Multiplex Theming Concept Images

In my last post on the Multiplex I posted some pictures from inside of the construction site. Today I've got more images to share, this time though you'll be getting a look into the future of the project rather than at how it stands today.

At a committee meeting yesterday council was presented with concept images for the theming of the aquatics portion of the building. (The Daily Herald has a story on the committee meeting here.)

We approved going ahead with just under $900,000 worth of dinosaur related theming elements. It's always been a part of the plan to include a theme in the aquatics centre (the $900,000 has been in the project budget since the beginning). I think this is important because it will set the stage for the multiplex, and the aquatics centre in particular, to become a "can't miss" attraction in the city.

The reason it's dinos is to tie in to a local element - the Pipestone Creek dinosaur bone bed and the future River of Death & Discovery dinosaur museum. The vision, or my vision anyhow, is that when both facilities are up and running our area will have a highly marketable tourism attraction: "Go to the Museum and Don't Forget to Visit the Waterpark!" It might sound far-fetched today but with a little planning & coordination that might just be something that attracts people to the area and keeps them here a few days longer- all the while contributing to the local economy.

The quality of the images below is only kind of so-so because they're scanned from the hard copy. You can click each picture for a larger view which might be a bit easier to see. Anyhow, let's get on to the pictures:

As you come out of the change rooms you exit through rock walls over grown with vines and embedded with fossils. There are pterodactyls in the air overhead.

Right in front of you is the children's pool and the spray deck. You can climb up in to the tree-top to be under the big dumping bucket with giant dragonflies around you.

Around the back of the tree-top water feature are the stairs which go right through huge dino bones sticking out of the ground.

A little further along is the chance to ride a pre-historic wave on the flowrider. (council agreed to remove the dino from the top of the rocks to keep the theming within budget.)

Way across to the north end of the building is the tower that leads up to the start of the waterslides. As you speed down the bodyslide you come splashing out of the mouth of a T-Rex.

If you come down the tubeslide you end up in the adventure river where the current takes you through a mountain and around the river island.

The view riding along the river is pretty exciting.

While the kids are off doing all this the adults might decide to relax in the hot-tub and listen as a waterfall tumbles down from a rock outcropping. (Council voted to remove the large dino on top of the rocks, as well as the palm trees. The thinking is that, while this are should be consistent with the theme, adults will enjoy the area without needing as many features as in the youth oriented areas.)

This final image is an example of the work from Studio Y Creations who will be doing the theming. They have done work for the Tyrrell Museum and will have no problem making dinos that look realistic. I'm going to make sure that at least one of the beasts lumbering in the building is an authentic looking local.

2010 Budget Action - Who Voted for What?

Last night at our regular council meeting we passed the budget for 2010 which was hashed out through our meeting on November 19th. (Full minutes here.) This budget was originally to have a 6.5% increase from the previous year but it now it's only a 2.8% increase.

Over the last few years I've tried to pass on an inside look at the decision process that happens through the city budget discussions. (Check out last year's post here and the year before that here.)

Below are all the motions that were made to sort out what council would, and wouldn't, fund for 2010. There were a lot of mixed voted as council members chose which items to support and which where lower on their personal priority lists.


• MOVED by Alderman Given the Enforcement Services Administrative Support position be converted from casual to Permanent, with funding for benefits allocated within the existing department budget.
CARRIED. 6-2
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Gustafson, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan and Alderman Minhas

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership Program Coordinator position be converted from temporary to Permanent, with funding for benefits allocated within the existing department budget.
CARRIED.

• MOVED by Alderman Given the Planning Assistant position be converted from temporary to Permanent, with funding for benefits allocated within the existing department budget.
CARRIED.

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the Committee refer the Legislative Services Public Relations account to General Government Services Committee.
CARRIED.

• MOVED by Alderman Wong the 2010 and 2011 Budgets be adjusted to add $40,000 per year and a total of up to $60,000 for “in-kind” support for the Wapiti Corridor Planning Group.
MOTION DEFEATED. 2-6
For: Aldermen Gustafson and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Minhas, Radbourne, and Rice

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $15,000 funding for the Bear Creek Pool Operations.
MOTION DEFEATED. 4-4
For: Aldermen Gustafson, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Given and Minhas

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $112,760 funding for the South Peace Historical Restoration Society – Anglican Church Restoration Project.
CARRIED. 5-3
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Gustafson, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Minhas and Radbourne

• MOVED by Alderman Radbourne the 2010 and 2011 Budgets be adjusted to add $60,000 funding in each year and a further commitment of $60,000 for the next three years for Grande Prairie Minor Baseball – construction of diamonds at Evergreen Park.
CARRIED. 5-3
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne and Rice
Against: Aldermen Blackmore, Given and Wong

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $50,000 funding for the Centre 2000 Building Renovation Project.
CARRIED. 7-1
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan

• MOVED by Alderman Given the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $75,000 funding for the Grande Prairie Live Theatre Roof Replacement Project.
CARRIED. 7-1
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Minhas, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Alderman Gustafson

• MOVED by Alderman Blackmore Committee refer to the Council Committee of the Whole 2011 Budget review the request for six additional RCMP members, in the amount of $712,000.
CARRIED. 7-2
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Minhas, Rice and Wong
Against: Aldermen Gustafson and Radbourne

• MOVED by Alderman Gustafson the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $118,660 to fund one additional RCMP member.
MOTION DEFEATED. 4-5
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Gustafson, Radbourne, and Wong
Against: Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Minhas and Rice

• MOVED by Alderman Wong the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $104,500 to fund a Forensic Identification Assistant and a PROS Review Assistant civilian positions within the RCMP Detachment.
CARRIED.

• MOVED by Alderman Wong the 2010 Budget be adjusted to delete $400,000 for the RCMP Data Typing Pool program.
CARRIED. 8-1
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne and Wong
Against: Alderman Rice

• MOVED by Alderman Given the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $50,000 to fund STARS.
CARRIED.

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $112,666 to fund the SPCA Contract, subject to funding from the County of Grande Prairie.
MOTION DEFEATED. 4-5
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Deimert, Gustafson Minhas and Radbourne

• MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $5,000 funding for the City’s 100th Anniversary Project.
CARRIED. 8-1
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Given, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Alderman Deimert

• MOVED by Alderman Given the matter of identifying a capital project within the Muskoseepi Park Master Plan area as a potential 100th Anniversary Project be referred to General Government Services Committee.
CARRIED. 8-1
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Deimert, Given, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Alderman Blackmore

• MOVED by Alderman Blackmore the Committee refer to Administration the matter of initiation of the development of the South Montrose Site Green Area as per the Downtown Enhancement Plan, using in-house resources.
CARRIED.

•MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $55,000 to fund the purchase of a Zimek Decontamination Machine.

