Bill Given

Welcome to 2012

2012-01-06T09:39:00.000-08:00

We are now a week in to 2012 and so far it doesn't seem like the end of the world. Unseasonably warm, yes. But end-of-the-world hot ... I don't think so.

2011 was a busy year; for me personally, in the region and here at city hall. In fact I was so busy that my last post was back in October which is pretty sad. So like everyone else I guess I'd better have a New Year's Resolution - I'm going to set a goal of one post every week. Let's see how it goes.

Looking back at 2011 there were a number of projects started, completed and celebrated. I believe the most significant was the development of Council's new Strategic Plan. The plan sets out Council's values, priorities and goals for the balance of the term.

Some of the most important goals are aimed directly at reducing the need for future property tax increases by addressing the financial foundation and framework the city operates within. These goals are:

Develop a fiscal sustainability model
Prepare a post-annexation plan
Prepare a strategy to encourage industrial land development

The exercise of working through the Strategic Plan ensured that each council member and administration had a chance to develop a shared understanding of what our collective priorities were. This collective focus is what enabled us to pass a 3 year budget that provides the lowest tax increases in a decade while still reinvesting in the infrastructure and services that our community needs.

In 2011 we did the big stuff. We set out our long term strategic goals and developed the budget that will provide the financial resources to work towards them over the next 3 years.

So what does that leave for 2012? That'll have to be next week's post...

Economic Development Partners with ACFA to Recruit

2011-10-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Grande Prairie has the 3rd largest French Association in all of Alberta? Not bad for being the 7th largest city in the province right? The size of our Francophone community is a real asset for our city as it leads to some very important partnerships like the one below.

The City's Economic Development Officer will be traveling with ACFA representatives to Brussels and Paris in an effort to highlight the job opportunities available in our region.

It goes to show that investments to support and partner with our cultural communities make us an attractive place to live - and if we're an attractive place to live then people will consider moving here when they might not otherwise.

With the labour market tightening up again Grande Prairie will benefit from the doors our cultural communities can open for us.

All the details are below in the City media release.

Recruitment Opportunity for Grande Prairie Employers
Media Release
October 24, 2011

The City of Grande Prairie is representing the region at the Destination Canada job fairs in Paris, France and Brussels, Belgium in partnership with the L'Association Canadienne-Française de l'Alberta (ACFA).

“There is a skilled worker shortage developing within our region,” says Brian Glavin, Economic Development Officer. “The Destination Canada event is an excellent opportunity for our community as the applicants have been pre-screened to be fluent in English as well as being skilled workers.” The events, which run from November 15th-19th, will have between 3,500 and 4,000 job seekers.

“The job fair provides employers with access to a pool of highly qualified workers looking to relocate to Canada,” says Glavin.

The job seekers span a wide range of specialties, from engineers and mechanics to chefs and surgeons. Companies looking to hire skilled employees can contact the Economic Development department for more details or sign up directly on the Destination Canada website.

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Brian Glavin
Economic Development Officer
City of Grande Prairie
780.538.0475

Michelle Margarit
Director
ACFA - Grande Prairie
780.532.6335

New Traffic Lights Being Installed

2011-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

View Traffic List Installations in a larger map
The pins above mark the locations of the new lights.

Traffic Signal Construction Projects Begin

Installation of traffic lights will commence today in three separate locations.

Crews will at begin at the 104 Ave. and 92 St. intersection, continue to the 116 Ave. and 96 St. intersection and finish at Kateri Drive where a pedestrian crossing will be erected near Derek Taylor School.

Most of the work will be carried-out away from the road, but some delays are expected when the signal poles and overhead light arms are craned into place.

Patience is appreciated as the addition of traffic signals to these busy intersections will significantly improve safety.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Roger Hodgson
Project Engineer
780.513.5229
rhodgson@cityofgp.com

Ice Delay Possible at Dave Barr Arena

2011-09-26T08:39:00.001-07:00

Installation of ice at the newly renovated Dave Barr Community Centre may be delayed until October 27, a few weeks beyond the originally scheduled Oct. 11 date.

Improvements to the rink at the Dave Barr Community Centre are taking longer than expected. A $1.4-million project has included a new condenser, boards and glass, and revamping of the heating and ventilation system. Fire sprinklers and other infrastructure needs were also addressed.

Dave Barr management is working with Coca-Cola Centre and Crystal Centre personnel to accommodate ice time demands. User groups have been made aware of the projected delay.

The delay is connected with the manufacture and installation of the board and glass system.

Once these are in place, staff will work around the clock, with help from the City’s other two arenas, to ensure the ice surface is in as quickly as possible.

“We are working to tighten-up the time frame of when user groups can get onto the ice,” says Garry Roth, Community Services Director. “Running extra shifts will minimize the down-time.”

Help Name The New Fire Hall!

2011-07-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

The City of Grande Prairie is encouraging the public to take part in a process to help name the Third Fire Station.

This is the first time residents have been invited to participate in the naming of a City fire facility.

The two existing stations bear the names of historical community figures. The North Hall is named after William Salmond – an area pioneer – and the South Hall recognizes Pete Eagar – the first full-time Fire Chief of the Grande Prairie Fire Department.

“This is an opportunity to involve citizens in a positive, community-building experience,” says Dan Lemieux, Fire Chief. “We want to celebrate the contributions of our founders.”

Residents can send an e-mail to thirdfirehall@cityofgp.com with a nominee and a rationale of 100 words or less explaining why the Third Fire Station should be named after that person.

Proposals can also be mailed to Rick Adair at P.O. Bag 4000, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 6V3.

A safety related prize will be awarded for the winning submission!

“The Station doesn’t necessarily have to be named after a fire-related figure,” says Rick Adair, Project Manager of the Third Fire Station. “The Grande Prairie Fire Department appreciates the role all our community builders played in shaping the city.”

The deadline for nominees is September 15. City Council will have final approval of the Third Fire Station name.

The new facility, located at 97 Avenue and 118 Street, will open in Spring 2012.

Health Advisory Council Meeting

2011-07-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

So, this isn't city business but I know people are interested in the state of healthcare in our city and the province so when I got notice of this in my email inbox I thought I'd share it. I've put the important sections into a BOLD font.

If you have any questions or comments, I CANNOT ANSWER THEM: Please direct them to the health advisory council at:

Peace Health Advisory Council
peace@albertahealthservices.ca
1-877-275-8830

Dear Community Stakeholder:
The Peace Health Advisory Council would like to invite and engage with all interested individuals and groups to attend either of the health care forums we are hosting in July and August to provide input on local and regional health and provide feedback to Alberta Health Services regarding health care services in our North Zone.

On Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. we will be in Grande Prairie and on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 we will be in Peace River. Location in Grande Prairie is the Elks Hall 10806-106 St.

Part of our mandate as a health advisory council is to engage the public to gather opinions, concerns, bright ideas or suggestions on gaps and opportunities and to share success stories related to health care services and to relay the messages to Alberta Health Services.

The forums will be an excellent opportunity for the Peace Health Advisory Council to gather feedback from the public. The open mike format will be utilized with each speaker allowed two to five minutes to present their information. We will be happy to accept any written presentations whether as supporting documents or as the entire presentation. Additionally, should you wish to present to the Peace Health Advisory Council at a regular council meeting at a later date you may request an opportunity to do so. The information we receive from the public forums will be condensed into an advisory report to Alberta Health Services regarding local ideas, opportunities, challenges and opinions.

We are very interested to hear your opinion regarding health services. Please be advised the Peace Health Advisory Council does not have the mandate to deal with individual patient concerns or the day to day operations of the health centres but rather works in an advisory capacity to Alberta Health Services.

Please join the members of your Health Advisory Council on either date to share your ideas and provide feedback about health care in our area so that we can ensure that we convey your message to Alberta Health Services.

Respectfully,
Theresa Sandul, Chair
Michael Ouellette, Vice-Chair

GP's First BMX Park!

2011-07-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

BMX Site To Be Ready By August

Construction on Grande Prairie’s first BMX bike park is set to begin Thursday.

Located west of the off leash dog park in the South Bear Creek section of Muskoseepi Park, the site was chosen for its high visibility, availability of space, and accessibility from park trails. It’s also adjacent to neighbourhoods and schools. The bike park will be completed in about three weeks.

“The BMX park was made possible by the generous support of Wapiti Gravel Suppliers which delivered and levelled over 10,000 cubic meters of soil and Genivar providing free design consultation, engineering and surveying services,” says Laurie Barry, Operations Manager at Muskoseepi Park.

“This is a community partnership driven by the local BMX enthusiasts who wanted something positive for youth to develop their interest in the sport and we are proud to add this facility to the park”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the facility is scheduled for Park’s 25th Anniversary event on the August long weekend.

Survey on Future Use of Leisure Centre

2011-06-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

The City of Grande Prairie is conducting a Feasibility study on the future use of The Leisure Centre. Roger Field of Field, Field & Field Architecture-Engineering Ltd. will be conducting the survey and results.

Your response to this survey will lead to recommendations made to City Council and Administration to determine the direction, future use, and upgrade of The Leisure Centre.

An open house will be held on Wednesday, June 29th from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Leisure Centre. Residents are encouraged to stop by to fill out a survey or have questions answered by Field, Field & Field, or the Leisure Centre staff.

If you are unable to attend the open house, please visit here to complete an online version of the survey. All responses will remain anonymous and will be kept confidential.

Media enquires may be directed to:
Roger Field
Field, Field & Field
Ph: 780-532-3690
fields3@telusplanet.net

97 Ave Construction Begins Thursday

2011-06-06T11:15:00.001-07:00

Starting Thursday, 97 Ave. traffic between Wapiti Road and 112 St. will be restricted to one lane to allow for major construction work.
Use of alternative routes to avoid the area if possible is advised. Motorists needing to reach businesses between 112 St. and 116 St. should use the following roads: 89 Ave, 84 Ave, 100 Ave, and 112 St, as side street access will be limited.

The City is investing about $900,000 in the project.

Improvements include the replacement of curbs and gutters, repairs to manholes and catch basins, milling of the existing asphalt, and replacement of the road surface.

“These intensive upgrades are important to maintain the City’s transportation infrastructure,” says Project Engineer Yao Kouadio. “We appreciate the patience of everyone affected during this temporary inconvenience.”

Work is scheduled to take until the beginning of August to complete.

Graffiti Wipe Out Week – June 6-10, 2011

2011-05-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

From a report at the Protective Services committee yesterday...

Marketing for the Graffiti Wipe Out week and requests for volunteers started in mid-March and is continuing through several different avenues including posters, radio, community pages, social media (Facebook, Twitter, City website), road signs and email.

In less than two days, 73 vandalized properties have been identified and are potential sites for Graffiti Wipe Out week. The vandalized businesses and property owners will be personally contacted over the next 10 days and will be educated on the effect of graffiti within a community, how it impacts crime levels and the importance of quick removal. They will then be encouraged to either remove it themselves or give their consent to have our volunteers remove it during Graffiti Wipe Out week.

The property owner’s responsibility will be to provide the appropriate paint and ensure the area around the vandalized area is safe for the volunteers and staff. Crime Prevention will supply the volunteers, equipment and supplies necessary to remove it. Educational information has been sent to the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Association with the request that they forward it to all of their members to assist in educating them on graffiti management and offering assistance in removal by volunteers and the free use of Crime Prevention’s Graffiti Wipe Out kits. These kits include rollers, paint brushes, safety goggles, disposable coveralls, gloves, etc. Several volunteers have come forward to assist in painting, supervising and promotion of the Graffiti Wipe Out week.

Volunteers include City employees, seniors, families and community youth. The Youth Intervention Program has six youth that may be assisting in the Wipe Out for reparation. Volunteers will be trained online in WHMIS through the City as well as being trained on safe removal of graffiti. Graffiti Wipe Out week launch is slated for 10 am on June 6th with Mayor Bill Given, councillors, City staff, volunteers and media in attendance.

The location was originally planned to be the new Protective Services building however, Crime Prevention is looking for an alternate location with a significant amount of graffiti to showcase removal.

Crime Prevention has approached ATCO to join the City of Grande Prairie in fighting graffiti by pledging to remove it from any targeted property they own within 24-48 hours of identification. This is similar to the pledge between the City of Leduc and Fortis Alberta. Crime Prevention is waiting for a response from ATCO. Neighbourhood Safety Teams and Associations have also been contacted and encouraged to conduct an inspection of their areas and conduct a neighbourhood wipe out during Graffiti Wipe Out Week.

Donation Of Goods For Fire Victims Maxed Out!

2011-05-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

Trucks and storage lockers across the province are brimming with donations for residents displaced by fires in Northern Alberta. No further non-cash contributions are needed at this time.

“The province, local municipalities and the Red Cross are working with evacuees to determine their needs,” says Donelda Laing, Manager of Community Social Development with the City of Grande Prairie. “As we assess how we can best help these regional neighbours, we will share this information with communities in our area.”

The City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie, the Towns of Sexsmith, Beaverlodge and Wembley and the Village of Hythe are part of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership.

“We know that residents across the region are eager to help and we appreciate the outpouring of concern and generosity,” says Kathleen Turner, Director of Family and Community Support Services with the County of Grande Prairie. “The best way people can assist is to provide cash donations so specific needs can be addressed.”

