September 18, 2026 Committee of the Whole Highlights

September 18, 2026  

County Reserve Comparatives Review — Administration presented an information report to the Committee providing a review of reserve comparatives from other Alberta municipalities, for debt ratios, population and asset bases. From the review, it was determined that the County continues to maintain a strong financial position and has one of the lowest debt levels among the municipalities reviewed. 

STARS Foundation Annual Update — Representatives from the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) Foundation provided the Committee with an annual operational highlights update for the Grande Prairie STARS base. As a condition of County’s $200,000 annual funding commitment for the 2025-2027 term, STARS provides an annual update on base activity and missions flown within County borders. The County has supported STARS for over 18 years, providing a total of $3,349,311 in community funding, including $500,000 toward the STARS Fleet Renewal Campaign from 2020 to 2024. 

Proposed Event and Site Use Policy — The Committee received an information update from Administration on the proposed Event and Site Use Policy. The proposed policy provides a consistent framework for review and approval of events occurring on public and private lands, clearer definitions and event classifications, application timelines and documentation requirements, and cost recovery methods where municipal resources are required. The Committee directed Administration to bring the proposed policy to a future Regular Council meeting for Council’s review and consideration. 

Capital Grants Policy Update — Administration presented proposed changes to Policy K10 – Major Capital Grants, including consolidation of Policy K16 – Funding Major Projects and Policy K20 – Playground Grant Funding, to create a single application process with clearer and consistent reporting requirements and simplified funding streams. The Committee directed Administration to amend the policy using the proposed tiered funding model option, removing the labour rates and allowing the County to match up to 50 per cent of funds. The amended policy will be brought to a future Regular Council meeting for Council’s review and consideration. 

Operating Assistance – Facilities Policy Update — The Committee received proposed changes from Administration to Policy K14 – Operating Assistance – Facilities. Major proposed changes include consolidating portions of Policy G14 – Seniors and Accessible Transportation Operating Assistance Grant and multi-year operational funding previously allocated under Policy K6 – Community Assistance. The amendments would allow operational funding for both facilities and organizations to be allocated under the same policy, creating a more consistent application process. The Committee directed Administration to bring the amended policy to a future Regular Council meeting for Council’s review and consideration. 

Golf Cart Use within Whispering Ridge, Westlake Subdivisions — Administration provided the Committee with information regarding a public request to explore the potential for a pilot project for golf cart use within the Whispering Ridge and Westlake subdivisions. The Committee directed Administration to prepare a plan and draft bylaw for a pilot project for golf cart use restricted to specific County roadways and/or rural subdivisions adjacent to golf courses and bring it to a future Council meeting for consideration. 

The next Regular Council Meeting will take place on September 21, 2026. The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will take place on October 16, 2026. 
 
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