•MOVED by Alderman Blackmore the matter of purchasing a Zimek Decontamination Machine, for $55,000, be referred to Protective Services Committee.
CARRIED. 7-2
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Gustafson, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan and Alderman Minhas

•MOVED by Alderman Rice the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $50,000 to fund the purchase of a Reverse Osmosis System for the ice within Canada Games Arena.

•MOVED by Alderman Given the matter of purchasing a Reverse Osmosis System for Canada Games Arena, for $50,000, be referred to Community Development Committee.
CARRIED. 7-2
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan and Alderman Rice

• MOVED by Alderman Blackmore Committee refer to the Council Committee of the Whole 2011 Budget review the Dave Barr Arena Building Expansion Project, in the amount of $750,000.
CARRIED. 5-4
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, and Minhas
Against: Aldermen Gustafson, Radbourne, Rice and Wong

• MOVED by Alderman Deimert the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $60,000 funding for the Affordable Housing Master Plan RFP.
CARRIED. 7-2
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Radbourne, Rice and Wong
Against: Aldermen Gustafson and Minhas

• MOVED by Alderman Wong the 2010 Budget be adjusted to redirect $1.5 Million of Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program (AMIP) funding for the Downtown 101 Avenue Couplet Project to other previously approved infrastructure capital projects that are funded by taxes.
CARRIED. 7-2
For: Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Given, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan and Alderman Rice

• MOVED by Alderman Wong the 2010 Budget be adjusted to add $35,000 funding for the Wapiti Corridor Planning Group.
MOTION DEFEATED. 4-5
For: Aldermen Given, Gustafson, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Minhas and Radbourne

•MOVED by Alderman Given the 2010 Budget be adjusted to reduce the Tax Revenue increase from $2.0 M to $1.5 M.
MOTION DEFEATED. 3-6
For: Aldermen Given, Rice and Wong
Against: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Gustafson, Minhas and Radbourne

•MOVED by Alderman Given the Committee recommend Council approve the 2010 Operating and Capital Budgets as adjusted.
CARRIED.

Multiplex Photos at about 40% Complete

I had a chance to tour the construction site at the Multiplex this morning and I thought I'd share some pictures so everyone can have an inside look at what's coming for our community!

Before I go any further - I have to say that I have the up most respect for all the trades and construction workers on site. It's supposed to get cold this weekend and although I hear they might close down if it's really cold - there were all there today working away and I was freezing after my 20 minute walk through! So, hats off to the Wright Construction team and everyone onsite, I appreciate the job your doing!

This is heading north as you walk into what will be the south entrance of the building. The part with the yellow tarp is where the RCMP satellite office will be.

Just coming in the south entrance, still looking north, you can see down the main hall. On the right is the fieldhouse and to the left will be the lease spaces.

We turned right and walked into the fieldhouse. This is looking north towards the pool area. You can see the scaffold heading up to the two upper levels.

Walking east through the field house you can see where the 4 squash courts will go, with St. Joe's high school in the background.

That big hole is the 50m pool. This is looking North-East across the pool. This photo doesn't really give you a sense of just how big an area it is.

From just about the same spot as above but looking North-West this time, across what will be the adventure river, spray park - the two waterslides will be at the back.

At the for North end of the building is the adult hot-tub. The low area that Felix is standing in started at my feet and goes all the way to the wheelbarrow behind. That gives you some idea of how big the tub will be! You should just about always be able to find a spot in there!

This is near the center of the building and is looking down into what will the be the shorter 25m program pool. All this will be under the pool when it is put in.

On the second level, looking back South-West to the entrance we came through in the first photo. The Gymniks building is in the background. You can see how the concrete has been formed to provide seating on the second level looking into the fieldhouse.

On the second level councourse, looking North-West, across the 50m pool in to the adventure river / spray deck area. For a sense of how big the space really is check out the lower right of the picture - see that tiny worker!? He's loading something on to the boom of the man-lift.


From the same spot as above but looking more directly West. The slightly curved steel railing running from the bottom centre will be where a glass wall provides a view into the pool area.

Further along the second level concourse, looking West again. The floor here isn't finished but you can see the elevator shaft on the right. Walking along here will lead you into the 16,000 sf fitness area.

Third level, in what will be a mechanical room. I had to take the photo to show how massive the mechanical system will be - those giant grey boxes with the small doors are actually part of the air handling system and there were at least the of them up there!

On the third level running track looking back across the fieldhouse to the South-West entrance again.

Finally a parting shot from the third floor mechanical room area. Looking North across the houses in Mission ... 214 Place is a tiny square in the center-left of the picture.

Snow Removal Flyer

Now that we've got a reasonable amount of snow on the ground it's pretty timely that the city is passing on information about our snow removal program. It's big job cleaning city streets; the roads classified at the Priority 1 & 2 levels (check the map below) equal about 133KM of work. Keeping in mind that over much of that distance crews have to work around curbs, traffic, homes and parked cars it's no wonder it's time consuming job.

The information below will be circulated as a flyer to every household in GP through Canada Post. The goal of passing on the info to help the public understand how the city prioritizes which streets get cleaned first and how the public can help make the operation more effective by complying with some of the bylaws in place.

2009/2010 SNOW REMOVAL

AND ICE CONTROL PROGRAM

This flyer is intended to provide City residents information regarding snow removal for the 2009/2010 season and answers some commonly asked questions regarding Snow Removal and Ice Control.

• What Are the Priorities for Snow Plowing on City streets?
After a major snowfall, snow is removed on a priority basis as follows:

Priority 1 - Major Arterials; 100 St, 84 Ave, 68 Ave, Resources Rd, Hwy 40 - Wapiti Road, etc.
Priority 2 - Transit Bus Routes and Major Collector Roadways; Crystal Lake Drive, Mission Heights Drive, Poplar Drive, Royal Oaks Drive, etc.
Priority 3 - Local Roads & Lanes (residential areas) – The City provides dedicated Snow and Ice Control on local roads & lanes in residential areas. Weekday mornings in North side Neighbourhoods (North of 100 Ave) and weekday afternoons in Southside Neighbourhoods (South of 100 Ave.)

Check the Residential Snow and Ice Control webpage at www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/trans/worknotices/ for more information on the program.

• Where Does the Snow Go?
Priority 1 and 2 routes - Snow will normally be plowed to the middle of the road and hauled to the City Snow Dump or will be pushed over the curb and onto the City-owned boulevards.

[Note from Bill: Once the city picks up snow it is classified as a contaminated material and has to be trucked to a specially constructed Snow Dump area. Having to handle the snow this way really increases costs. Right now the city only has one Snow Dump site just off 92nd street along the railroad tracks. We are planning for second site in another area of the city but that will cost money to build too.]

Sidewalks on Both Sides - Snow will either be plowed to the middle and removed or plowed and stockpiled to the sidewalk on the even numbered side of the road on even years or the odd numbered side of the road on odd years.