Individuals and organizations wishing to provide assistance are asked to please consider giving a cash donation rather than goods. Individuals and organizations that wish to provide assistance are asked to call the Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or online at www.redcross.ca, or the Salvation Army 780-908-7782 or 780-909-5598.

Cash donations may be made to the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie by calling 780-538-2820 or contributions can be made online at www.canadahelps.org

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Media enquiries may be directed to:

Donelda Laing

Community Social Development Manager

City of Grande Prairie

780.538.0909

Kathleen Turner

FCSS Director

County of Grande Prairie

780.832.7013

Sharon McLean

Red Cross Regional Branch Manager

780.539.7127

Sharon.mclean@redcross.ca

A Regional Draw

2011-05-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if people real realize just how cool The Multiplex is going to be. It seems like a lot of people think of it as "the new pool" and that leads to picturing an updated, bigger, version of the Leisure Centre.

The reality is that it's much, much more than that. It really does have the potential to be a regional tourist draw.

I'm not saying that people from Calgary are going to decide that they need to drive up just to check it out but I do believe that people from the north and the region around the city may do just that. I also think that after families stop in once they will start to make it a regular part of their visits to the City. Just like my family used to stop in at the wave pool in Millwoods and then the water park at WestEd when we would go down to Edmonton.

With features like a tube slide, adventure river and surfing machine all set in amongst a fantasy dinosaur theme, kids and parents alike are going to love it.

Check out the pictures and tell me you're not excited too....

City Media Release

The much anticipated Dinosaurs for the Multiplex are finally arriving in Grande Prairie! The first shipment of the Multiplex’s prehistoric pals, are now onsite at the Multiplex and installation will begin in late June.

Cheryl McKenzie, Multiplex Marketing Manager says “This is one of the most exciting parts of the overall aquatics area. The personality that these playful dinosaurs display is just amazing. In the children’s vortex area the dinosaurs are cute, colourful and friendly.

There are 6 perched on Hoo Doo’s surrounding the kiddie’s area, and they are equipped with goggles and life preservers just ready to splash in the pool. There are 3 more surrounding the family hot tub and volcano. Further back in the giant slide area beside the lazy river the dinosaurs are more realistic looking. We have a giant T-Rex head that is breaking through the rock facade over the change rooms and a couple more are on the island in the Lazy River. In addition the theme includes waterfalls, foliage, 4 pterodactyls, dinosaur rib cage and murals depicting some of the prehistoric aquatic life. The City wants to support the exciting new dinosaur opportunities that our region is becoming known for and The Multiplex is the perfect place to put that theme to good use. Though the Dinosaurs at the Multiplex in no way represent those found at Pipestone, they will certainly help get visitors and locals alike in the ‘Dinosaur Frame of Mind’.”

The Dinosaurs were designed in Calgary at Studio Y Creations and have taken over a year to develop. Studio Y has taken the Dinosaur theme to a whole new level while remaining considerate of all ages of our patrons.

“It is going to be so exciting to show off the Multiplex to everyone. It is definitely a one of a kind facility that won’t fail to impress anyone who comes to visit us!” adds McKenzie.

South Muskoseepi Bridge Closed

2011-04-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

As the sun has come out and the snow has started to melt I'm sure everyone is itching to get out and go for a walk, run or bike ride on the trails. Unfortunately there is a problem at the pedestrian bridge south of 68th Ave....

-Update- The bridge has been opened to pedestrians again. Repairs to the asphalt will be made later this spring (the plants that make the asphalt haven't started up yet) but the bridge is safe to use.

Media Release
April 6, 2011

Water Wash Out Closes South Bear Creek Trail

The concrete pedestrian bridge adjacent to 68th Ave. in Muskoseepi Park has been closed indefinitely.

This action results from water washing away the approach to the bridge which spans South Bear Creek. Aquatera is working to find the source of the runoff and complete repairs.

As a precaution the bridge has been barricaded and fenced off to prevent public from crossing in that location.

“We ask trail users to find an alternative route until further notice while heavy equipment is in the location to undertake repairs,” says Parks Operations Manager Laurie Barry. “We know this is a popular location for trail enthusiasts and regret this inconvenience. However, safety is of utmost importance.”

“There is a significant amount of damage from runoff to the area around the bridge,” says Aquatera spokesperson Tim Conrad. “Our team is investigating the water source, and will look to redirect it and make temporary repairs to the trail as soon as possible.

“We will need to close the trail and bridge again later in the spring to complete permanent repairs after the frost has come out of the ground.”

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Laurie Barry
Muskoseepi Park Operations Manager
780.538.0453

Tim Conrad
Aquatera Communications Manager
780.513.5220

Very Cool Program Expansion at GPRC

2011-03-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

GPRC Media Release:

Bachelor of Education Secondary now offered at GPRC

Meeting the demand for high school teachers in northern Alberta is the goal of a new pilot program this fall at GPRC. For the first time ever, the Bachelor of Education, Secondary, will be available in Grande Prairie through a collaboration of GPRC and the U of A, beginning with Year 3 in the fall of 2011. A series of information sessions are being planned to share specifics with prospective students.

The highly successful Teacher Education North (B Ed Elementary) collaboration has been paving the way for this announcement for more than ten years – over 150 elementary teachers now employed at schools throughout our region are alumni of the GPRC/U of A collaborative degree. Students have long been requesting the option of Secondary route degree completion at GPRC as well.

Area school districts have been working closely with government, GPRC and the U of A to facilitate this pilot project, and the great cooperation and effort of all the people involved is recognized as its major strength.

“We are fortunate to have wonderful partners who have made this pilot project possible,” says Susan Bansgrove, GPRC Vice-President Academics and Research. “It is a collaborative effort in every sense, and all partners are excited at the potential to increase access to needed education for learners in our northern and remote region.”

Peace Wapiti School District is excited about the recruitment opportunities that this pilot program represents, according to Superintendent Sheldon Rowe. “We expect that in the upcoming years, as a result of a considerable increase in retirements, we will be facing a significant and growing shortage of secondary teachers,” says Rowe. “This U of A program brokered by GPRC will help address this issue and also help insure that our new hires are very familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in rural northern Alberta. As a District we are always pleased to see additional locally available post secondary programs offered to our graduates.”

The pilot program will offer a general Bachelor of Education Secondary program, with majors in either English language arts or general science, and minors in English language arts, general science or math. Prospective students who have completed 60 credits of study may bring transcripts to GPRC for evaluation. It is hoped that a cohort of 20 students will soon be registered for the program, which begins in September, 2011.

“The opportunity for the University of Alberta to collaborate with GPRC in offering a pilot program in Secondary Education is ground breaking and extremely exciting,” says Fern Snart, Dean, Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. “The Faculty of Education and GPRC have an excellent relationship based on a decade of delivering the Teacher Education North (TEN) Elementary Education program, and both institutions share a great pride in the many graduates who are adding strength to the teaching force in northern Alberta. We are confident that the Secondary graduates from this cohort will join the school systems with equal strength in two years, and we are delighted to have this opportunity.”

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For comment please contact:
Susan Bansgrove, VP Academics and Research
Grande Prairie Regional College
780-539-2867
sbansgrove@gprc.ab.ca

OR

Fern Snart, Dean
Faculty of Education
University of Alberta
780-492-3751
fern.snart@ualberta.ca

Ahh Spring....

2011-03-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

The city has a general email account that people use from time to time to send notes myself or council. As we get in to spring I expect this won't be the last one I receive that is concerned about the roads.

I try to respond to any email that has a working return address and a name. Here's the resident's note (with their name removed) and my response:

Comments:
I know your the new mayor of Grande Prairie, but you might want to start doing something and get the roads fixed because they are shitty, that's the only way to describe it. You might want to start considering the citizens of Grande Prairie because if your doing nothing to fix the roads, are you gonna pay for all the vehicle damages?

Thanks,
- Name Removed -

My response....

Hi - Name Removed -, thanks for the note.

You'll notice that we've had a spring with lots of melting, then re-freezing. This is really rough on the roads, it creates lots of potholes that weren't there last fall because the run-off water gets in to tiny cracks in the pavement and then freezes over night. When it freezes it expands and breaks apart the pavement just like a bottle that's left in the freezer too long.

We will be going after these potholes very aggressively but there's not too much we can do until more of the snow melts and the temperatures get warmer. We have already had some crews out addressing the worst cases but that work doesn't last because it's still too wet can cold for the repairs to hold.

This summer we plan to spend about $20 million on road repair, construction and overlays as well as sidewalk construction. So this area is a major priority for me, Council and our staff.... and we're spending a significant amount of your tax dollars on it.

I hope you'll notice the improvement but understand that our weather here make this an ongoing battle and that every spring will bring new potholes no matter what we do.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Bill Given,
Mayor, City of Grande Prairie

2011 State of the City Address

2011-02-24T13:05:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I had the pleasure of presenting the State of the City Address at an even hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Here's the full text of the speech:

Good afternoon,

It's my pleasure to present the State of the City Address for the first time as Mayor of Grande Prairie.

Before I go any further, I'd like to extend my thanks to the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce for hosting today and to each and everyone of you for attending.

I take great pride in telling others across the province how Grande Prairie, Alberta's SEVENTH largest city, is home to Alberta's THIRD largest Chamber.

The Chamber is a key partner for the City and I believe the state of the organization speaks to the strength of our local economy. Thank you Dave, Dan and to your whole team for hosting today -and for all the work that you do.

By design, Council and Administration come together form a single unit so I'd be remiss if I didn't recognize the members of my team who are here today...

Councillors;
Croken, Gustafson, McLean, Munroe, O'Toole, Radbourne & Wong

.... and our Senior Administration Team:
Greg Scerbak & Frank Deskawech

It’s hard to believe that we’re closing in on March – We’ve already had a busy start to the year and everything suggests it will be a significant milestone for your new Council.

I had the pleasure to speak at the Chinese New Year celebration last month. At the time I noted that 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit – recognized as a year of calm, peace and an opportunity to reflect.

As global events have shown, we can probably still expect this year to have its share of excitement and turmoil. But I believe that locally, 2011 will be marked as a time of taking stock of where we are and laying the groundwork for future success.

In November, just weeks after the new Council was elected, one of our first tasks was to review the 2011 budget that had previously been approved by the prior council.

At that point, we were each working from a perspective informed by the issues we heard from residents during the election.

AND, although it's a challenging task for a new group, I believe we were focused on a shared goal of keeping any tax increase to a minimum - Which we accomplished.

We reduced a proposed 7.6% tax increase to just 2.5%. In large part this was achieved by deferring capital projects and putting off proposed staffing increases.

For example, council choose to defer a request for 6 additional RCMP officers in 2011 that would have added just under $750 thousand dollars per year to the budget.

It's obvious that those types of deferrals are only short term solutions.

To put our community on a more sustainable path we will need to take a longer term view and address our challenges head on.

During our March 9th to 11th strategic planning session, Council will discuss, from a Big Picture perspective, our priorities related to programs, facilities, infrastructure, services and tax levels.

The new Strategic Plan that emerges will not be a revision of past plans with a few new words here & there.

It will be the vision this council uses to guide the next three year budget cycle, and beyond.

Why is it so important to take time away from overseeing this $100 million operation to develop a plan?

I believe that at the start of this new term and budget cycle, it’s more important than ever that Council forms a collective vision of where we believe the community needs to go.

Think of it like this: A couple are discussing their vacation plans, They could go visit family in Kelowna, or Calgary or Saskatoon.

If they can't come to some consensus on a preferred option...

If they can’t first agree on a final destination, a goal, it's likely they'll end up not going anywhere at all.

Once they decide it's Calgary, the actual route they take to get there can follow.

They could fly or drive down Highway 2. Or even, maybe Highway 22. Each has it's pluses and minuses but without first agreeing on a destination, the route wouldn't even matter.

So the challenge for your council is to agree on a goal. A vision of what we want our community to be in the future. We need to set the destination.

Once developed, the Strategic Plan will provide a vision for Administration, allowing our admin team to set service priorities and develop a budget for Council to review next fall.

Over the course of the planning session, Council will also provide Administration with a range of financial expectations within which they can build the budget, based on the priorities we’ve established.

Going in to this, Council’s challenge will be to think long term.

And, to balance our community's needs for infrastructure and services with the reality of our fiscal situation.

We already know that our revenue maybe be reduced by as much as $2 million as a result of the end of the fire agreement with the County of Grande Prairie, and there may be an additional loss of up to $2 million as Aquatera transitions to its own corporate services by year’s end.

In addition to the reduced revenue in these areas, we’re also dealing with the results of lower than expected funding from the provincial government's Municipal Sustainability Initiative, or MSI, grant program.

When it was announced MSI was intended to deliver long-term sustainable funding to municipalities which would allow us to make long-term planning decisions and investments in infrastructure.

We were told we could “Bank on It.”

Unfortunately it hasn't exactly turned out that way. For example, due to provincial budget changes last year the city received $6 million less than was forecast.

This in turn required us to take on extra borrowing to complete the construction of The Multiplex. Over the term of mortgage this extra borrowing will cost us approximately $3 million in interest, further reducing the effectiveness of our MSI monies.

