (RM-2) district until the Bylaw #2680-26-046, amendments to the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) are considered for third reading.

Portions of Public Works Road Closed — Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw #3285 - Road Closure of Portions of Public Works Road (Service Road), Plan 262 0772 located at 11041 97 Street, Clairmont.

ATCO Gas and Electric Franchise Fees — Council directed Administration to reduce the ATCO Gas and Electric Franchise Fees to zero per cent for the Hamlet of Hythe, and to maintain the additional Tax for Hythe related to the debt repayment for the 2027 tax year.

As part of debt repayment considerations, Council also directed Administration to bring forward options for a vitality fund and community programming through local community boards, including funding opportunities, for consideration at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.

Council Internal, Intermunicipal, Regional Boards and Committees Review — Council received and approved the summary of Council’s various internal, intermunicipal, regional boards and committees as presented.

Honouring Milestones in Municipal Leadership — Council approved Policy F3 – Council Recognition as presented. This policy recognizes and honours County Councillors for their years of service through milestone service pins and certificates and provides a recognition plaque when they leave office.

Grande Prairie Live Theatre Society Receives Emergency Funding — Council provided the Grande Prairie Live Theatre Society $10,000 in emergency operating funding, to be directed toward the Society’s 2026 operational deficit.

Public Hearings:

Council gave final reading to Bylaw #2680-26-042 to redesignate land located approximately 2.25 miles northwest of the Hamlet of Bezanson, west of Range Road 40, and north of Township Road 724 from an Agricultural (AG) District to a County Residential (CR-5) District.

Council gave final reading to Bylaw #2680-26-043 to redesignate land located approximately 2.5 miles east of the Town of Sexsmith, between Range Roads 53 and 54, and south of Township Road 734 from an Agricultural (AG) District to a County Residential (CR-5) District.

Council gave final reading to Bylaw #2680-26-044 to redesignate land located approximately 5.22 miles from the Town of Beaverlodge, east of Range Road 112, and north of Township Road 720 from an Agricultural (AG) District to a Country Residential (CR-5) District.

The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on October 16, 2026. The Organizational Meeting will take place on October 19, 2026. The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on October 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.