Sidewalk on One Side only - Snow will generally be plowed to the side without a sidewalk. Snow will be pushed over the curb and onto the City-owned boulevards.

No Sidewalk - The snow will be plowed to both sides.

• What is my responsibility for Snow Removal and Ice Control on the sidewalk along my property?
Bylaw #C-1166: Every Occupant, or owner, of property adjacent to a sidewalk, shall remove, or caused to be removed, and cleared away, any snow or ice from the adjacent sidewalk and the removal shall be completed within 24 hours following the most recent deposit of snow or ice. Do not dispose snow on City Property. Snow removed from sidewalks and private lanes shall not be placed within the City’s roadways.

• Can I park my vehicle on a Permanent Snow Route?
Bylaw #C-1166, and Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy 606; the Roads indentified as Priority I and Priority II for Snow Removal and Ice Control and will be declared Permanent Snow Routes from Nov 15, 2009 until April 15, 2010.

A person shall not park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on a roadway marked as a Permanent Snow Route. All vehicles parked on marked Permanent Snow Routes following the declaration are subject to a fine and/or immediate removal and impound at the expense of the registered owner of the vehicle.

A map of the Permanent Snow Routes (1.8MB PDF Map HERE) available for view by clicking the “Maps” link on the City website at www.cityofgp.com .

We thank all residents of the City of Grande Prairie for their co-operation and if you need to reach us to report hazardous road conditions, have questions about our Snow and Ice Control Program or on any transportation related issue, please call 780 538-0354 or email us at Transport_contact@cityofgp.com .

Thank you,
City of Grande Prairie - Transportation Services

A Grande Prairie Brand?

We just had a presentation from the consultants we hired to help us develop a brand for Grande Prairie. I'll post more info on it later but since I have 45 minutes before our meeting proper starts I thought I'd solicit a little feedback on some of the key points. Keep in mind that none of this is a slogan or a tag-line - it's meant to clearly define "... A widely held perception consumers have about a place."

"In Grande Prairie, you will have opportunities to achieve your dream. In Grande Prairie there is a willingness to try new things. Your creativity and ingenuity will be received with an open mind. We offer an environment that nurtures your entrepreneurial spirit, and a friendly nature to help you acheive your goals."

And, if I described Grande Prairie as a person like this (below) would
I be right?

"Grande Prairie is young, smart, open-minded, clever, positive and possesses a desire to acheive and help others acheive."

So, does all that sound like Grande Prairie?

Library Update - November 30th, 2009

I think it's been a while since I've posted an update from Laurie Harrison at the Grande Prairie Public Library but just in time for tonight's council meeting (see the agenda here) here's news from your library!

"Overdrive
Can't make it in to the library but you need a good read? Your Library now offers Overdrive downloadable audiobooks and eBooks free to Library members.

The digital version of a print book (eBook) can be read on your computer, laptop or PDA. Audiobooks can be downloaded to an MP3 player or other portable device.

Quickly and easily place holds and download materials. Once your requested materials download, you have the materials for three weeks. After that time, the materials are automatically returned. You never have to worry about late fees.

Santa’s Workshop
Visit the Children’s Library Story Room for an evening of fun crafts, hot chocolate, and treats. Families with children three and older are welcome. Lug a mug. Registration required.

Date: Wednesday, December 9
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Location: Linda Smith Story Room

The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree in the Children’s Library will be accepting stocking stuffer donations from November 25 to December 18. New items such as toiletries: soaps and lotions, toothbrushes, hair brushes, manicure sets; slippers, socks, pajamas and housecoats for moms and teens gratefully accepted. Donations will go to Odyssey House."

In addition to Laurie's update, during my last visit to the library that signage is being installed in the Montrose Cultural Centre. In addition to helping you find where you're going the sleek metal lettering looks pretty sharp and is a nice final touch to the building.

Apartment Fire Aftermath

I'm not in the city today but I just received an update (12:45pm) on the fire at Eagle Manor via email. Here's the latest info on the fire and what's happening for effected residents:

Update (5:55pm) CTV has this report on their site suggesting arson maybe to blame.

"City of Grande Prairie
Media Release
November 28, 2009

Tenant Meeting Scheduled Following Fire

Boardwalk Rental Communities is holding a meeting for tenants of Eagle Manor displaced by Saturday’s major structure fire.

The session for residents to receive information and make enquiries will be held at the Church of Christ at 7 p.m. Monday. The property management company is providing accommodation to any residents needing housing.

A phone line is in place for loved ones of residents wanting to enquire about their whereabouts following the fire early this morning. Residents of the complex are also asked to call the number so emergency personnel can maintain contact with them. The phone number at the reception and enquiries centre is 780-538-4211.

The Fire Department was called to a significant structure fire at the building at 3:54 this morning. Major damage has occurred. Defensive firefighting operations continue.

The three-storey walk-up apartment building is located at 9701-92nd-Ave. No injuries have been reported. Residents have been evacuated to the Church of Christ at 9602-92nd Ave. Disaster Social staff have been deployed to extend all necessary care and accommodation to those registering and making calls at the reception centre.

The public is asked to avoid the scene. 92nd Ave. is closed from 96 Street to Resources Road. Motorists along the Resources Road will encounter moderate to heavy smoke.

The 30-unit building has been secured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

There are 35 Fire personnel on site, equipped with four major apparatus. The Sexsmith Fire Department has been brought on board through the mutual aid agreement with five fire fighters and a ladder truck.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
David Olinger
Manager of Marketing and Communications/Public Information Officer
780-538-3121"

When A School Zone Becomes A School Area

Apparently, since the city did the upgrades to 116th Ave (just north of Crystal Park School) there's been some confusion in the public. Residents have been calling the city with reports of people speeding through the school zone but the thing is; there's no longer a "School Zone" there.

In addition to twinning the street the city also added a proper sidewalk along the south side of the street, fencing along the school property and a new pedestrian controlled crosswalk at the 92nd street intersection at the entrance to the Crystal Lake neighbourhood. (you could say we've finally made it into a "Complete Street")

With these improvements the School Zone and it's 30km/h speed limit was no longer warranted. So now it's designated as a "School Area" and has a 50km/h speed limit. Personally I still think it's a good idea to slow down a bit and make sure you're paying extra attention (why wouldn't you?).

More details in the city media release below:


Media Release
November 24, 2009
Crystal Park School Roadway Rezoned

Recent improvements to 116 Avenue have resulted in speed limit changes near Crystal Park School.

The section of road, adjacent to Crystal Park School is now considered a School Area, rather then a School Zone. Therefore, the speed limit of 30 km/h no longer applies.

School Areas and School Zones are determined by national guidelines. The criteria for allowing a section of road to become a School Area instead of a School Zone include having good sidewalk links, crosswalks, fencing in place, controlled access points and schools being set back from the road.

“The decision to move to a School Area was made in conjunction with the Grande Prairie Public School District,” says Colin Farynowski, Transportation Engineering Supervisor. “The safety of children was of prime consideration. This was addressed with the roadway enhancements and associated improvements.”