Ironically, today is also provincial budget day, so we are hoping for good news for municipalities and for provincial capital projects in our community.

The final part of the financial picture that council needs to consider is the mix of land-uses in the city and how that impacts our ability to generate revenue.

In study after study in Alberta and across North America it's recognized that residential properties consume more in services than they provide in tax revenue. It's industrial and commercial assessment that pays the way.

The difference is staggering;

Residential properties tend to consume approximately $1.60 in services for every $1 in tax revenue they generate.

While Industrial development consumes just 14¢ in services for every $1 it generates.

In Grande Prairie our assessment is approximately 74% Residential, 24% commercial and just 2% Industrial.

As a business person, imagine discovering that 75% of your customers used more in services than they generated in revenue. What would you think of the outlook for your business? What would you do?

This is one of the factors that council cannot ignore when thinking about our community's strategic plan.

On the more positive side council will be well equipped with an array of public input to consider as we think about the future:

This includes resident concerns and feedback we each heard during the election.

Early results from the 2011 Quality of Life/Customer Satisfaction Survey will be in, and public consultation documents from the Municipal Development Plan and Municipal Sustainability Plan processes will provide extra context.

All of this information – the challenges and the public input will help provide the foundation for our strategic plan which we'll report back to the community on later this spring.

Speaking of public input: Right now, the research firm of Ipsos Reid is conducting the Quality of Life/Customer Satisfaction Survey by getting in touch with approximately 400 city residents.

The last customer satisfaction survey in 2009 revealed that more than 90% of residents feel there is a high quality of life in Grande Prairie.

Residents were the most satisfied with our services in the areas of Fire, Police & Enforcement and Crime Prevention.

At the same time they showed concern with Infrastructure, Affordable Housing & Land Use and Planning.

It'll be interesting to see what the top of mind issues are for our citizens this time around.

It'll be surprising if we don’t hear significant feedback about our snow removal program following the record downfall in mid-January.

Council has already taken the proactive step of asking Administration to conduct a thorough review of our snow removal and ice control program at the end of this winter.

The point is not to look solely at our efforts in reaction to this one weather event but to consider how we address snow removal in the big picture. Including preplanning, resources and communications.

One great news story emerging from the record snowfall was how the community embraced social media as a means of expressing their concerns, asking questions and receiving updates on our progress.

Residents can expect we’ll continue to open up opportunities for them to join in the conversation with, and about their city government.

Having a social media presence certainly proved to be a bonus when it came time to promote vacancies for volunteer positions on our boards and committees this fall.

We had a record response, with far more people interested in serving than we had spaces!

In fact, nearly 40 people applied for just 18 positions on committees.

This represents an incredible success story in community engagement and participation, something we are eager to repeat in other municipal processes.

As well, our budget deliberations last fall were webcast for the first time.

I think people appreciated the opportunity to tune into deliberations from the comfort of their homes, offices or calssrooms.

I mentioned earlier that this would be a year focused on setting the stage for success in the years to come.

Our Land Use Bylaw review, to be complete by year’s end, is one of these foundational elements.

This document will guide the dynamics and aesthetics of the City as it continues to grow.

The update will revise existing provisions to allow the City to meet its mandate to effectively control and regulate land use while still remaining sufficiently flexible to permit new opportunities and innovations.

This will be key as the City begins to annex land from the County of Grande Prairie through the Inter-municipal Development Plan, adopted last year.

The IDP identifies short- and long-term annexation areas and steps are underway to initiate that process with open houses for affected land owners scheduled for early March.

Annexation is vital to the City’s economic growth. It will provide much needed land to attract new industrial and commercial firms.

The short-term area covers about 6,000 hectares, predominantly in the northwest, northeast and several quarter sections surrounding the City identified for annexation in the former IDP.

Our Transportation Master Plan is also progressing. It will help us as we develop our transportation network to address some of the pressures of today and prepare for future growth.

This massive undertaking will explore pedestrian, cycling, transit and vehicle opportunities in the City, and beyond.

Of course it's not all long term planning and blue-sky thinking. As we head in to 2011 the city is working on a number of important projects that will impact the future of our community and improve life for residents.

By April, we will be able to gauge interest in the possibility of redevelopment of the former York Hotel and/or Germain Park properties in our City's Centre.

A “Request For Information” is available on AlbertaPurchasingConnection.com and has been distributed across the country to attract proposals. This is probably the most flexible and transparent process the city has ever undertaken with respect to land development. Proposals will be judged on five simple criteria:

How do they support the concepts within the Downtown Enhancement and Municipal Development plans?
How do they increase Density and impact Activity in the downtown?
What is the developer’s experience with projects of this nature and their financial capability?
What are the proposed project timelines?
And finally, what is the overall financial benefit to the City?

It appears that the positive effects of the City's investment in purchasing the property are already being noticed by the business community.

Yesterday at the DownTown Association's Annual General Meeting the City was presented with a certificate of appreciation for the positive impact the change has had for businesses in the area.

Also this year,

We will expand on the foundation of our City-Wide Wireless Initiative by adding up to 100 hot spots across the community. Residents will benefit from improved customer service as our field staff will have the ability to retrieve information remotely, just as though they were at a workstation in city hall.

Our brand will be launched shortly with a new visual identity including a logo and slogan that promote the community’s innovative, resourceful and entrepreneurial nature.

We’re looking forward to the opportunity to have visual imagery that helps residents celebrate what they have while encouraging visitors and new businesses to come see why we love it here.

Close on the heals of the new visual identity the city will launch a completely redesigned website. This will be the first major update to the city's web presence since 2004 and will allow residents and visitors to find information more easily.

We will also integrate social media features to enhance our communication capabilities and begin the steps of integrating OpenData principles.

And, recognizing that investing in infrastructure is still a priority for our community, a significant amount of capital projects will be underway including:

Twinning of 116 Street between 84th and 97th avenues as well as paving the section between 68th and 84th avenues. This will be a welcome relief for residents in the Westpointe neighbourhood and for drivers as it paves the last section of gravel between the bypass and the correction-line.

Also on the books is the badly needed rehab of 102nd Street from 97th ave to 86th avenue.

These will be just two of the projects in a summer road & sidewalk construction program that will total almost $21 million dollars.

We’ll be nearing completion on the third fire hall as we move into 2012. This facility will be an extremely valuable addition to our ability to protect the community. Its location in the west end means neighbourhoods and businesses in that area of the City will be safer and that we'll be able to provide excellent service to the residents in the annexation areas.

The ultimate highlight of 2011 will be the completion of The Multiplex.

This facility will offer something for everyone in Grande Prairie, and beyond. I know I can’t wait for my turn on the FreeFM Freerider.

The Multiplex will be a dynamic attraction for the region, helping to make this community a destination to travel to . . . and for visitors on the road, a location where they can be enticed to stay an extra day or two.

And it all wouldn't be possible without our community partners like Telus, Menzies, Servus Credit Union, Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie, FreeFM, Daily Herald Tribune RBC and Radium Industrial Solutions who have come on board to support the project. Thank you.

As a municipality, we are always examining ways to improve how we do business and means to support the develop our local economy.

We have formed an Economic Development Advisory Committee, with public representatives from various sectors of the local economy.

This group will help guide the work of our Economic Development Department as it addresses the priorities outlined in our Economic Development Plan.

One of the priorities in the plan was to address the underlying costs of doing business in The North.

In response, the Economic Development has begun providing residents monthly updates on the cost of retail power while providing education on energy aggregation and promoting energy efficiency.

Also, Over two years ago we first initiated our Business Visitation Program.

Through the process, we received a lot of rich data to help us better understand the needs of our local business community. We'll continue to follow up on those needs and priorities.

The City is also undertaking process improvement initiatives to enhance our customer service.

We took a significant step forward with the recent renovation at the City Service Centre, which for the first time brought together our Parks, Fleet, Transportation Services, Engineering and Planning in one building. This move will provide a one-stop-shop for construction and development and improve our internal coordination.

Speaking of these important departments I'd like to recognize them for their commitment customer service.

Just a few weeks ago the City was honoured to receive the 2010 Customer Service Award from the Grande Prairie Home Builders’ Association. For our staff to be recognized by such an important partner is very rewarding.

On a on a different topic, I'd like to cover some of the steps we've taken around advocating for our City and the Region.

The job of keeping Grande Prairie top of mind for Provincial decision makers is never ending and has to be a priority for the City.

Earlier this month, Council approved a schedule of twice yearly visits to the Alberta Legislature.

These will occur in Spring and Fall of each year for the balance of the term and will be in addition to our continued support of regional lobby efforts such as those led by the Chamber of Commerce.

I believe the objective of these kind of missions should be to proactively build relationships & increase communication with Provincial Ministers and departments.

We need to ensure that Grande Prairie's voice is heard and that our story is understood.

Some of our immediate priorities include; capital funding for Aquatera's Waste Water Treatment Plant improvements, construction of the new hospital, expansion at GPRC and support for new K-to-12 schools.

In all of this we recognize that our partners are important.

Immediately after the election council and I identified a number of community partners and regional municipalities that council wanted to meet with.

We have regular meetings with our partners at the County of Grande Prairie, the Chamber, our local school boards, GPRC, the Homebuilders’ Association, the Urban Developers Institute and many, many others in an effort to strengthen our understanding of the community and keep the lines of communication open.

In closing ...

It’s been my pleasure to update you on some of the challenges the city is facing, some of the key municipal initiatives coming up in the short term and to offer some insights into what the future holds.

I believe the best way council can contribute the continued progress of our community is to:

Be a Willing & Accessible Community Partner
Continue Working to Provide Excellent Service
Openly Discuss the Challenges Facing our City
Establish Clear Priorities and regularly report on our progress and finally,
To Be Visionary by setting long-term goals that will guide our organization and our decision making.

The first few steps will happen in the coming weeks.

I'd ask you all to lend us your support as we proceed and I'll commit that we'll remain accessible & accountable to you as we move forward in building an excellent community that you can be proud of.

Thank you.

Cost of Community Services

2011-02-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

One of the challenges we have is to ensure we have a good mix of different types of development in our community. Not only is important for forming a well-rounded city it also directly affects our bottom line.

Give this report (pdf download) from Red Deer County a quick once over. It looks at different land uses such as Residential, Industrial and Commercial and compares how much revenue each one brings in with how much it consumes in services.

The key concepts it outlines are; that Residential uses more in services than it provides in revenue; that Commercial roughly pays for itself and finally that Industrial basically subsidizes everything else.

Two really interesting sections:

Industrial – The Industrial land use appears to be a significant subsidizer of all other land uses. The low cost of this land use is more or less in line with other COCS studies. A sensitivity test of the “Power and Pipe” taxes, a significant source of the Industrial land use’s revenues, indicated that even without these revenues, the Industrial land use would still pay for itself in dramatic fashion.

and

It is significant to note that the Residential land use did not pay for itself in any scenario in this study, not even in the re-calculations done to make this study more comparable to previous studies. ... This effectively means that other land uses are subsidizing the level of service provided to the Residential land use.

Although the specifics would be slightly different for us I'm willing to bet that the fundamentals would be largely the same for any community in the province.

It goes to show that a community like GP with a majority of it's land used for residential development is not sustainable because we don't have enough industrial development to subsidize the service residential development demands.

Communities with significant "Power & Pipe" or linear tax sources are much better off.

Create The Future of GP's Parks & Trails

2011-02-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Do THIS survey.

One of Grande Prairie's greatest assets is our urban park system. We are so lucky to have a green-space like Muskoseepi that runs from one end of the city to the other. Recently I put forward a motion through the 100th Anniversary committee that would see the Expansion and Revitalization of Muskoseepi Park be the capital legacy project for the 100th Anniversary in 2014. (See Item #5 in this set of minutes)

On top of that we have a system of neighbourhood parks, trails and open spaces that spans the city and forms important transportation corridors.

But of course we're always looking to improve that system and a key step is finding out what is important to residents like you.

You can help us chart the future for our parks and open spaces by participating in our online survey right HERE.

The survey asks questions on everything from how you use trails to what kind of sports you might participate in, to what size of neighbourhood parks you'd like to see.

I've done the survey myself and it takes less than the 15 minutes it says.

Charting the Future of City Parks and Open Spaces

Grande Prairie residents can have a say in the future parks and open spaces in the City.

Until mid-March, citizens can provide input on the Parks & Open Space Master Plan User Survey. It explores a variety of issues involving parks, open spaces, and trails. Public input will be used to guide future improvement, development, maintenance, and management of Grande Prairie’s parks and open spaces.

In addition to the public survey, other opportunities are being planned for community members to share their thoughts and feedback in focus groups and open houses (dates are to be determined).

The Parks & Open Space Master Plan will guide the City in meeting the needs of the community over the next seven to 10 years. The plan is slated for completion in December. It will consider the future standards for parks and open spaces development and the delivery of services to parks, playgrounds, public green spaces, and outdoor recreational facilities within Grande Prairie.

An online version of the survey is available HERE. Questions can be directed to gp_surveyinfo@ sandalackassoc.ca.

“Parks are an integral part of the community,” says Lindsey Juniper, Parks Planner. “The public’s involvement in the survey and public houses will ensure our Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan reflects the needs and feedback of the community.”

