I last week was at a tender opening where we received bids from companies looking to supply the furniture for the new Library at the Montrose Cultural Centre. This is just another sign that it's getting close to move time. Laurie Harrison provided the library board with a tentative timeline for the move after our last meeting:
May 19-22... New shelving delivery and installation
May 21-22... Office furniture (new) delivery and installation
May 25-29... Highland Moving onsite (for moving books and old shelving, etc.)
May 27-29... Remainder of library furniture being purchased (tables, chairs, etc.) suppliers will be delivering and installing
June 1-3... 3M installing gates, Smart Chutes and selfcheck equipment, phones, computers, etc. being installed and checked for applications
June 3-10... Library staff becomes familiar with the building, test new procedures, do collection checks
June 11... Library opening
Until the big move the library is still very busy at their current location, as Laurie's latest report proves:
"The Grande Prairie Public Library 21st Annual
Clem and Muriel Collins Writing Contest: WINNING AND LOSING
TWO WEEKS LEFT TO GET YOUR ENTRY IN!!!
Writers come one, come all. Start thinking about entering one of Alberta’s best writing contests! There are five entry categories: Grades 1-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12 and Adult all with great cash prizes. Pick up a brochure for specific guidelines at the Library or online at www.gppl.ab.ca. Contest closes Friday, April 3 at 6:00 pm.
Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society Annual General Meeting
The Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. Are you creative and motivated and would like to make a difference? The Friends are a group that believes in the importance of the Library in the community and they need you! For more information, contact Judy Dickson at 567-2716.
These training essions are proving to be extremely popular with the public so we look forward to being able to offer group sessions in the new training lab in the new library!
Computer & Internet Training @ the Library
Sign up for a free, one-hour session on any of the following:
Using the Library Catalogue
Computer Basics
Learning to Email
Surfing the Internet for Beginners
Introduction to Microsoft Word
Visit the Information Desk to sign up for your one-on-one instruction with Library staff. Call 532-3580 ext 225.
PS: The Wii is proving to be a hit! We had 14 teens take part in the Super Smash Brothers Brawl on March 14. Now we're thinking we should have a tournament for adults and seniors, too!"
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
You Can Still Give Input on GP's New MDP
The city is still going through the public input phase of it's Municipal Development Plan review process. As I mentioned back in October of last year; The MDP is the overarching document that guides all the other plans that the city does so it's principles have a big impact in how our community develops. In fact it literally shapes the way our neighbourhoods grow, mature and redevelop - so it has a big impact on our quality of life
Have your say in how our community grows!
"Media Release
March 17, 2009
City of Grande Prairie Wants Public Input on MDP
Residents interested in helping to plan the direction of development in Grande Prairie are encouraged to attend a Wednesday, March 25 open house.
The session will allow the public to comment on the proposed Municipal Development Plan (MDP). It runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion.
“The public forum provides an opportunity to learn about the planning process,” says Planning Manager Michael McIntyre.”People can ask questions and express opinions about land use issues of importance to them.”
The MDP is a planning document used to guide future growth and development while taking into consideration the needs and concerns of citizens.
The existing MDP was initially adopted in 1995.
“Grande Prairie has grown significantly over the last 14 years and our planning documents need to reflect this change,” says MacIntyre. “Public input is important to ensure the plan reflects the interests and values of residents.”
Information has been collected from surveys conducted in June, and through various focus group sessions with local residents and organizations.
The City of Grande Prairie and Lovatt Planning Consultants, with assistance from ISL Engineering and Land Services, is updating the MDP to establish a policy framework and future land use concept that reflects the collective vision of the citizens on a variety of issues such as the type, level and pattern of downtown, industrial, sustainability and commercial development, the need for market affordable housing, sustainability and smart growth principles.
The MDP strives to balance all views expressed in the plan preparation process. It will also incorporate the results of other planning processes under way such as the master plans for Transit and Muskoseepi Park, the Transportation Master Plan and the Land use Bylaw.
Once the public participation phase has been completed, the consultant will draft a new MDP. Council’s Review Committee will evaluate the draft and if it believes the ideals of the community have been represented though the initial process the consultant will then begin the second set of focus groups in order to gain public input on the proposed draft.
The goal is to have the updated plan reviewed by Council in the fall."
Have your say in how our community grows!
"Media Release
March 17, 2009
City of Grande Prairie Wants Public Input on MDP
Residents interested in helping to plan the direction of development in Grande Prairie are encouraged to attend a Wednesday, March 25 open house.
The session will allow the public to comment on the proposed Municipal Development Plan (MDP). It runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion.
“The public forum provides an opportunity to learn about the planning process,” says Planning Manager Michael McIntyre.”People can ask questions and express opinions about land use issues of importance to them.”
The MDP is a planning document used to guide future growth and development while taking into consideration the needs and concerns of citizens.
The existing MDP was initially adopted in 1995.
“Grande Prairie has grown significantly over the last 14 years and our planning documents need to reflect this change,” says MacIntyre. “Public input is important to ensure the plan reflects the interests and values of residents.”
Information has been collected from surveys conducted in June, and through various focus group sessions with local residents and organizations.
The City of Grande Prairie and Lovatt Planning Consultants, with assistance from ISL Engineering and Land Services, is updating the MDP to establish a policy framework and future land use concept that reflects the collective vision of the citizens on a variety of issues such as the type, level and pattern of downtown, industrial, sustainability and commercial development, the need for market affordable housing, sustainability and smart growth principles.
The MDP strives to balance all views expressed in the plan preparation process. It will also incorporate the results of other planning processes under way such as the master plans for Transit and Muskoseepi Park, the Transportation Master Plan and the Land use Bylaw.