The pedestrian activated crossings at 92 and 96 Streets on 116 Avenue, separate sidewalks on both sides of the street, and fencing along the entire length of the school have reduced the need for school speed restrictions.

116 Avenue was twinned earlier this year prompting the improvements to the area surrounding Crystal Park School.

Kateri Drive, near Derek Taylor Public School, is also signed as a School Area. The Lions Learning Centre on Prairie Road is another example of a School Area in Grande Prairie.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Colin Farynowski
Transportation Engineering Supervisor
(780)538-0361

Committee of the Whole, November 17th

Council has a "Committee of the Whole" meeting today at noon and even through the agenda is only 3 items long we will be discussing some pretty interesting things. Here's the agenda with my comments in italics:

1. Marketing of Former Germain Park Property
At our last council meeting Ald. Blackmore made a motion to refer the issue to a Committee of the Whole meeting so we could all discuss the future of this property and what conditions (if any) are put on any future sale. Interestingly when council decided originally to list the property in June of 2008 we were told it was worth $295,000 but my the time the property was actually listed in Jan of 2009 it's appraised value had dropped to, $195,000. Now the report for this meeting contains a new appraisal (Nov 4th 2009) that values the property at $322,000. Quite a swing.

I still feel council should hold on to the property.

2. The Multiplex – Theming RFP 23-400-09
The construction plan for the multiplex has always included a budget for adding "theming" to some parts of the aquatics centre. What's "theming"? - think of Disney Land, or Galaxy Land at West Edmonton Mall... the areas that look like rocks and trees are "theming". The "fun" parts of the aquatics centre (like the spray-deck, dump tower, flowrider and adventure river) will get a theming treatment that will give the area the feel of a water park. We've always said that this facility will be an attraction for Grande Prairie and this is part of that plan. I kind of put it this way; we know lots of people come to GP from all over to GP to shop or visit friends... this will be an attraction, like West Ed Mall that they'll have to visit... hopefully getting them to extend their stay another day... and spend more money in our city.

The budget for the theming is $900,000 and Studio Y Creations out of Calgary the company that admin is recommending. You can see samples of their work in the Portfolio section of their website. (it told me I needed a newer version of Flash when I visited but I just went in anyhow and the site worked fine.)

3. The Multiplex – RCMP Office Expansion
Another part of the plan for the multiplex has been to have a office in there for the RCMP. It makes a lot of sense given that the site will be home to two high schools eventually (the current St. Joes plus a future Public High School) and that it provides coverage to the extreme south of the city.

The original plan called for a small 1 room office, in this report admin is requesting permission to expand that office into more of a "satellite office" with 4 rooms including 4 work stations, a waiting area an interview room and a communications room. The additional cost is $222,521.07 and would come from the Multiplex's overall contingency in the construction budget.

An Economic Forecast As We Go To Budget

Some time ago council asked administration to provide an economic forecast for us so we could have some idea of how the global economic downturn might impact us locally. On Monday the 2nd they presented it to council for review at an open public meeting before our regularly scheduled meeting. There weren't many people there, aside from council and city staff, to see it so I thought I'd share the presentation from the report here:

**a couple of charts didn't come through the conversion to the post here - sorry.**

All in all, yes; we have to be aware that things have changed... Development isn't booming like it was and revenue will be down because of that (by about $900,000) but at the same time Grande Prairie is pretty well diversified and in a much better position than many other cities.

I understand that admin already has some measures to deal with the reductions in revenue they forecasted so hopefully our budget session will be pretty straight forward. One thing that is uncertain, and that we won't know until the spring, is how much MSI grant money we will get from the province. Last year the province reduced this grant by about $2.5 million and it did impact taxes - because we had already committed it to the construction of the Multiplex.

At the AUMA convention last week Premier Stelmach assured delegates that we would (eventually) get all the MSI money the province had committed to so hopefully we can deal with any reductions in the short term.

Olympic Torch Makes It's First Stop In Alberta

The Olympic Torch made the first Alberta stop in it's cross Canada journey on Friday in Grande Prairie. I was out to attend the celebrations and snapped a few pics:


The torch made it's way into the city via chuckwagon.


The torch bearer is Grande Prairie resident, and world champion chuckwagon driver, Kelly Sutherland. Driving the wagon is Dean Dreger.


The final torch bearer for the relay was my friend Leigh Goldie.

Check out DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com for a 4 minute video covering the Olympic Torch in GP.

AUMA Convention 09 - Day One

The schedule for today at the AUMA convention is below and I've made some notes with a little more details on the sessions I'll be attending.

Wednesday, November 4
7:00am, Registration

8:00am, Committee Reports
I'll be attending the "Municipal Governance Standing Committee" Described in the conference package as: Today, more than ever before, Alberta municipal governments need to be prepared for the future and this session has been designed to provide members with important insight into navigating that future. Dr. Andrew Sancton from The University of Western Ontario will lead the group in exploring alternatives to municipal amalgamation, leading participants to think more creatively about changes that will help municipalities better serve their citizens. AUMA has committed to providing learning opportunities and tools to assist municipal governments in achieving sustainable futures. A review of municipalities’ issues regarding the assessment system in Alberta, discussion paper presentations at the President’s Summit, and on-going dialogue with members have resulted in the development of relevant policy papers that will be presented at the convention.

** Update ** After the above session I also managed to make it to a presentation entitled Opportunities For Small Communities in BioEnergy. Aldermen Minhas and Wong joined me as well.

11:15am, Lunch

12:15pm, Opening Ceremonies & Keynote Speaker Brett Wilson
Yes, that's Brett Wilson the Calgary oilman, TV Dragon, and possible PC party leadership contender
1:45pm, AGM & Awards

2:00pm, GP Council Meeting with Alberta Transportation. We've arranged to meet with the senior staff from the department to bring forward some issue we have in relation to funding for projects, transit funding, and maintenance of highways in the area.

3:00pm, GP Council Meeting with R.C.M.P. As with Transportation above we've arranged a special meeting with the top officials with the R.C.M.P. K-Division district to talk about some of the concerns we have in the policing area.

3:30pm, Education Sessions
I'll be attending "Planning For The Economic Recovery: Be Ready To Act": The current economic climate has certainly added to the many challenges municipalities face. Just over a year ago, we were enjoying a booming economy but faced sky-rocketing costs and a severe labour shortage. Six months later, we were in an economic recession with increasing unemployment and funding cuts. Presenter Bud Crouch has a track record of successfully helping organizations prepare for the future. This session has been designed to help you successfully navigate through the unstable global conditions from both strategic and tactical perspectives. You will be given the tools to be proactive, to adapt quickly and to best position your organization to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

3:30pm, Trade Show Opens

5:00pm, Additional Supplementary Sessions

6:30pm, Council Dinner

AUMA COnvention 09 - PreConvention Session

I'm starting my day off in downtown Calgary as I get ready to head over to the Telus Convention Centre which is hosting the AUMA convention this year.