Enquiries may be directed to:
Lindsey Juniper
Parks Planner
780.538.0499
ljuniper@ cityofgp.com

Join Me for Breakfast - March 18th

2011-02-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Men Speaking Out Against Family Violence and Abuse in Our Community

Breakfast with the Boys

March 18, 2011

Hosted By:

Mayor Bill Given, City of Grande Prairie

Special Guests:

Wayne Drysdale
MLA- Grande Prairie Wapiti

Everett McDonald
Reeve- County of Grande Prairie

Featuring Keynote Speaker
Dr. Michael Kaufman

Michael Kaufman, Ph.D., is a public speaker, educator and writer. His innovative approach to engaging men and boys in promoting gender equality and transforming their lives has taken him around the world. He has worked extensively with the United Nations and with governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations, professional firms, unions, universities and colleges. He is the co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign, the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women.

Time:
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Location:
Grande Prairie Quality Inn
(Richmond Ballroom)

Tickets: $30
Includes Full Buffet Breakfast

Tickets available at:
Crystal Center Box Office
City Hall
PACE

To reserve tickets call:
780-539-6692

EVERYONE WELCOME

Snow Removal Update

2011-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

City crews, bolstered by additional contracted forces, made good headway on local roads over the weekend. I noticed the crews made some major progress in the north end of the Ivy Lake area, 101 Street in Swanavon was done and they should be mostly through the Countryside neighbourhood.

The staff have picked up where they left off before the big weekend snow fall, so if your neighbourhood hadn't been done before then it should be one of the first to have some attention now. - the flip side to that is of course that if you were done before the big snow fall (like my neighbourhood) then you'll be a little further down the list.

Today they will complete Countryside North and Signature Falls and then move on into the Summit, Mountview and Mission Heights areas.

Of course not everyone has seen an improvement yet and I know thats frustrating but we are on our way. We have a Public Works committee meeting this Tuesday and I'm going to formally ask staff to do a "post-mortem" review of our systems and the response this this event to see what we might be able to learn from it.

Media Release
January 24, 2011

Snow Removal Efforts Move Into New Neighbourhoods Today

Weekend snow removal efforts saw major inroads into the backlog resulting from the mid-January record snowfall.

Today, crews will complete Countryside North and Signature Falls and move into the Summit, Mountview and Mission Heights areas.

“The lack of snow in the forecast and milder conditions are a bonus right now,” says Transportation Services Manager Robert Carroll.

The addition of contractor equipment has doubled City of Grande Prairie forces to tackle the accumulation of snow.

“We thank everyone who has co-operated by moving their vehicles off the streets and understand that those people who have not seen a plough are anxious to see their streets ploughed,” Carroll says.

The milder conditions have helped reduce the size of windrows, reducing safety issues.

“We appreciate the many people who have called or sent messages to us asking us to address this issue,” Mayor Bill Given says. “It is regrettable that people have been stuck and are inconvenienced by our extreme weather earlier this month. This remains our top priority and crews will continue to work around the clock until we are caught up.”

Hydrants need a helping hand

2011-01-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

Aquatera just released the following info ... I know we're all tired of shoveling but this is a major safety issue:

Grande Prairie, AB – Somewhere in a snowbank near your property is a fire hydrant that may be desperately needed on a moment’s notice.

Aquatera and local fire departments are urging the public to clear out hydrants near or on their property regularly so they can be used at a moment’s notice by fire crews in the region. Fire hydrants should be easily accessible from the street, and have clearance of one metre on all sides of the hydrant, as well as two metres on each side of the hydrant.

Aquatera provides approximately 2300 hydrants throughout Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie and Town of Sexsmith, as part of service agreements with municipal governments. Hydrants are typically located 200 metres or less from each other, and provide fire crews quick and easy access to water in emergencies.

Snow Removal Response

2011-01-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

It's no surprise there've been lots of questions about how the City is addressing the massive amount of snow we received over the weekend. Here's the answers (Please take some time to read the fact sheet at the bottom)

Media Release
January 19, 2011

City Adjusts Snow Removal Plans To Tackle Latest Snowfall

The City of Grande Prairie has amended its regular ploughing practices to step up removal of the record snowfall from last weekend.

As neighbourhoods streets are addressed, residents may notice adjusted levels of service due to the need to expedite snow removal operations. For example, residents could be required to remove ploughed snow from the end of their driveways. As well, in some neighbourhoods snow will be stored in locations not typically used such as sidewalks.

“Cars parked on roadways makes snow removal impossible as equipment cannot fit between vehicles and windrows,” says Robert Carroll, Transportation Services Manager. “This means some streets may not receive snow removal service until the vehicles are removed.

“Snow clearing in driveways and storing the snow in windrows constitute a high level of service and this needs to be relaxed to speed up operations. This adjusted snow removal measure means that the same area can be covered with less staff, resulting in more crews working simultaneously.”

A second measure being implemented is a relaxation of the City’s Noise Bylaw which does not allow snow removal operations after 10 p.m. on Priority 2 routes.

“This Bylaw is in place to enable our citizens to enjoy quiet in the later hours of the evening,” says Mayor Bill Given. “Due to our current situation, it is necessary to speed up the removal of snow from neighbourhoods.”

Sunday’s 20-centimetre snowfall eclipsed a 60-year record. Crews worked overtime throughout the weekend to combat the accumulation.

“These temporary steps will allow our crews in carrying out their work,” says Mayor Given. “Addressing this issue is the top priority for Council and Administration and we applaud crews for their efforts to date. Residents will be informed daily of progress.”

Crews are working in three eight-hour shifts, augmented by contracted equipment seven days a week as long as required. The City invests about $6 million annually in snow ploughing and ice control.
-30-

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Mayor Bill Given
780.538.0310
bgiven@cityofgp.com

City of Grande Prairie Snow Removal Fact Sheet – January 19, 2011

• Crews worked overtime throughout the weekend to combat the record snowfall. These forces were ramped up with contractor equipment on Priority 1 roads.

Priorities

The City’s Snow Removal Policy calls for Priority 1 & 2 routes to be ploughed first. These include:
Priority 1 – Major Arterial – 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.

• The City has advised residents to remove ALL vehicles from these Permanent Snow Routes (Priority 1 and Priority 2) immediately.

• City Crews are presently working on all of our Bus Routes and vehicles parked on these routes are a hazard and make the clearing of snow very slow and difficult or impossible.

Equipment

• The City is employing six graders, four plough trucks (dump trucks with either plough on the front or under the belly), five front-end loaders with angle blades, five City dump trucks, four contracted dump trucks and one snow blower for clearing windrows.

• The City has secured 12 additional pieces of heavy equipment – six graders and six front end loaders – to supplement the fleet to expedite snow removal operations. Additional trucks have been hired to assist snow hauling operations.

Changes

• Typically, residential streets are ploughed with driveways being cleared and the snow piles being stored in windrows or on rights of way.

• Residents may need to assist by removing ploughed snow from the ends of their driveways.

• A temporary relaxation of the Noise Bylaw will allow snow clearing operations to continue past 10 p.m. on Priority 2 routes.

Background

• The City’s total budget for snow ploughing and ice control is about $6 million.

• There are 130 kilometres of Priority 1 and 2 roads and 180 kilometres of residential streets to clear for 310 kilometres total.

• Up to 30,000 truckloads of snow must be hauled to the snow dump to remove the accumulation to date. By comparison in the winter of 2006-2007 (a record snowfall year), 75,000 truckloads were hauled away between Oct. 27 and April 2007.

• In average conditions, it takes up to six weeks to do a complete cycle of snow removal in the City with only municipal forces.

Saturday Disruption at 84th Ave & Wapiti Rd

2011-01-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

Despite what you might guess given out weather it's not snow related...

"Media Release
January 21, 2011

Lane Closures on Wapiti Rd (108 St) at 84 Ave Intersection

Residents are advised that Bell Canada is installing services to a School Saturday and Sunday, January 22-23. The company is going to be performing service locates at the intersection of Wapiti Rd (108 St) and 84 Ave.

Heavy equipment will be working in the intersection over the course of the weekend. Work in the intersection will be performed during the hours of 9:30-11:30 a.m., 1:30-4:30 p.m. to minimize disturbance to the flow of traffic.

“Drivers should be advised that through traffic will be disrupted during these temporary lane closures,” says Engineering Field Inspector, Claude Laurin.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience during this temporary inconvenience.”

-30-

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Claude Laurin
Engineering Field Inspector
780.538.0335
claurin@cityofgp.com"

Moving on With York Hotel Site

2011-01-13T09:26:00.001-08:00

Since council directed the city to purchase the York Hotel I've been focused on getting on to the point where we can start to move forward on getting something new built on the site.

We had to move through transitioning the residential and commercial tennants in the building to new homes. We had to go through inspections of the building, removal the hazardous materials it contained, an environmental site assessment (it got a clean bill of health) and finally demolition and removal of the building.

Late last year, just before Christmas, Council held a planning session to figure out what our priorities were with the now vacant land (both the York Hotel site and the Germaine Park site), what our vision is for that area of downtown and what we'd like to achieve with property. Out of that session a report came to our GGS committee yesterday that laid out the next steps in moving forward.

Essentially we've set up an open process where any party can submit their proposal for developing the site. We have not closed the door to anything at this point and we're looking to see what the business community thinks might be feasible. We'll be open to all-comers and looking for proposals far and wide. When they come in council will get together as a group to review the proposals and determine which we'd like to invite to move to the next step which would get in to a greater level of detail and be more formal. Essentially you could say we're looking to "pre-qualify" the proposals.

So everyone is clear, Council has agreed on a set of five broad principles that we'd weigh the proposals against to measure them. The 5 (with my comments in italics)are:

1. The proposal meets the concepts within the Downtown Enhancement Plan and the Municipal Development Plan.
(We've already approved these plans and they've received plenty of public input. Any proposal should support the goals and ideas contained in these documents.)

2. Explain the overall financial benefit to the City
(The city invested nearly $2m to buy the property and clean it up. We want to know what kind of financial return any proposal will generate. This could be just the purchase price someone would offer, but it could also relate to what kind of taxes any new property would generate. For example someone could offer more money up front to buy the property but build only a small building that doesn't generate a lot of property taxes. OR there might be a proposal that puts a low value on the land but builds a larger building that pays more property taxes each year. Keeping in mind that it'll pay property taxes forever that long term value of a proposal like that might be worth more to the city than one with a higher up-front purchase price.)

3. Project timelines
(How soon can you get something built? We want to see something build sooner rather than later. It's no benefit to the community - or our tax base - to have the property sit empty so we want to hear how quickly any proposal would expect to start and finish construction)

4. Developer’s experience in projects of this nature, including ability to complete, and proven financial expertise
(With something like this we want to know if the person we're talking to actually has the expertise to do what they are saying and, just as importantly, do they actually have the money in the bank to do what they say that can. We're looking for serious people who have the proven ability and financial backing to complete a project like this.)

5. Explain the increase in density of the proposal and impact on activity in
the Downtown
(We want to see something that adds activity and life to our city's core. We also believe that the land should be used to it's maximum potential and should be the kind of development which speaks to the future of our downtown. It is just an office building that's closed after 5pm or does it also have commercial/retail space that may be open in to the evening? Does it have any residential? How will it build on the activity generated by the Farmer's Market?)

Hopefully we'll launch the process towards the end of this month and interested parties will be able to pick up a package with details on the site, the process how to submit a proposal. They'll then have 60 days to put together a proposal which will then be reviewed by council using the principles above. Council will have the ability to reject any or all proposals if we don't see anything that comes close. We'll also have the ability to select as many as we see fit and invite them to move on to the next step where they can provide a greater level of detail.

I think this allows us the greatest amount of flexibility and allows developers to enter the process without having to commit a great detail of resources to the first step - after all it costs something to put these kind of proposals together.

I'm looking forward to kicking this off and seeing what kind of innovative proposals come forward.

View City DownTown Property in a larger map

Development Proposals Anticipated In April
Media Release
January 12, 2011

The General Government Services Committee today recommended City Council initiate a Request For Information (RFI) process for developing downtown lands owned by the municipality.

The RFI would be issued for development concepts for the former York Hotel and/or Germain Park lands. City Council will consider the recommendation at its Jan. 24 meeting.

It would be open for 60 days and must address five principles. Proposals must meet the concepts within the Downtown Enhancement and Municipal Development plans. They will also explain the overall financial benefit to the City and include project timelines.

Submissions must also detail the developer’s experience in successfully completing projects of this nature and their proven financial expertise. As well, they will indicate the increase in density associated with the proposal and project its impact on Downtown activity.

“Council has underlined the importance of the development of these lands moving ahead as soon as possible,” says Economic Development Officer Brian Glavin. “We will promote the Request for Information across the country in a variety of media to maximize our opportunity for proposals.”

This strategy results from a visioning session Council had in mid-December.

Get your skates out - the pond at Muski is open!

2010-12-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

Media Release
December 2, 2010

Pavilion Skating Pond Open for the Season

The skating pond at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion is open for public use starting today.

“Conditions have been excellent for the creation of sufficient ice depth and a smooth skating surface,” says Chad Cronk, Customer Service Manager.

The public is reminded that this is a no-hockey equipment skating surface for the safety of all users of the park facilities.