Once the public participation phase has been completed, the consultant will draft a new MDP. Council’s Review Committee will evaluate the draft and if it believes the ideals of the community have been represented though the initial process the consultant will then begin the second set of focus groups in order to gain public input on the proposed draft.
The goal is to have the updated plan reviewed by Council in the fall."
Monday, March 16, 2009
Do Signal Lights Really Matter? (Take the Poll!)
The blue marker shows the intersection where the lights are down
What would happen if we took out all the signal lights in Grande Prairie and instead relied on drivers to work with each other through 4-way stops?
As per the release below, the traffic signals at the intersection of 99th Avenue and Resources Road (the Royal Bank intersection) have been down for a few days now. It's a change for sure and I know that it will take some time for people to get used to - but is it really a bad thing? I haven't found it too difficult to navigate and it seems like traffic is moving pretty efficiently. (let me know what you think by taking the poll on the right side of the blog)
A few years ago a friend pulled me aside to say that he thought that GP had waaaaay to many traffic lights. He implored me to think about finding ways to build safe streets without putting up more lights. At the time I wasn't sure what the alternative was but now looking at how the traffic is behaving with that set of lights down I can see that moving away from standard traffic signals might be possible.
In fact this idea is getting a lot of a attention across the pond in Europe. There they are taking the concept even further, calling it "Shared Space" and taking away all traffic control signs, lights and markings from entire towns and villages! The early results show that accidents have decreased - people are suggesting that drivers pay more attention and drive slower. From Der Spiegel:"Drivers will force the accelerator down ruthlessly only in situations where everything has been fully regulated. Where the situation is unclear, they're forced to drive more carefully and cautiously."
Read this Entire Article for more and view the basics behind Shared Space here on YouTube.
So, is GP ready to jump on to the Shared Space bandwagon? I'm not so sure about that. But I do think drivers can be more careful, take more responsibility and that we can draw on some of the lessons from Europe as we build our community.
City Media Release on Downed Lights:
Major Intersection Lights Under Repair
Friday, March 13, 2009 2:46:00 PM
Motorists are advised it could take up to two weeks to repair traffic lights at 98 Street and 99 Avenue and the City’s Transportation Services Department urges caution at this busy intersection.
Extensive damage occurred to the signals as a result of a motor vehicle accident on Thursday evening. One of the main poles supporting the lights was completely destroyed and its base needs repair.
The control cabinet was also demolished in the mishap.
“Repairs could take up to two weeks,” says Transportation Field Supervisor Brian Veitch. “A new cabinet and pole will have to be installed. We ask motorists to be patient at this intersection.”
An all-way stop has been established at the intersection.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Library Update - March 9th, 2009
I'm back from vacation! It was a fantastic trip and I may take some time to write about it (or I might not). In the mean time I'm sure you've missed my council night updates from the Grande Prairie Public Library, so with out further ado here's the latest from the GPPL:
Video Game Tournament
Super Smash Brothers Brawl on the Wii
Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, March 28 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the Story Room.
For ages 12-18.
The Featured Online Research Tool for March is: Hobbies & Crafts Reference Centre
Are you looking to start a new hobby? Maybe you’re looking for crochet patterns or ideas for scrapbooking? The Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center provides full-text content for many popular hobbies, crafts and recreational activities. More than 500 magazines and books, as well as access to 333 videos and 144 hobby reports are included. Hobbies & Crafts Reference Centre offers detailed "how-to" instructions and creative ideas in the areas of arts & crafts; collecting; games & electronics; model building; home & leisure; needlework; outdoors & nature; and scrapbooking & papercrafts.
This online research tool and many more are available through the Library’s website at http://www.gppl.ab.ca. Have your membership card handy!
Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society Annual General Meeting
The Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. Are you creative and motivated and would like to make a difference? The Friends are a group that believes in the importance of the Library in the community and they need you! For more information, contact Judy Dickson at 567-2716.
Computer & Internet Training @ the Library
Sign up for a free, one-hour session on any of the following:
• Using the Library Catalogue
• Computer Basics
• Learning to Email
• Surfing the Internet for Beginners
• Introduction to Microsoft Word
Visit the Information Desk to sign up for your one-on-one instruction with Library staff
Thanks for the update Laurie! With that I've resumed posting and will get back to a regular schedule again.
Video Game Tournament
Super Smash Brothers Brawl on the Wii
Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, March 28 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the Story Room.
For ages 12-18.
The Featured Online Research Tool for March is: Hobbies & Crafts Reference Centre
Are you looking to start a new hobby? Maybe you’re looking for crochet patterns or ideas for scrapbooking? The Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center provides full-text content for many popular hobbies, crafts and recreational activities. More than 500 magazines and books, as well as access to 333 videos and 144 hobby reports are included. Hobbies & Crafts Reference Centre offers detailed "how-to" instructions and creative ideas in the areas of arts & crafts; collecting; games & electronics; model building; home & leisure; needlework; outdoors & nature; and scrapbooking & papercrafts.
This online research tool and many more are available through the Library’s website at http://www.gppl.ab.ca. Have your membership card handy!
Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society Annual General Meeting
The Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. Are you creative and motivated and would like to make a difference? The Friends are a group that believes in the importance of the Library in the community and they need you! For more information, contact Judy Dickson at 567-2716.
Computer & Internet Training @ the Library
Sign up for a free, one-hour session on any of the following:
• Using the Library Catalogue
• Computer Basics
• Learning to Email
• Surfing the Internet for Beginners
• Introduction to Microsoft Word
Visit the Information Desk to sign up for your one-on-one instruction with Library staff
Thanks for the update Laurie! With that I've resumed posting and will get back to a regular schedule again.
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