I'm here a day before the convention actually opens because one of the pre-convention sessions caught my eye. At 9am I'll be heading off to hear about Managing Your Municipality in an Economic Crisis, the convention handbook describes it like this:

Turbulent economic times affect more than the bottom line of an organization and whether the economy is booming or in decline, it is the people who are impacted. If your municipality is looking for creative ways to manage your workforce through economic difficulties, this session will be of interest to you. Join our panel of industry experts to learn about new trends in management, developing a more functional and productive workforce, and how to incorporate better management practices. You will definitely leave the session with valuable insights and solutions that will make your workforce and your bottom line healthier.

Timely right? Last night before council we had an economic forecast presentation from staff and although GP is doing much better than many places we still heard that admin expects there to be a $900,000 drop in revenue from issuing fewer building permits. With that kind of news coming forward I thought this session could be very valuable. I'll report back.

If you want to check out any other info on previous AUAM Conventions click here or find "Conventions - AUMA" on the menu to the right.

Library Family Event & Fundraiser Featuring Little Bear.

The library’s annual fundraiser is coming up soon! This live action stage performance featuring the popular character Little Bear will delight and entertain children and parents alike. With the large number of families with young children in Grande Prairie, the library has found that family oriented events like this are really appreciated.



Little Bear Winter Tales

Monday, November 16, 2009
Douglas J. Cardinal Centre for the Performing Arts
Shows at 3:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Tickets: $24 (adult) & $18 (children)
Tickets available at the Crystal Centre Box Office

Council Agenda for November 2nd, 2009

Tonight's council meeting will be the last city meeting of the week for me. I'm heading to Calgary tonight for the AUMA convention and I'll be back late Thursday, just in time for Friday morning's arrival of the Olympic Torch! It's actually going to be a very busy week - stay tuned, I'll be posting from Calgary to keep you up to date on what's happening at the convention and what sessions I'm taking in.

Below is the agenda for tonight's council meeting I've made some comments on a few items of interest - you can see them in yellow like this.

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. NATIONAL ANTHEM
3. ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
3.1 The minutes of the City Council meeting held October 19, 2009 be adopted.
3.2 The minutes of the City Council Organizational meeting held October 19, 2009 be adopted.

4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Council adopt the agenda as presented.

5. DELEGATIONS
5.1 Government Technology Exhibition and Conference Award (GTEC) Presentation
We won this national award for our cutting edge fire pre-planning system. It's another example of the great ways in which the city is using technology.
5.2 Mr. N.Dyck, re: Bill 50

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1 Bylaw C-1100-148, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw
Bylaw C-1100-148, to amend the Land Use Bylaw to clarify the provisions for commencement of development, setback for decks, screening fences, and accessory buildings in front yards.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-148, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, second reading.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-148, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, third reading.

6.2 Bylaw C-1100-149, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw
Bylaw C-1100-149, to amend the Land Use Bylaw to rezone a 1.46ha site on the west side of 108 Street (Wapiti Road), from “IG – General Industrial” to “IB – Industrial Business”.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-149, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, second reading.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-149, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, third reading.
Click here for a map.

6.3 Bylaw C-1100-150, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw
Bylaw C-1100-150, to amend the Land Use Bylaw to rezone an undeveloped 35ha site which makes up a portion of SE 1⁄4 of 28-71-6-W6M, from “UR – Urban Reserve” to a combination of “IG – “General Industrial, IB – Industrial Business, CA - Commercial Arterial, and PS – Public Service”.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-150, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, second reading.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-150, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, third reading.
Click here for a map.

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. REPORTS

8.1 Bylaw C-1100-152, To Amend the Land Use Bylaw Bylaw C-1100-152, to amend the Land Use Bylaw to rezone the north half of SW 1⁄4 33-71-6-6 from “CR-5 – Country Residential and AG – Agricultural” to “UR – Urban Reserve”.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-152, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw first reading.
Council establish Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers as the date, time and location for Public Hearing purposes for Bylaw C-1100-152.
Click here for a map.

8.2 Bylaw C-1237, To Adopt the Municipal Development Plan Bylaw C-1237, to adopt the Municipal Development Plan.
Council give Bylaw C-1237, to Adopt the Municipal Development Plan, first reading.
Council establish Monday, November 30, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers as the date, time and location for Public Hearing purposes for Bylaw C-1237.
We've been working on the MDP for quite a while - it's a very important document for the city and all in all I'm pretty happy with how it's turned out. More on this when it comes back on Nov 30th.

9. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
9.1 Council Committee of the Whole – October 5, 14 and 19, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Council Committee of the Whole meetings held October 5, 14 and 19, 2009.

9.2 Pursuit of Excellence Committee – October 14, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Pursuit of Excellence Committee meeting held October 14, 2009.

9.3 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Event Committee – October 15, and October 22, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Event Committee meetings held October 15 and 22, 2009.

9.4 Public Works Committee – October 20, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Public Works Committee meeting held October 20, 2009.

9.4.1 Q99 Stuff-A-Bus Charter
Council approve to provide a transit bus, free of charge, to Q99 for 2009 and each subsequent year, for the Stuff-A-Bus promotion.

9.4.2 Purchase of Four D40LFR New Flyer Transit Buses
Council approve the purchase of four 2009 D40LFR Transit Buses from New Flyer, at a cost of $416,000/unit, to be delivered in 2010, and further, amend the 2009 Capital Plan accordingly.
Two of these busses are replacements for units that are set to be retired from service and two of them will help us expand service as recommended in the new Transit Master Plan.

9.4.3 Tender T-39-546-07, Bulk Highway Salt
Council award Tender T-39-546-07, for the City’s 2009/2010 Bulk Highway Salt requirements to LaPrairie Group Contractors (Alberta) Ltd. in the amount of $263,339.70 excluding GST, as the most qualified tender meeting specifications.
Yep, just over a 1/4 million dollars for salt to keep the winter ice on city streets in check.

9.4.4 Tender T-37-546-08, Ice Control Materials -10mm Sand
Council award Tender T-37-546-08, for the City’s 2009/2010 -10mm Ice Control material to Wapiti Gravel Suppliers a Division of NPA Ltd. in the amount of $162,300.00 excluding GST, as the most qualified tender meeting specifications.

9.5 Combative Sports Commission – October 20, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Combative Sports Commission meeting held October 20, 2009.

9.6 General Government Services Committee – October 21, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the General Government Services Committee meeting held October 21, 2009.

9.6.1 Request for Real Estate Commission Payable
Council direct Administration to pay the sum of $4,646.25 to Mr. P. Biegel, Top Realty.
This is the fee for the (non)sale of Germain park. It's essentially half the commission that would have been due had the property sold at the full value that we had it listed for.