“The ice pond is a popular venue and we know people will be excited to see it open for the season,” says Cronk. “Users are asked to be considerate of other skaters all skaters enjoy it. The pond is not supervised.”

The pavilion is now on winter hours Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on the weekends, noon to 6 p.m.

Media enquires may be directed to:
Chad Cronk, Customer Service Manager
Muskoseepi Park
780.538.0451
ccronk@cityofgp.com

Help Run The City - Looking for Volunteers

2010-10-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to get involved in helping run the city? Maybe you have but didn't know where to start, or you weren't quite ready to start that campaign for Mayor or Councillor yet. Well, I've got just the thing for you!

The City regularly has openings for people who would like to serve on various committees and boards. The public members are an important part of how the committees operate and ultimately how the city is run.

Right now we're looking for people to help out on the following committees:

ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD
COMBATIVE SPORTS COMMISSION
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
GRANDE PRAIRIE AIRPORT COMMISSION
LIBRARY BOARD
PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE
SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD
TAKE PART TAKE PRIDE COMMITTEE

If you're interested in getting involved and taking an active role in what happens in our community; please, please, please submit an application! Council will be appointing public members at it's meeting on December 13th so get your application in soon!

You can download the whole application package here. It has information on what the various committees are as well as the form you have to fill in and send back to the city. Read through the package, see which committee suits your interest and then get involved by applying!

You can also complete the form online by going to Muniportal.ca here and clicking on "Boards & Committees Application Form".

An Orientation on Aquatera

2010-10-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

As the new council gets to work there is a lot to learn. Each Councillor will be working to gain their bearings as they head into committee meetings next week. On top of things specific to individual committees like Public Works or Community Development there are all the broad topics that that can be even more complex.

One great example is Aquatera. New council members probably come to the table with opinions about the corporation and I'm sure they'll have heard things from the public through the course of the campaign.

Obviously as they go forward it will be important that they develop an understanding of what the company is, what it does and the principles under which it operates.

To help kick off that process the following presentation was shared yesterday as a part of Council's orientation:

Lane Closure – Wapiti Road at CN Tracks

2010-10-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

News Release
October 26, 2010

Lane Closure – Wapiti Road at CN Tracks

Motorists are advised that Wapiti Road will be reduced to one lane traffic at the CN Tracks on Wednesday, October 27, for road maintenance and work on the medians. Construction is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and is anticipated be completed by 12:00 p.m.

This lane closure will impact the flow of traffic for drivers travelling on Wapiti Road between 97 Avenue and 89 Avenue.

“This work is part of the continued maintenance of the CN Rail Crossing on Wapiti Road,” says Steve Kay, Project Engineer.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank motorists for their patience as this work proceeds.”

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Steve Kay, P Eng
Project Engineer
780.513.5229
skay@cityofgp.com

First Post as Mayor

2010-10-26T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was our organizational meeting where the new council was officially sworn-in.

The last few weeks have been quite a roller coaster; the suspense of the election, the euphoria after the win, too many congratulations to count and then in to assuming my new position and getting ready for last night.

In between all that I've attended 2 events in support of United Way, 2 council orientations sessions, the GPRC President's Ball, my regular Rotary meeting and managed to find the coffee maker in city hall (with a little help).

Council is still in the middle of orientation with regular committee meetings starting next week and the 2011 budget review following hot on the heals of that with our first look at it on Nov 10th. Of note is that I've asked administration to move budget talks to City Hall where they can be webcast - it looks like this will be possible so we might have our first "first" of the new term.

Posts for the first while may be a little erratic but I do intend to find a way to work it into my regular schedule. ... right now though, I have to run downstairs for a review of council's Strategic Priorities chart.

Finally, a GREAT Question! I vent a little, be prepared.

2010-10-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

I had a great question on Facebook and when I started a response it went from being a comment to a full-fledged note to finally this post. The issue is big enough that it deserves a full discussion and this is the kind of thing that hasn't happened in our election.

I've been bursting with a desire to address this but it's been difficult in the context of our campaign where candidates aren't really getting in to the issues in depth. Other candidates seem to be going for the "quick win" of calling for lower taxes or taking credit for things others have done but this is the kind of discussion that really needs to happen... so Derek, thank you for asking the question!

Derek Hall - Bill, what are your thoughts on next year's provincial review of the Municipal Government Act? Crucial for all cities in Alberta - what's GP's position and what should our strategy be?

Hey Derek, the MGA is important for cities and in fact all municipalities in the province. The province has not done a full review of it in some time - although they have announced a few times that they were going to. The problem is that the bill hasn't been updated much since it was introduced in the mid 90's.

The province has been "tinkering around the edges" in a number of ways and there have been a few private member's bills that have attempted to make changes. Most recently I traveled to the Leg to speak against one such bill - in the end our presentation was worthwhile and the committee is recommending the gov't scrap the bill. The point is that there needs to a full review of the bill to ensure it's setting a foundation for Alberta municipalities to be successful.

So, the first thing I think the new council should do is support a resolution from the City of Calgary that will be up for discussion at the AUMA convention after the election. The resolution basically calls on the provincial government to actually start that review process. (View the resolution here )From there the city needs to take an active roll in the review process, both through our provincial association (AUMA) and by doing our own lobbying with the minister and provincial staff.

One issue I'd like to see raised is municipal financial sustainability... the current reliance on property tax is out dated and no longer appropriate for funding the modern needs of communities. In the past property tax did make sense because the services municipalities provided were mostly related to public works and directly tied to property (think of things like roads, sidewalks ect.) Today's municipalities are being asked to provide a much broader range of service including recreation, affordable housing, social services and economic development - most of these don't have any clear connection to the actual property owned in the municipality.

On top of the increased demand for services Alberta's syatem has an underlying inequity that creates municipalities that are "more equal" than others before any home owner or commercial property receives a tax bill. Two specific issues that I'd like to address are:

- INEQUITABLE FUNDING Munis under 5000 population or who are rural (like counties) DON'T PAY FOR RCMP - the province pays it for them.... while cities like GP pay 98% of the cost for our cops. (More info on that from a 2007 post on my blog here ) This is a huge chunk of our budget and if we didn't have to pay for it we could lower property taxes.

- LINEAR TAXES help some municipalities keep residential/commercial property taxes ARTIFICIALLY LOW. This is a complex issue but the verrrrrry simple version is that some rural municipalities in the province have a GIGANTIC source of revenue that really doesn't require services - it's basically free money. Linear taxes are property taxes on things that may cross municipal boarders... think of things like gas pipelines and other utilities. In 2007 the City of GP collected just 2% ($1.3 Million) of it's tax revenue from Linear taxes... Meanwhile linear taxes made up 37% ($17 Million) of the County of GP's tax revenue. The County actually collected more from linear properties than they did from residential properties. Click through the presentation below for the details:

Add those two together (the county doesn't have to pay for police + they have the benefit of $17 million in linear taxes) and it's clear that the city cannot compete with the county on an even basis. To be clear, I'm not saying that the County of GP is at fault - they just have a tremendous advantage that most people don't know about.

These types of inequities are the things I think the City of GP has to lobby to change in any future revision of the MGA. The first step will be in getting the province to agree to actually do the review, the second will be to maintain a more active and involved lobbying schedule, which I've proposed.

It's a shame that the other candidates for mayor aren't ready or willing to really get into the issues like this. It's easy to campaign on simplistic 3 point platforms or by taking credit for projects started by others. I've tried to run on working towards a community vision and I've always been ready to really talk about the issues but there just hasn't seemed to be an opportunity for that - until now. Thanks Derek for asking and giving me a chance to start a very important discussion.

Prestigious $2.3 million research award to GPRC

2010-10-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Grande Prairie Regional College is among the eleven colleges which will receive Federal funding from Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to work with their communities and local businesses to get new innovations from campuses into the marketplace. The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced a total of nearly $15 Million to develop a number of diverse, environmentally-friendly technologies, and strengthen industry, community and academic relationships. Grande Prairie Regional College has been awarded $2,300,000 for an environmental research initiative led by instructor and researcher Dr. Weixing Tan, which will be conducted through the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) at the College.

This initiative, entitled Pollutants to Products (P2P), is among those selected for funding following a nation-wide peer-reviewed competition. The College, and its industry partners and stakeholders, have dedicated the last decade and $1.5 million developing sustainable local solutions to environmental issues. One project studies carbon and pollutants capture by microalgae; another investigates enhancement of reforestation and carbon sequestration; and the other diverts wastewater from waterways to a poplar industrial fibre production. Each project contributes to a reduction of the region's wastes and harnesses natural processes to turn atmospheric pollutants to useful products.

"Grande Prairie Regional College is very proud to be among the colleges selected for this funding," says Susan Bansgrove, Vice-President Academic. "Dr. Tan has long been recognized for his applied research in areas related to sustainable forestry practices and the environment. These projects have been very important for our region, and have also provided enormous opportunities for our students in recent years."

"I am very pleased and honoured to receive this highly-prestigious award," says Tan. "It is the great support and contributions from the College, local industries and communities that makes it a reality. This award provides additional excellent opportunities to involve students and faculty in applied research, which we have been doing for many years. The involvement of students really enhances their learning and provides significant motivation in terms of their study at GPRC."

A news conference will be hosted at GPRC Grande Prairie on November 9th 2010, to provide more in-depth information about the research project and its partners, as well as to celebrate the announcement of the grant.

Chamber of Commerce Survey Responses

2010-10-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

Around election time a number of different organizations want to hear candidates views on specific issues. I previously posted my responses to a survey from the CFIB and you can see my responses (and all the other candidates in GP) to the Canadian Cancer Society here.

This time around it's the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce. I haven't been able to find the responses posted to their website yet so I thought I'd post mine here.

1 – HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND SERVICES The recent announcement of a $520-Million Dollar Health Care Facility has a potentially huge impact on our city and/or region. If elected, how would you advocate to ensure the needs of our community are met as detailed plans for the facility are determined.

The city must support the construction of the new hospital by ensuring the planning & development approval process is fast tracked, not just for the hospital site but for the whole of the college lands. In partnership with the province and GPRC we must also advocate to see the learning & education component of the project completed. Finally we need to work with community partners to ensure the provinces properly funds the operations & staffing of the facility

2 – REGIONAL COOPERATION The recently approved Intermunicipal Development Plan was touted as a big accomplishment of the current council. What are your thoughts on the plan? In your opinion what opportunities does it present for future development?

The plan is a step forward but we must recognize that actual annexation of county lands into the city is likely another 3 years way, and development on those lands could be even further off. Working through the annexation process must be a major focus of the city over the coming term. Council must; ensure landowners and businesses are engaged in the process; develop estimates of what additional costs will come with the lands, and begin to actively encourage servicing and development of the lands.

3 – TAXES & UTLITIES There is a perception by some in the business community that the City is not as ‘business-friendly’ as some of our surrounding communities - a stigma that could result in the potential loss of future city developments. What is your plan to retain existing businesses and attract new economic development to our community?

My goal is for the city to be recognized as the most customer orientated municipality in the province. The City of Grande Prairie can has already implemented the BizPal program which substantially reduces “red tape” by allowing businesses to get information from 3 levels of government at once. In the area of development we are working to revise our development permitting process to make it faster and more efficient for customers – I support this and will continue seek ways to streamline city processes. I also believe the city has a roll in advocating on behalf of businesses in our region when it comes to trying to address the costs of doing business in our region. In particular we need to work with the province to address the high cost of electricity which impacts homeowners and businesses alike.

4 – TRANSPORTATION What is the greatest transportation concern currently facing our city? What would you do, if elected, to address the issue?

On-going maintenance and repair of our city roads will always be the greatest transportation concern for our community. In addition to maintaining our current level of investment in road maintenance, I believe we need to improve the design standards for new roads and consider "front-ending" development of major arterials in strategic locations (such as 116th street south of 84th avenue and 84th Street on the east side). Outside of the automobile the city must work to see that all city streets are "Complete Streets" that are useful and accessible for cars, pedestrians and cyclists. We also need to continue to budget for the full implementation of the Transit Master Plan which will improve our public transportation system.

Eastlink Mayoral Interview

2010-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Eastlink is Grande Prairie's local cable television provider. I went in to the studio for a short Q & A last week. Here's the interview:

Check Eastlink's Youtube channel for interviews with the other candidates.

CFIB Survey Response

2010-10-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

I just submitted my response to a survey sent out to mayoral candidates by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

I don't always agree with the CFIB. In particular I disagree with them on their position on franchise fees (Bill 203) and I said as much when I presented at the Legislature committee hearing a few weeks ago in Edmonton.

Having said that there are areas I can see common ground and I appreciate their efforts to advocate on behalf of their memberships.

Below are the questions CFIB asked and my responses. There are some areas where I've added information for this blog post - they are noted in italics.

If elected as mayor:

1.Will you implement a multi-year plan to reduce the difference between what businesses and residents pay in municipal property tax based on the same assessed value?

No

Comments: Urban municipalities in Alberta cannot afford to do this. I believe the focus should be on creating a regulatory environment that welcomes new business development. As new properties are built the tax burden will be diffused across more properties. An additional option would be see Linear Property Taxes pooled regionally and distributed on a per capita basis with in the regional catchment area. This would allow urban municipalities to reduce the tax burden on small business. In my opinion, this is a huge inequity that allows some municipalities to keep residential and commercial property taxes artificially low. I'll be doing a full post on it this week.

2.Will you work to limit future growth in operating spending by the municipal government to a sustainable benchmark such as inflation plus population growth?

Yes

Comments: I have committed to ensuring that the 2012-2014 budget cycle follows this formula.

3.How do you plan to reduce the amount of municipal red tape that small business owners in your community must deal with?

Explain: The City of Grande Prairie has already implemented the BizPal program which substantially reduces “red tape” by allowing businesses to get information from 3 levels of government at once. In the area of development we are working to revise our development permitting process to make it faster and more efficient for customers – I support this and will continue seek ways to streamline city processes.

4.Do you support new taxation powers for municipalities?

No

Comments: At this time the best solution to aid in municipal financial sustainability is to secure a legislated share of current tax revenues from other orders of government. Additionally, Linear Tax property revenues should be reexamined. My suggestion would be that they be pooled with in regional catchment areas and distributed within the region on a per capita basis.

5.Do you support the municipal government being subject to external, independent, value-for-money operational and financial audits?

Yes

Comments: The current Municipal Government Act already provides the minister with all the tools needed to require audits, of any kind, from every municipality.

6.Tell us about the other ways you plan to make your municipality more small business-friendly?

Comments: I believe our local government can add value for the business community by:
- Televising Budget meetings (and archiving on the web)
- Opening City Data to the public to allow businesses to make use of it
- Helping identify and address the cost barriers to doing business in the north, with particular focus on transportation infrastructure & electricity costs.

Developing an Airport Industrial Park

2010-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

This morning, as the Grande Prairie Regional Airport cut the ribbon on it's recent expansion, candidate for Mayor Bill Given announced his intention to advocate for the development of an industrial park at the Grande Prairie airport.

“The Grande Prairie Regional Airport is a unique asset for our community and in terms of land development I believe it's currently under-utilized.” said Given, who has previously served as both a director and chair of the airport commission.

The $16.5 million dollars in recently completed renovations a the terminal building and parking facilities were a part of the airport's long-range development plan. The plan also envisions a commercial/industrial development on the west side of the property. This industrial park would offer close proximity to both highway 43 and the future provincial by-pass.

“On the airport lands we can offer businesses something not available anywhere else in the region; direct access to air transport service.” said Given. “I believe encouraging and supporting innovative development like this will add to the city's tax base and offer opportunities for new kinds of businesses.”

Given noted that such a development would be a longer term project that would require partnerships. “To be a success, developing these lands will take the airport commission, private industry and the city working together,” said Given “We need to start that process today.”

Road Closure – Poplar Drive

2010-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

News Release September 15, 2010

Road Closure – Poplar Drive at 68 Avenue

Motorists are advised that Poplar Drive will be closed on Thursday, September 16 and Friday, September 17.

This closure will impact traffic flow for drivers travelling on Poplar Drive near 68 Avenue, and traffic access to Poplar Drive from 68 Avenue.

Transit bus routes 1 and 2 through this area, will also be affected. The changes are as follows:

Route 1 – 131, M15 & 141;
A temporary stop replacing 141 will be placed westbound on 65 Avenue off Poplar Drive.
When the bus is headed south on Patterson Drive, it will turn west on 72 Avenue (rather than east) and cover the Country Club loop backwards; then turn west onto 65 Avenue, down 96 Street back onto 63 Avenue and onto the route as normal.

Route 2 – 221, 225, M15, 231, 251, 253, 257 & 263;
When the bus is travelling south on Poplar Drive, it will turn east on 76 Avenue to Resources Road, east to Countryside South and then returning to Resources Road to 76 Avenue and resume the route on Poplar Drive North.

“This closure is part of the asphalt paving at the intersection of Poplar Drive at 68 Avenue,” says Steve Kay, Project Engineer. “As a result of this project the entire road width of Poplar Drive must be closed on these 2 days.”

“We thank motorists for their patience during the inconvenience as this work proceeds.”

—30—

Media enquiries may be directed to:

Steve Kay, P Eng
Project Engineer
780-513-5229

Building Relationships with Provincial Government

2010-09-09T09:46:00.000-07:00

At the Grande Prairie airport this morning candidate for Mayor Bill Given announced that building relationships with the province would be a major focus for the city under his leadership.

“I believe that council needs to take an active role in lobbying the provincial government on behalf of our residents.” said Given. He noted that provincial government decisions can be positive in such areas as grants or can add additional expense to municipal budgets through increased regulations.

“When the province makes a decision we need them to know the impact it will have on our community.” stated Given. “I'm confident that we can do a better job of bringing our message to the provincial legislature.”

Given outlined a focused effort on building relationships with government officials through regular missions to the provincial capital. Given proposed that council should travel to Edmonton as a group at least twice a year to meet with government representatives.

“I feel as though we've been waiting for the province to come to us,” said Given “ and I know a more proactive approach is required to ensure our community's voice is heard at the provincial level.”

At the conclusion of the media event Given boarded a flight for Edmonton to make a presentation on behalf of the City of Grande Prairie to the provincial government's Standing Committee on Community Services. The committee is conducting hearings on proposed changes to the Municipal Government Act. More information on the committee hearings can be found here, the list of scheduled presenters can be found here and audio of the presentations is here.

Library Update - August 23rd, 2010

2010-08-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Automated Pick-Up Notification
If you currently receive a telephone call when your requested material is ready for pick-up you will now notice a difference as we have implemented our new automated telephone notification system! This new system will call you with a recorded message when your request has been processed and is ready for pick-up.

Staff at the Grande Prairie Public Library receive over 5000 items from other libraries each month for our patrons.

By switching to an automated service, we will be able to more quickly notify you that your item is available. Rather than wait to have a staff member call, your call will be generated as soon as the item is received at the Library.

For those that prefer, the option of receiving notifications by e-mail is still available.

Building Stories
Grande Prairie Public Library will be hosting the Prairie Art Gallery’s collection Building Stories for the entire month of September. This collection features Alberta artists’ works including local artists such as Euphemia McNaught and Peter von Tiesenhausen. The works will be displayed all over the Library as part of the Artwalk during Arts Days. Those who view the collection during the weekend of September 17-19 will be eligible to enter the Arts Days grand prize draw. Stop in and have a look!

Celebrate Alberta Arts Days
Prairie Tales 12 – Made in Alberta Movie Shorts
The Grande Prairie Public Library and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts are pleased to present Prairie Tales 12. Each year, Prairie Tales compiles a feature-length program of some of the best short films and videos made in Alberta during the last eighteen months.

Prairie Tales 12 features fourteen short works in all genres. Running time is 74 minutes.
Eric Becker, producer of Water Under the Bridges, one of the featured films, will introduce the Sunday screening.

Join us after the film as Eric shares his journey as a film maker in Alberta and the making of Water Under the Bridges.

Date: Friday, September 17
Time: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm

Date: Saturday, September 18
Time: 10:00 am

Date: Sunday, September 19
Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Rotary Community Room

Council Agenda for July 26th, 2010

2010-07-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

A pretty short agenda for tonight's council meeting, but it does have at least two interesting items:

The first is item 9.2.1 from Public Works - awarding a tender for road repairs on 98th Street in front of City Hall at a cost of just over $1 million. This section of road is easily one of the worst in the city. this section of 98th hadn't been upgraded because (a) we knew that there would be changes needed to the intersection at the entrance to the Montrose Cultural Centre and (b) because we were waiting for the 101 Ave couplet to go ahead. Now that the Cultural Centre is up and the Wapiti Dorm is down it's time to do the upgrades... even tough the couplet may not go ahead for a year or two.

The second item of interest is from the General Government Services committee, item 9.3.2. This is a motion to change the title of "Alderman" to "Councillor". I support the change mostly because it brings us in to line with what is more common across the country. In fact, the term Alderman has been even dropped in the U.K. where our system of local government comes from. Although Alderman is an old term I don't believe there's any real historic attachment to it locally. On top of all those facts, the Municipal Government Act (the provincial law that governs how cities are run in Alberta) says this on the matter:

Titles of chief elected official and other councillors
155 A councillor is to have the title “councillor” and a chief elected official that of “chief elected official” unless the council directs that another title appropriate to the office be used.

So, even though we could choose to continue calling our council members "Aldermen" it seems more appropriate change to "Councillor".... unless we're going back to the days of The Men Who Run This Town

AGENDA FOR THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE COUNCIL MEETING JULY 26, 2010

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. NATIONAL ANTHEM

3. ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

5. DELEGATIONS
5.1 Mr. P. Dumelie, CEO, Covenant Health, re: Alberta Hospital Edmonton Geriatric Psychiatry Program and Villa Caritas

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1 Bylaw C-1087-07, to Amend the Northeast Area Structure Plan (attached)

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

8. REPORTS

9. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
9.1 Council Committee of the Whole – July 12, 2010
Council receive the minutes of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting held July 12, 2010.

9.2 Public Works Committee – July 13, 2010
Council receive the minutes of the Public Works Committee meeting held July 13, 2010.
9.2.1 Tender T-32-552-10, 98 Street Upgrade (101 to 104 Avenue)
RECOMMENDA TION
Council approve Tender T-32-552-10, for the 98 Street Upgrades Project be awarded to Wapiti Gravel Suppliers (Division of N.P.A. Ltd.), in the amount of $1,025,918.25 (excluding GST), as the lowest tender meeting specifications, and further, that funding be allocated from the 98 Street Upgrade (101 to 104 Avenue) Capital Program.

9.3 General Government Services Committee – July 14, 2010
Council receive the minutes of the General Government Services Committee meeting held July 14, 2010.

9.3.1 Strategic Priorities Chart
RECOMMENDATION
Council approve the Strategic Priorities Chart.

9.3.2 Change Alderman Title to Councillor
RECOMMENDATION
Council approve the City of Grande Prairie change title of its eight members elected to City Council from Aldermen to Councillor effective at the October 2010 Organizational meeting.
(attached)

9.4 Community Development Committee – July 20, 2010
Council receive the minutes of the Community Development Committee meeting held July 20, 2010.

9.4.1Multiplex Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (attached)
RECOMMENDA TION
Council approve the Multiplex Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.

10. CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Federation of Canadian Municipalities, re: 102 Street Revitalization Study Grande Prairie
(attached)

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

York Hotel Update

2010-07-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

One of the hot topics out there as we head in to the fall election is the city's purchase of the York Hotel. As it turns out the hotel is on the agenda for our regular General Government Services committee meeting this Wednesday. Staff are bringing forward a simple report to update council on what will be happening with the property over the next while. The highlights:

Building Tenants
Mar 4th, City takes ownership of the hotel
Apr 7th, Residential tenants were gone
Jun 17th, Commercial tenants were gone

Timelines for demolition (estimated)
July 9th, Receive hazardous material identification report.
July 23rd, Tender Hazardous material removal contract
Aug 23rd, Award Hazardous material removal contract & tender Demolition contract
Sept 20th, Award Demolition contract
Nov 12th, Demolition complete

Costs to Date
Building purchase $1.1 Million
Operational costs since purchase $52,497.53
(Operational costs are mostly related to security & utilities. Security costs are down significantly since the tenants moved out.)

I know a lot of people who have been concerned that the building would sit as a boarded up eyesore down town and with that in mind I've been pushing to have this all happen as quickly as is reasonably possible. If everything goes according to the plan above I think it's fair to say that we've had a pretty rapid process & that will be good for downtown.

As for next steps... I believe we need to come up with a plan that will see a new building built on the site sooner, rather than later. I also think we need to do that in a coordinated fashion, rather than dealing with just this property in isolation from the rest of downtown. I believe we should be to open up the downtown enhancement plan and take a big picture look at the west end of the city's core because there are a lot of changes coming to that area in the next few years.

In addition to the changes at the York Hotel/Germain Park property, eventually the old Park Hotel will come down and the city will build the 101 Ave couplet that will cross through the area of the old Coca-Cola bottling plant. When you add all this up we have a chance to remake the face of our downtown, if we have a good plan that looks at everything together, rather than dealing with individual sections.

I would like to see more mixed use development (commercial on the bottom and residential or office on upper floors) in the downtown. I believe having more people live in the heart of the city adds life to the streets and provides a housing option that is in short supply in GP.

So this Wednesday we're getting an update on the work that's been done so far and what's coming up shortly & that all looks well in hand. Now I want to see us get started on where we're going to go in the long term.

Montrose Cultural Centre Recognized with Award

2010-07-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

The architects of the Montrose Cultural Centre have been recognized with an award for their design of the building.

From Canadian Architect:

"Toronto-based Teeple Architects (in association with Kasian Architecture) received the 2010 Prairie Design Award of Excellence for the Montrose Cultural Centre in Grande Prairie, Alberta in the Recent Work category. The award celebrates “new standards in creativity and skill” and is presented every two years by the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA), the Saskatchewan Association of Architects (SAA) and the Manitoba Association of Architects (MAA). The Awards were presented at the kick-off to the RAIC/SAA Festival of Architecture in Saskatoon at the end of June."

Read the full article HERE.

Of course the real point of the building is how it's used and what it means to the community. The increased number of people getting library memberships, making visits the gallery and enjoying the space show the true value of the building - but, it's also nice to know that the great things we have here in GP are also recognized outside of our city.