9.6.2 Contract Approval – Pecuniary Interest
Council approve the agreement with Ms. S. Hally for the use of the Montrose Cultural Centre (Teresa Sargent Hall), as Alderman B. Given has a pecuniary interest.
This is me! My fiancé and I are going to have our wedding reception in the hall and any contract where a council member (or family member) has a financial interest has to go through a special procedure. We are paying the full rental rate, just like anyone else, this is just a formality. I'll declare a conflict of interest when this comes up, I'll leave the room and won't vote on it.

9.6.3 Economic Development Strategic Plan
Council approve the Economic Development Strategic Plan.

9.6.4 Priority Setting Process
Council adopt the Priority Setting Process to review Council priorities.

9.7 Arts Development Committee – October 23, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Arts Development Committee meeting held October 23, 2009.

9.7.1Terms of Reference Amendment and Public Art Report
Council: 1. approve the proposed amendments to the Arts Development Committee Terms of Reference,
2. approve the creation of a Public Art reserve fund from any unallocated funds from the Arts Development and Festival fund each year and that this reserve be administered by the Arts Development Committee, and,
3. direct Administration include a Public Art policy as one of the components of the City’s proposed updated Cultural Plan for early 2010.
It's great to see this come forward finally! Some communities have passed 1% for Public Art bylaws any in time I'd like to see us get there but this is a step in the right direction.

9.8 Protective Services Committee – October 27, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Protective Services Committee meeting held October 27, 2009.

9.8.1
Fire Dispatch Agreement – MD of Northern Lights No. 22
Council approve a contract with the Municipal District of Northern Lights No. 22 to provide emergency fire dispatch services for a five year period in accordance with the fee schedule attached as “Appendix A”.

9.9 Community Development Committee – October 27, 2009 RECOMMENDA TION
Council receive the minutes of the Community Development Committee meeting held October 27, 2009.

9.9.1 Muskoseepi Park Master Plan Presentation
Council approve the Muskoseepi Park Master Plan as presented.

9.9.2 Draft Resolution on the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination to be Presented to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Council support the Draft Resolution on the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination and further, that the City of Grande Prairie submit the resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference.

10. CORRESPONDENCE
11. DELEGATION BUSINESS
12. NOTICES OF MOTION
13. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

Help Improve the City's Website - get a gift certificate!

We need your help... and we're willing to make it worth your while!

Over the years the City of GP has been recognized as a leader in e-government, we've got just about anything you could want on our site and all that info is generally pretty useful. Unfortunately, over time the internet has changed and so have people's expectations of what the city should offer through it's site. As those expectations have changed I think our city's website has remained pretty much static.

So, to address this the city has started a process to redesign the way the website works, we want to make it more user friendly & more responsive to the needs of residents.

Here's where I need your help.... We are looking for people to participate in a survey with our consultant. They will look at how you interact with the site in a pretty cool online & telephone survey.

And, here's the cool part: for your help you'll earn a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.ca!


The details:
The interview takes place over the phone, but participants will need to be at a computer (Windows XP/VIsta) as well. The software allows us to see and record the participant's desktop as they use the City website and record the phone conversation. As people use the GP site we may ask them to show us some things so we can watch how they interact with the site. We record the session because people's real words and actions are far more powerful than anything we can say. We find the clips very useful for presenting back to clients.

- 45 minute interviews
- People get a $25 gift certificate at Amazon.ca as a thank-you for participating.

We’re looking for a variety of participants including people who:
- are between the ages of 18 and 24, or
- run businesses in Grande Prairie, or
- belong to community groups, or
- are residents over the age of 25

To get involved you can check out the ad our consultants placed on Kijiji or contact them by email at research@nform.ca or phone at 1.800.670.7025

Olympic Torch Starts It's Journey to GP

The Olympic Torch has just started it's journey from Greece on it's way to the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver.

On it's way the torch relay will cover most of Canada and as part of that it will make a stop here in Grande Prairie on November 6th. The local committee has been working with VANOC planning the visit for quite a while and just yesterday they were able to release the route the runners and torch will cover in our city.

I'll be coming home from the AUMA convention to be here for it - and I've already picked out the corner where I'm going to watch the run... have you picked your spot?

Click here for the city media release on the torch route - the map is on a link at the bottom of the media release.

Council Agenda for October 19th, 2009

Tonight's meeting has lots of interesting items on the agenda. We're actually starting a little early with a council committee of the whole to discuss what the philosophy towards infill development in older neighbourhoods should be in the MDP.

It's also a once yearly meeting called the Organizational Meeting where we approve the schedule of meetings for the year and the appointments to the various committees and boards that council members sit on. We'll do all that first and then continue with the regular meeting agenda below. I've made some comments on a few items of interest - you can see them in yellow like this.

AGENDA FOR THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2009

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. NATIONAL ANTHEM
3. ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
3.1 Council receive the minutes of the Minutes of the City Council Meeting Held October 5, 2009

4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

5. DELEGATIONS
5.1 Mr. B. Manz, Manager, Aquatera Utilities Inc. re: Solid Waste Franchise Fee and Utility Bylaw

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1 Bylaw C-1100-147, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw – Schedule “B” Signs to allow a billboard sign on City property at the Pete Eager Fire Station located at Lot 1, Plan 012- 1228
Council give Bylaw C-1100-147, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, second reading.
Council give Bylaw C-1100-147, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw, third reading.

There may be some opposition to this change. The current sign bylaw doesn't allow for billboard signs on city property and this amendment would make a special allowance for a billboard - only on this specific site mind you. I'm not sure there's a compelling reason to allow it.

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. REPORTS

9. COMMITTEE BUSINESS

9.1 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Event Committee – September 30, & October 8, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Event Committee meetings held September 30, and October 8, 2009.

9.2 General Government Services Committee – October 7, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the General Government Services Committee meeting held October 7, 2009.

9.2.1 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Event Funding
Council approve additional funding in the amount of $32,500 allocated from the Recreation and Community Development Program Budget, for the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Event.

We are waiting for word on some grant applications we've submitted to the province. In the mean time administration wants to make sure we have the money in place for the Nov 6th event. They are suggesting we cover it internally in part by using funds that were budgeted for the operation of the new community gyms. We had budgeted for 12 months operating but with the gyms opening in September we'll only to pay for about 4 months. If the grants come in after the event all the better.

9.2.2 Marketing of Former Germain Park Property
Council direct Administration assign a market price for the former Germain Park Property and market the property for sale, and report back at a future Committee meeting.

I'll be voting against this motion. If this was passed it would see the land go up for sale with absolutely no conditions to encourage development. My greatest concern is that we see something positive happen on the site - SOON. Worst case scenario; Selling the land this way could lead to an absentee landowner from out of the city buying it and sitting on it until the market improves in hopes of flipping it for a quick profit. That's no help to our downtown and if we can't improve downtown I don't see why we would sell it.