Big Changes to 68th Ave, between Poplar Dr. & Resources Rd.

2010-06-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

The city is set to replace the set of "farmer lights" at the intersection of 68th Ave and Poplar Drive. The lights were a temporary measure while we got ready for the main event project described in the city media release below. I'm sure this will make things difficult in the short term but when completed the intersection will be safer, there will be sidewalks where there were none before and the road will finally be able to keep up with the volume of traffic it's sees day in and day out.

Roadwork Underway To Provide 68 Avenue Enhancements
News Release
June 30, 2010

The City of Grande Prairie advises motorists that a four-lane roadway improvement project may cause delays over the next two months on 68 Avenue, between Resources Road and Poplar Drive.

The initiatives will impact traffic flow for drivers travelling west of Resources Road and east of Poplar Drive.

Phase 1 sees removals of existing pavement, paving, gutter and curb work occurring on 68 Avenue between Poplar Drive and Resources Road. The focal point of the work will be installation of new traffic signals at the intersection at Poplar and 68 Avenue and, widening on both sides of the road. Traffic flow will continue using the two lanes designated during the construction period.

Phase 2 involves drainage work, berm placement and sidewalk down the south side of 68 Avenue, east of Poplar Drive.

Phase 3 will see construction to add a right turn lane, east of Resources Road, and an acceleration lane being completed off 68 Avenue east onto Resources Road south. Work will be performed to make slight changes to reshape the storm pond on the NE corner of Resources Road and 68 Avenue. The construction at the Resources Road/68 Avenue intersection will bring this intersection to the ultimate design stage for this arterial road.

“We thank motorists for their patience as this work proceeds,” says Steve Kay, Project Engineer. “These enhancements are part of the eventual widening of 68 Avenue, as it has become a major east-west route.”

Commit One Simple Act Today!

2010-06-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

The City of Grande Prairie has accepted the challenge to encourage as many residents as possible to commit to "One Simple Act". That act can be as simples as using a reusable bag, decreasing your shower time by five minutes, composting, turning the temperature in your fridge down, or reducing your idling time.

We need your help! We currently have 110 people who have registered their commitment to one act. We need more! Our challengers have 124 residents who have registered, and Camrose has 209 registered participants.

It is simple – will take about 5 minutes of your time. Please click on this link http://calculator.ecoactionteams.ca/welcome.aspx and sign up for the EcoAction calculator, join our team (City of Grande Prairie – EcoAction Challenge), and answer the ten questions. It is that simple! You will also learn how much money, water, and energy that you can save. Oh, and once you have completed your commitment – if you send me an email I will enter you in the draw for a prize package worth $200.00.

Please forward this to your friends and co-workers and encourage them to commit to One Simple Act.

Running For Mayor

2010-05-30T23:29:00.000-07:00

City of Grande Prairie Alderman, Bill Given, is excited to officially confirm his plans to run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

( Click here to visit www.VoteGiven.com to see the full Bill Given for Mayor website )

"I am incredibly proud to be the first candidate to officially toss my hat into the ring for the upcoming election,” said Bill Given. “It's been called the worst kept secret in Grande Prairie, but the truth is that I've been one hundred per cent committed to this campaign for a very long time.” Given continues, "Over the last few months I've been meeting one-on-one with community members to discuss their vision for our community, and some clear themes are starting to emerge. During the summer, I'll use my campaign to expand that dialogue and open it up to residents and neighbourhoods across the city."

After serving three terms as alderman, Given brings a unique combination of experience, as well as a youthful perspective to the race.

"After nearly 10 years at the council table, I have a clear track record that people can count on and some very firm ideas about what it will take to move our city to the next level,” says Given. "At the same time I'm very familiar with the day-to-day challenges facing families in our city."

For the next few weeks, Given's focus will be on his own family.

"My fiancé, Susan, and I are busy getting ready for our wedding," says Given. "We're looking forward to finally making it through all the organizing and getting to share the celebration with family and friends."

Anyone interested in learning more about Given's work on council and his views on community issues can visit his blog at VoteGiven.com

"This summer we'll be launching a new website with complete campaign details, but right now residents have access to nearly 350 articles I've posted over the last three years," says Given.

To date, more than 22,000 visitors have viewed the website where Given's articles discuss issues ranging from affordable housing and environment to health care and youth.

About Bill Given
Elected for the first time in 2001 at the age of 24, Given is the youngest person to ever serve on Grande Prairie City Council. In his three terms with the City, Bill has been appointed to a wide range of committees and boards including all standing committees of council and a wide variety of community organizations. Recently, Bill completed the University of Alberta's National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (NACLAA) which is a nationally recognized credential for local government administrators.

Bio:
Place Of Birth
• Grande Prairie, AB
• Resident of Grande Prairie since 1977

Education
• Completed University of Alberta, National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration
• Attended Medicine Hat College, Visual Communications Program
• Graduated Grande Prairie Composite High School

Current Occupation
• Self employed as a Marketing and Communications Consultant

Council History
• First Elected, 2001 - Alderman
• Elected Second Term, 2004 - Alderman
• Elected Third Term, 2007 - Alderman

Council Committees (Current Appointments)
• General Government Services Committee
• Environment Committee
• Multiplex Resource Committee
• Northern Alberta Elected Leaders
• Library Board
• Arctic Winter Games Host Society
• Grande Prairie Area Recreation Board

Current Community Involvement
• Member, Swan City Rotary Club
• Secretary, Grande Prairie Disabled Transportation Society
• Secretary/Treasurer, Tomahawks Basketball Booster Club

Past Community Involvement
• 1997-2001, Coach, Composite High Junior Boys Basketball
• Charter President, Grande Prairie Rotaract Club
• Chairman, Rotary District 5370 Rotaract Program
• 2002-2003, Honorary Chair, G.P. White Ribbon Campaign
• President, Clayton Shaw Men's Basketball Association
• Member, 2003 United Way Campaign Cabinet
• DRR, Rotary District 5370
• President, Peace Country Luge Association

Notable Accomplishments and Awards
• 1993-1994, Rotary Youth Exchange Student (Australia)
• Youngest person ever to be elected to Grande Prairie City Council, Age 24

• Ran in the 2006 federal election as an independent candidate for the Peace River constituency

Instant Engagement on Crystal Centre Expansion

2010-05-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Expanding the Crystal Centre was on the CDC agenda this week. I'm not on the committee but the issue is important, and the money involved is huge so I wanted to be there to be a part of the discussion. I also wanted to solicit some feed back and see what residents thought about the idea and the cost so I made a simple posting to my Facebook status "Crystal Centre expansion: $38M to add 2100 seats, 24 luxury suites & more. I think:"nice to have but tough to do." Your thoughts?" ...the response was great!

The posting touched off a discussion that generated 55 comments with friends stating their point of view, asking questions and debating amongst themselves. A lot of this conversation was happening while I was in the committee meeting, and at the same time council members were debating.

This got me thinking of the cliche of "The Coffee Shop" as the place that discussion and debate on local issues happens. It makes me wonder if, maybe, our generation has a new coffee shop.

I followed up the discussion by posting a full length note (posted below) with my position and some of the details from the staff report so people could see for themselves what council members were basing the newspaper quotes on.

The lesson? Citizens, even younger ones, do care about their communities and are willing to engage... you just have to be smart enough to know how to find your way to the coffee shop.

My Facebook Note:

Hi all, thanks again for the great conversation - I appreciate your input!

All in all I don't think we should expand the Crystal Centre to try to compete for the big name concerts that require lots of seats. It's just too expensive and there are other things at play like the fact that the facility in Dawson is part of a group that can book multiple show dates - even if we had as many seats there's no saying we could over come that additional pull they have.

I think we do need to spend some time developing a new strategy on how we can ensure the facility continues to be a vibrant asset for our community. Maybe we have to rethink what we want that building to be used for. Maybe there are less expensive renovations that cam make the building even more attractive as a location for other types of events that would still bring people to GP and drive economic activity downtown. We need to talk about that and make a plan.

Unfortunately I don't have time to really put all my thoughts down so for now I'm just sharing some notes of interest from the staff report at yesterday's meeting:

COST
The $38M estimate is from November 2009 and breaks down as:

East Expansion $12.2M
- To the east, a major expansion well beyond the face of the existing building. ...the development is on three levels and includes:
• on the lowest level and new entrance lobby specifically for the Canada Games arena, a new ticket lobby, sports shop and offices for the [Storm] sports team
• the concourse level is a combination of new and existing construction. One of the main features... is that it will provide the main means of access to both the existing north and south concourses.
• the upper level... has probably the greatest "enhanced" value... as it provides a number of leasable suites. ... 8 suites plus a party room.

North Expansion $9.9M
- To the north, expansion would be within the building resulting in some significant renovation but no additional building with the exception of private suites on the roof structure of the existing shared lobby. Other features of the north expansion:
• Conversion of the current administration area in to back of house storage, expansion of the existing concession and a reduction in the overall size of the shared lobby which effectively becomes part of the Bowes Family Crystal Gardens.
• on the concourse (2nd) level relocation of the concourse from inside the bowl to under the seating...
• at the upper level a major provision of suites and a lounge overlooking the Bowes Family Crystal Gardens.

West Expansion $4.5M
- to the west and expansion to the property line and 101 Street. This expansion is primarily about providing additional back of house space to the event level. It's main benefit is the increase in additional flat floor seating for both end-stage and centre-stage concerts.

Contingency $2.6M
Design Fees Ect. $4.4M
Bowes Side Expansion $3.7M
- little detail given in the report but would likely include additional space for breakout rooms which are a frequent request for conferences and events as well as floor replacement.

REVENUE
Admin also had suggestions on possible sources revenue that would help pay for the expansion. Some we could do now and some would basically be new revenue coming from the new features of the expanded facility. All together they could total up to $730,000 per year. They were:

Leasing Luxury Suites
- 24 suites leased for 3, 5 or possibly 10 years. Prices could range from $17,500 to $22,000 per year. At the bottom end that would provide $420,000 per year in revenue and on the top end it would be $528,000.

Club Seats
- 100 large, padded seats, in prime positions. The would be leased out yearly for between $500 to $700 and the lease holder would have right of first refusal to purchase their seat for all events. Approx revenue per year; $60,000.

Naming Rights Sponsor
- a 5 to 10 year agreement for the naming rights of the building could generate $75,000 to $100,000 per year.

Facility Fee Increase
- we currently charge a small fee on the price of each ticket that goes towards capital improvements like the new sound system in the Bowes side, new theatre draping curtains. Currently the fee sits at 4% of the ticket price to a maximum $1 per ticket and is being saved to replace the digital sign along 99th Ave that has been out for years. This could be increased to 5% and a maximum of $2 per ticket, generating about $75,000 per year.
On a side note, I suggested that we should consider this whether or not we do the expansion.

Paid Parking
- charing for lots to the West, South & East of the building. Could generate $50,000 to $80,000 per year.

115th Street Closed for 2 Weeks

2010-05-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday a major intersection to the Westpointe neighbourhood will be closed for two weeks while the city does work to facilitate the twinning of 84th Avenue. The section of road is 115th Street marked below in the yellow circle. The city media release below covers the details but residents in the area will have to use alternate points, like 113th street to the East, to get into and out of the neighbourhood.

Media Release
May 11, 2010

Notice of Road Closure

Motorists are advised that 115 St. between 83 and 84 Avenues will be closed for two weeks beginning on Monday, May 17.

Excavation work on 115 St. is required for the twinning project in the 84 Ave.-116-108 St. area.

Commuters are asked to use alternative routes.

“We appreciate motorists’ patience during this inconvenience,” says Traffic Engineer, Dan Zeggelaar. “This work will assist in the completion of an important project that is going to contribute to improved traffic flow in Grande Prairie.”

Enquiries may be directed to:
Dan Zeggelaar
Traffic Engineer
(780)830-7448
dzeggelaar@cityofgp.com

Paying for Police

2010-05-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Many time over I've highlighted the fact that in Alberta, provincial legislation creates an uneven playing field that financially disadvantages some municipalities. Essentially, in many areas the province has funding programs that create artificially uneven playing fields. The funding formula for police in the province is probably the prime example of this. In fact I highlighted it in this post from 2007. With the provincial cabinet making a tour of the province I'll press them on the issue again as it has a big impact on city residents.

The government's current funding formula states that:

• Towns and cities with a population from 5,001 to 20,000 receive a $200,000 base payment plus an additional $8.00 per capita.

• Cities and urban service areas with a population from 20,001 to 50,000 receive a $100,000 base payment plus $14.00 per capita.

• Cities and urban service areas with a population over 50,000 receive grants of $16.00 per capita.

In the case of the City of Grande Prairie this means the province funds only $800,000 of the City's $12 million dollar annual policing budget – approximately 6%. I've spoken with communities who are (probably jokingly) considering what they can do to convince people to move out of town so they don't go over the 5000 population mark. (See all the per capita grants given to communities across Alberta here)

The grant to cover 6% of The City of GP's cost is in contrast to the surrounding county, towns and village who are under no obligation to pay anything for towards the cost of RCMP service as the province covers 100% of the cost. As I noted back in the 2007 post to it's credit the County of GP does choose to hire additional RCMP at their full cost (I think it might be a total of 5 members now) which, in very round numbers, costs approximately $600,000.