For more information you can see the whole Germain Park timeline here but simply put I think this is a bad idea, we can do better.

9.2.3 Request to Cancel Tax Penalty
Council deny the request to cancel the July, 2009 tax penalty of $174.97 on Lot 56, Block 2, Plan 0720778.

9.2.4 Borrowing Bylaw C-1200
Council give first reading to Borrowing Bylaw C-1200, in the amount of $2,092,000.00 for Reconstruction of the Prairie Art Gallery.

Total project cost is estimated to be $9,957,000 with the balance broken out like this: $1,280,000 from insurance, $5,585,000 from provincial grants and $1,000,000 from outside parties (the Prairie Gallery organization).

9.2.5 Temporary Borrowing Bylaw C-1236
Council give three readings to Borrowing Bylaw C-1236, in the amount of $2,000,000.00 to meet current expenditures.

This is something the city does every year to manage our cash flow. It's basically a line of credit that covers any small gaps that may occur between when our cash investments mature and when we need money - it very rarely gets used.

9.2.6 Cancellation of Regularly Scheduled Meetings
Council cancel the November 3, 2009 Public Works Committee meeting and the November 4, 2009 General Government Services Committee meeting.

Many of us will be in Calgary for the AUMA convention this week so there wouldn't be enough people to have the meetings. I'll be flying down late Monday and coming back Thursday so I can be here for the Olympic Torch on Friday morning.

9.2.7 Strategic Priorities Chart
Council approve the Strategic Priorities Chart as revised.

9.2.8 Bylaw C-962P, to Amend the Procedure Bylaw – Deputy Mayor
Council give three readings to Bylaw C-962P to amend the Procedure Bylaw with respect to Deputy and Acting Mayor appointments.

This item came from Mayor Logan and it aims to change the system back to what it was before 2004. It used to be that after an election one Alderman was appointed to be Deputy Mayor and would fill that roll that for the whole 3 year term. Starting with the 2004 council we implemented a system where each Alderman serves as Deputy Mayor for a period of about 6 weeks through the year.

I think the 2004 change (to our current system) was positive for two reasons;

First and most importantly, it treats each Alderman equally - We are all elected to the same position and have the same number of votes and are supposed to have the same amount of influence on council decisions. Appointing one Alderman as Deputy Mayor elevates them to a position that infers a special status, different than the other people were supposedly elected to serve in the same position. Each council member holds the same position under the law and should be treated as equals.

Second, it works to minimize risk and clarifies what would happen in a scenario where both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are unable to fulfill their duties. Today if both the Mayor and the scheduled Deputy Mayor are unavailable then the next person in charge would the be Alderman who is next on the schedule of deputy mayors- simple. Under the back-in-the-day system if both those two are out what is council supposed to do? I guess we get together and have a meeting to decide and appoint someone to do the job. In an emergency I don't think this would run as smoothly as just moving to the next person on the list.

9.3 Protective Services Committee – October 13, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Protective Services Committee meeting held October 13, 2009.

9.3.1 AUMA Resolution - STARS
Council forward a letter to the AUMA Board addressing questions from the Mayors’ Caucus and requesting AUMA urge the Government of Alberta, to leverage the success of the collaborative STARS model into the fully integrated health care system being developed for all Albertans.

9.3.2 Revisions to Parking Model (Montrose Area)
Council:
1. approve that pay by space machines be installed for public parking at the Montrose parking lot,
2. approve that the City formally request the Alberta Government to negotiate new terms pertaining to the lease of the parking spaces for Court House visitors,
3. establish the following fees for off-street parking leases:
a. $25/month for a non-energized surface stall,
b. $30/month for an energized surface stall,
c. $50/month for underground/covered parking stall
4. approve installation of parking meters on 99 Street between 99 and 101 Avenues,
5. direct Administration conduct a review of policies pertaining to parking fees charged to City employees and RCMP detachment personnel, and,
6. direct Administration work with the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee to develop recommendations to update the Downtown Parking Strategy.

9.4 Community Development Committee – October 13, 2009
Council receive the minutes of the Community Development Committee meeting held October 13, 2009.

9.4.1 Grande Prairie Storm Request for Additional Office Space at Crystal Centre
Council approve the Grande Prairie Storm request to place a temporary office trailer on the Crystal Centre plaza.

I'm supportive but uncomfortable about this. I attended at the committee meeting when this came forward and I said at the time that I'd prefer to see a better solution that would be more permanent. That could mean renovations to the building and could be costly but I think we need to know what the ultimate solution is before we approve an interim solution. Admin said they'd be coming forward with the ultimate solution in the next little while but I'd feel more comfortable approving something temporary if I knew how long it would actually need to be there.

9.4.2 Prairie Gallery Building Committee Meeting held October 1, 2009
Council authorize Teeple Architects submit applications for architectural awards, including the Governor General Award, for the Montrose Cultural Centre.

9.4.3 Affordable Housing RFP 21-431-09
Council approve Affordable Housing RFP 21-431-09 be awarded to the Grande Prairie Women’s Residence Association in the amount of $2,234,583.00 for the development of fifteen (15) affordable housing units.

This is for a second stage shelter at Odyssey House that has been in the works for a number of years. It would provide longer term accommodations for women escaping abusive relationships. Right now people can only stay at Odyssey House for a few months and after that they are on their own, often falling back in to bad situations because there's simply no where else to go, or because they don't have the skills or money to get a place of their own. The second stage shelter would provide living spaces where people could stay for 1 to 3 years. The money is 100% from a provincial housing grant.

9.4.4 Municipal Sustainability Housing Program and Capital Enhancement Program (Block Funding $2M) – Affordable Housing Plan
Council approve the 2009/10 Affordable Housing Plan in the amount of $2M.

A plan for money from another provincial housing grant program.

9.4.5 Elks Lodge #285, Association Five-Year Agreement Renewal
Council approve the Elks Lodge #285, Five-year Agreement Renewal.

10. CORRESPONDENCE
11. DELEGATION BUSINESS
12. NOTICES OF MOTION
13. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

The Germain Park Sale Timeline

With the possible sale of the former Germain Park lands coming back on the GGS committee agenda today I thought I'd provide a little background information on the timeline of council decisions over the years that related to selling it. (note this doesn't include any motions that were made in regards to demolishing it in the first place - that's a whole other separate issue which is worth discussing... but it isn't the point of this post.)

The information below is taken directly from the report that was presented at the GGS committee this morning and I added the motions from the most recent council meeting that sent the issue back to the committee agenda today. My comments are in italics.

The following is a chronology of Council decisions regarding Plan 1410AC, Block 5, Lots 33-36 (the legal description of the former Germain Park) Inclusive:

July 2, 2002 – Germain Park Land Classification:
MOVED by Alderman Mazer Council classify Germain Park as “marketable” and direct Administration to obtain a “fair” market value appraisal prior to any further decisions being made by Council. CARRIED.

July 4, 2005 – Germaine Park:
Alderman Rice declared a conflict of interest as Manager of the Downtown Association, abstained from discussion and voting and vacated Council Chambers.

Alderman Given declared a conflict of interest as his employer has an interest in the matter, abstained from discussion and voting and vacated Council Chambers.

(At this point I was employed at Hi-Tech Business Systems, across from Germain Park, and the owner had expressed an interest in buying it. As soon as that happened I excused myself from the discussion and motions related to the park and it's sale so that I wouldn't be in a conflict of interest situation.)

MOVED by Alderman Logan Council designate the General Government Services Committee as the Committee to deal with all issues pertaining to Germaine Park.
CARRIED.

August 29, 2005 – Germain Park RFP-16-200-05:
Alderman Rice declared a conflict of interest on Items #9.4.1 and #9.4.2, as Manager of the Downtown Association, abstained from discussion and voting and vacated Council Chambers.

Alderman Given declared a conflict of interest on Items #9.4.1 and #9.4.2, as his employer has an interest in the matter, abstained from discussion and voting and vacated Council Chambers.

MOVED by Alderman Mazer Council reject all proposals submitted for RFP-16-200-05 for the Sale of Germain Park and any deposits provided be returned accordingly.
CARRIED.

November 21, 2005 – Agreement with the Devonian Foundation re: Germain Park:
Alderman Given declared a conflict of interest as his employer has taken a position on this matter, abstained from discussion and voting and vacated Council Chambers.

MOVED by Alderman Mazer Council approve the Agreement between the City and the Devonian Foundation regarding Germain Park, as presented.
CARRIED.

August 28, 2006 – Downtown Land (Former Germain Park):
MOVED by Alderman Mazer Council direct Administration to offer the property, formerly known as Germain Park, for sale using a Request for Proposal process, with final acceptance subject to Council approval. CARRIED.

(I finished working at Hi-Tech in December of 2005 when I ran in the federal election and so from here on out I was free to be involved in the decisions with out being in a conflict of interest.)

February 26, 2007 – RFP-10-200-06 – Former Germain Park Parcels:
MOVED by Alderman Mazer Council reject all proposals submitted for RFP-10-200-06 for the Downtown Development Opportunity of Downtown Lands (former Germain Park).
CARRIED.

June 30, 2008 – Former Germaine Park Parcels Development Options:
MOVED by Alderman Given Council approve marketing the former Germaine Park parcels for sale and:
1. direct Administration obtain a certified appraisal of Lots 33, 34, 35 and 36, Block 5, Plan 1410AC,
2. set the sale price at fair market value,
3. retain the services of a local realtor who specializes in commercial properties, and further,
4. approve that the City enter into an acceptable offer to purchase, containing legal counsel’s recommendation of an appropriate covenant for timelines for development with all proceeds less appraisal, advertising, legal fees and negotiated realtor commission to be added to the Land Reserve.
CARRIED.

This motion above is where I think things started to go sideways. Both council and city staff mishandled the issue at this point and unfortunately I'm the one that made the motion. The mistake on council's behalf (that I, or at least one of us, should have caught) was that point number 4.

When we asked for "legal council's recommendation of an appropriate covenant for timelines for development..." we weren't clear enough. We should have asked for those recommendations to come back to council for approval BEFORE the property was ever listed with a real estate agent. As it turned out the city solicitor recommended that the buyer should have to agree to getting a development permit within 5 years and completing construction within 2 years after that. The problem is that council never actually saw those conditions before the property was listed - if we had we would have had a chance to correct them into something that would have seen development happen sooner. I know I would have fought for that anyhow - what's the point of selling it only to have the risk of someone buying it and NOT do anything with it for 5 years?

The second and probably smaller, problem that happened was that the property didn't actually get listed until January of 2009 - 7 months after council passed the motion above. In the meeting in June we were told that the appraisal on the land would be approximately $295,000. When finally listed for sale in January the appraisal at that time showed the property dropping in value to $195,000 and council was never made aware of that before the property was listed. I'm still not sure why there was a 7 month delay in getting the property up for sale.

April 6, 2009 – Offer to Purchase Proposal (Former Germain Park):
MOVED by Alderman Minhas Council:
1. approve to enter into the Commercial Real Estate Purchase Contract as submitted by Select Do-All Maintenance Ltd. to purchase Plan 1410AC, Block 5, Lots 33-36 inclusive, for the amount of $195,000 which contains legal counsel’s recommendation of an appropriate covenant for timelines for development, and,
2. approve all sale proceeds less legal fees, previously negotiated realtor commission and costs to prepare the Real Property Report and Phase 1, Environmental Site Assessments be added to the Land Reserve. MOTION DEFEATED.

This is where council saw the terms and conditions of the sale including the 5/7 year timeline and the price. At this point we had an offer that met the full price we were asking for and it was now up to council to sign off and agree to sell the property. The only way council can officially do anything is to pass an official motion in a public meeting - think of that motion as council's signature on a contract.

There were only 8 of us at this meeting and the vote was a 4 to 4 tie which is the same result as a 9 to 1 vote against - the motion was defeated. Council declined to sign off on the sale.

June 3, 2009 GGS meeting, the Committee:
MOVED by Mayor Logan the Committee:
Receive the correspondence from the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce, concerning Germaine Park, for information and supply to the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce the City’s existing policy and the information that the current listing expires June 11, 2009.
CARRIED.

MOVED by Mayor Logan the Committee:
Direct administration prepare a report outlining options for Germaine Park, including but not limited to, extension of the listing for sale, a new listing for sale with amended conditions, reverting development proposals and returning ownership and maintenance of land, assuming that there is no offer before the expiry date.
CARRIED.

September 21st, 2009 City Council - Former Germain Park Property Status
MOVED by Alderman Minhas Council direct Administration declare that Plan 1410AC. Block 5, Lots 33-36 inclusive, (former Germain Park) be defined as non-marketable.
MOTION DEFEATED. 1-7
For: Alderman Given
Opposed: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne and Wong

MOVED by Alderman Radbourne Council reaffirm the former Germain Park as marketable.
CARRIED. 7-1
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Blackmore, Deimert, Gustafson, Minhas, Radbourne and Wong
Opposed: Alderman Given

MOVED by Alderman Radbourne Council direct Administration to bring forward a report to the General Government Services Committee outlining marketing methods and conditions for sale of the former Germain Park property.
CARRIED.

MOVED by Alderman Minhas Council direct Administration research the option of development of a parking lot located at Plan 1410AC. Block 5, Lots 33-36 inclusive, (former Germain Park), and provide a report at a future Committee.
MOTION DEFEATED. 4-4
For: Mayor Logan, Aldermen Deimert, Given and Gustafson Opposed: Aldermen Blackmore, Minhas, Radbourne and Wong