Of course the advantage is that we are largely in control of our destiny when it comes to how many police we have - council makes the decision on when and how many RCMP officers we need to hire. But on the other side of the equation taxes in the city have to be higher to pay for those police and this added burden decreases the City's ability to be financially competitive with surrounding municipalities like the county.

So those who would like to see city taxes as low as the county should support our efforts to lobby the province make police funding more equitable. If it were we would at least have a fighting change.

Library Update - May 3rd, 2010

2010-05-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

As we move through spring there's lots going on at the Library - from author visits to classes on personal safety and a visit from The COW there's a lot to check out! It's all below in the latest Library Update courtesy Library Director, Laurie Harrison:

We’re pleased to announce that The Grande Prairie Public Library is now designated as a Safe Harbour location. What does this mean? As a Safe Harbour location, we demonstrate equitable treatment and respect for all cultures, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, abilities, genders and sexual orientations. For more information on Safe Harbour, please visit www.safeharbour.ca

Things are rolling along well at the library. With more staff resources assigned to programming, we are pleased to offer more and varied programs for the public. Some in May include:

Personal Safety
Constable Ellen Archibald will assist you in learning how to be safe and secure at home and away from home with this two-hour Personal Safety course. Bring your questions and go away feeling more able to handle personal safety issues in your life.
Thursday, May 13, 6:00 pm, Rotary Community Room

Let’s Discuss Family Violence
We are happy to be able to welcome you to this most informative and preventative discussion with Courtney Jones from Odyssey House. Topics include: types of abuse, the cycle of violence, warning signs, what you can do to help a friend or family member who is experiencing family abuse or violence. Wednesday, May 19, 6:30 pm, Rotary Community Room

Making Your Will & Understanding Estates
Do I need to have a will and can I write a will without a lawyer? Do I have an estate? What about divorce, marriage, children and other dependents? Does the Adult Interdependent Relationship Act have anything to do with me? Can I leave my wishes for my health care should I happen to be unable to make those decisions when the time comes? If I leave my wishes for health care, are they binding? Answers to these questions and many more will be provided by Sherry B. Heikel. Sherry is from Grande Prairie and has practiced law here for many years. Come and be informed. Date: Wednesday, May 12, 7:00 pm, Rotary Community Room

Other programs include:
Internet Basics for Job Seekers
Grande Knitters Club
Grande Readers Book Club
Songwriter’s Circle
Foreign Movie Night
Cygnet Writers
Computers for Seniors

And always lots for children:

COW BUS (parented)
Visit the COW (Classroom on Wheels) bus at the Library and learn with fun activities. For families with children age 6 and under. Drop-in. While at the COW bus, be sure to pick up your FREE ticket to special cow themed programs at the Library on Tuesday afternoon and evening!

Date: Tuesday, May 4
Time: 1:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Grande Prairie School District parking
lot in front of the Montrose Cultural Centre

Made with Love (unparented)
Make a beautiful handcrafted gift for your mother, grandmother, aunt or another special person! Master Sculptor Chris Jammer will teach you how to sculpt. Registration limited to 12 crafty kids ages 8-12. If you register and cannot attend please telephone 780-357-7454 so another patron may attend.

Date: Saturday, May 8
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Linda Smith Story Room

Author Visit
Presented by Encana
Visit with author Cheryl Schenk, one of the imaginations behind The Stibil Forest Adventures: Little Synni’s Moonlight Mischief. Registration required. Register online at www.gppl.ab.ca

Dates: Tuesday, June 1 &
Wednesday, June 2
Times: 10:30 am (for preschoolers & early elementary)
1:30 pm (for homeschoolers)
4:00 pm (for families)
Location: Linda Smith Story Room

Bertie the Beaver Visits the Library
During Alberta Forestry Week Bertie the Beaver will be visiting lots of places including the library on May 14. Visit with Bertie and learn about forestry safety. For forest explorers of any age. Families welcome, Registration required, Maximum: 35 naturalists

Date: Friday, May 14
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Location: Linda Smith Story Room

Author Visit
GPPL is pleased to welcome Alberta author Shirlee Smith Matheson. Please join us as Shirlee shares her new book, Jailbird Kid. Check out her website atwww.ssmatheson.ca For students 12 and up. Registration required.

Date: Thursday June 3
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Linda Smith Story Room

Why Grande Prairie Is A Great Place To Invest

2010-04-29T11:58:00.000-07:00

An important function of our Economic Development department is inform companies and individuals about Grande Prairie and why they should consider investing here.

To support this there is the InvestGrandePrairie.ca website that has lots of practical info that corporate head offices and regular people alike will find useful. The website has been up for some time and is a great asset - but of course there's nothing like "face time" and we are sometimes called upon to do presentations about the region. To this end Brian Glavin, our Economic Development officer, has put together a slide show outlining the reasons that Grande Prairie is a great region to invest in. Brian presented this at a GGS committee a couple of weeks ago, just so council would be aware but I thought I'd take it a step further and get an electronic version to share with you.

Check out the slide show below and if you, or your company, is looking for a place to invest - consider the Grande Prairie region!

Green Jobs for Earth Day!

2010-04-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

What better way to cap off Earth Day 2010 by attending this FREE event discussing the potential of green jobs and the new green economy right here in Western Canada- I'll be there tonight, hope to see you there too!

RePower Alberta: Putting Power Back into the Hands of Albertans, the kick-off event for Albert’s first annual green jobs tour!

Albertans face a choice: Do we want to build a future with clean, efficient, sustainable electricity sources or do we want to continue using old, polluting systems that are becoming increasingly scarce and obsolete? Do we want to increase resiliency in our communities, diversify our economy, and create good green jobs that provide for our families and take care of our land? Voters are demanding economic stability and recognizing the environmental and economic cost of over dependence on the oil and gas industry. Your region has great potential for green jobs and renewable energy development in the new green economy. These economic gains can be made as we enter the new economic frontier of renewable energy, efficiency retrofits, green technology research and development and manufacturing.

When: Thursday, April 22 (Earth Day), 2010, 7:00pm
Where: Room D308, Grande Prairie Regional College
Cost: FREE

Speakers will include:

- Valerie V. Gilson, Executive Director of Peace Energy Cooperative
will be sharing the success story of the Peace Energy Cooperative and the great initiatives happening in Dawson Creek.

- Randyn Seibold, Entrepreneur, Renewable Recruits
will present on a report on the clean energy 'industry hot-spots' around Canada, and what some of the most sought-after professionals are.

- Yvonne Peterson, Industry & Continuing Ed Green Building Program, Fairview Campus
will give an introduction to the GPRC Fairview Campus and its Green Building Summer course cluster

- Sheryle Carlson, Associate Director of Sierra Club Prairie Chapter
will present on the RePower Alberta Campaign and give an overview of the renewable energy potential in the province, how our energy demands can be met by clean energy and create good green jobs, and some of the great initiatives taking place across Canada and the world.

Event Sponsored by:
- SPOC (Start Protecting Our Communities - Grande Prairie)
- Green Peace Canada
- Sierra Club of Canada - Prairie Chapter
- Solar Eden Project

Aquatera Report to Shareholders

2010-04-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

At the General Government Services committee this morning Aquatera is tabling it's 2009 Annual Information to Shareholders Report. (Read the whole report for yourself HERE.)

The report contains some interesting points that caught my attention:

• The proposed 2009/10 Capital Budget totals more than $17 million and the projection for five years is $110 million.
That's more than the cost of the Aquatics Centre Multiplex! If the city and our partners had not formed Aquatera that $110 million in capital projects would be competing with other municipal priorities, particularly since we are limited on how much debt we can take on. I, for one, am happy that we aren't in a situation where road upgrades or a new fire hall have to compete with water infrastructure for funding.

• The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has reached capacity. Significantly increased chemical use is needed to meet quality standards. Construction of the initial phase of the Wastewater Treatment plant upgrade is complete. Further phases of upgrading will accommodate growth and more stringent effluent standards including disinfection and enhanced nutrient removal requirements currently set for June 2013. A Wastewater Treatment Facility Master Plan commenced in 2009 to set direction for future upgrades. The Master Plan will be completed in spring 2010.

• A Sludge Survey for the Storage Lagoon was completed in early July to establish the quantity and characteristics of the sludge in the storage lagoon at the WWTP. This was also needed to establish the cost for budgeting purposes. It is anticipated that this work may take place in 2010 – subject to available funding. Desludging will increase lagoon capacity and reduce the potential for off-site odours.

• The Aquatera water system is served from a single treated water line. A second feed for back-up and redundancy is planned beyond 2010.
This is probably one of the capital projects in that $110 million 5 year projection and I'd say it's a must. Although I'm sure the one line is well maintained and safe, not having a redundant back up is a risk that should be addressed.

• Aquatera has completed its second year of Aquatic Assessment and Water Conservation Programs as mandated by our interim diversion license. The projected cost for the Aquatic Assessment Program for 2010 is approximately $140,000.
This is just one example of how provincial regulations directly impact Aquatera's cost of doing business. I think it's good that they are looking after the environment but people need to know that these are costs that are forced on the company and end up being reflected in the rates.

• Three management / administrative positions were eliminated (in the Solid Waste division)
There's been quite a bit of talk about how the company runs the landfill operation. I had someone ask me "why doesn't Aquatera just cut staff when times are tough - like any other private company would". Turns out they have.

• Recycling depot collection and processing contracts were renewed for a 3 year term with Recycle Plus, effective June 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012.

• Development of a Community Energy System was halted and the related Steam Supply Agreement expired.
This is sad news, and an opportunity lost. We could have been heating buildings in the city using the waste heat from the operations at the Co-Gen plant at Canfor.

• The Bottle Donation Program gave $78,000 to community groups in 2009 - since the program began in 2004, almost $358,000 has been raised to support local groups.
This, on the other hand, is great news! It's good to see that the company has been able to put a program into place that helps the community give.

• (On getting services to new areas of the city...) The most challenging areas are the north and west portions of the City. Although we have developed interim strategies for some of these areas, they come with a hefty price tag and may require partnering amongst developers to lessen the financial burden.
Interestingly these are the main areas that the county was willing to give up for short term annexation in the Intermunicipal Development Plan negotiations. This suggests, to me, that the city is getting land that may not develop quickly due to the difficulty and expense of getting services out there.

That's some of the high points but read the report yourself and see what you think. Overall, when one looks at the data I think Aquatera has been doing an effective job under challenging conditions.

A Look Back - "The Men Who Run This Town"

2010-04-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted the last episode of World Report with Clete Roberts and unfortunately this is the last clip I have.

In this episode Clete talks with "the MEN who run this town." That's my emphasis on "men" but if you listen Clete says it pretty much that way - which I think is a little bit of a throw-back, I can't help but think of it as a little bit of a sign of the times.

Anyhow, Clete mentions the population of Grande Prairie right upfront and then talks with Mayor Robert Wadell as well as J.C. Mackie who would become mayor just before GP became a City. There's a park named after J.C. on the west side of the city now, it was a legacy project of the 50th Anniversary committee I chaired in 2008.

So, without further adieu, here's your final helping of Clete Robert's World Report.....

Multiplex Photos at about 50% Complete

2010-04-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I had a chance to pop by The Multiplex construction site. The building is at about 50% complete and although there is a long way to go (really, a loooooong way to go) you can start to see it all coming together since the last time I posted pictures. Below are some highlights of Wednesday's visit:

There's the 25m program pool. Now that it's actually got a floor you can see the unique slope. Most pools are deeper at one "end" (the narrow side of the rectangle) this pool is deeper on one "side" (the long side of the rectangle.) This will be great for things like water aerobics classes. Check out this pic from last time where the 25m pool was just an empty space. In the non-public service area you can actually walk right under the 25m pool.

At the end of the big 50m pool you can see the dive tower starting to be constructed. The contractors Wright Construction area actually doing this as a sponsorship of the facility and building the dive tower at their cost, a savings of about $800,000 to the project if I remember correctly.

On my last visit the floor over to this area wasn't built yet so this is the first look inside the "weight room" area on the second floor. All together this area is about 16,000 sq ft - lots of room for all the bikes, treadmills & weights, ect. There's also a great program room for things like yoga or aerobics, it can be configured as one large room or two smaller ones.

This is a look down from the public viewing area on the second floor to the Flowrider. It's pretty exciting to see the unit starting to take shape! I can just imagine hanging out up here watching the actions as people pull off tricks (and face-plants) ... very cool! Straight behind the Flowrider is the 25m pool... our current pool is only a little bit bigger than that area you see there.

GGS Committee Agenda for April 7th, 2010

2010-04-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

The GGS committee meets today at 10am. The agenda looks to be fairly light - check it out below, with notes from me in italics.

General Government Services Agenda April 7, 2010

1. 2010 Orthophoto Project
K. McGriskin, GIS Manager
This is a project to update the aerial photos we have of the city. The photos are used by various city departments in their operations through the year. We partner with the County of GP on this to do the whole area at once and since the county area is larger than the city thy actually cover the majority of the cost but we manage the project. The total cost is $188,050 and the city's portion of that is $47,140.

2. 2010 Fiscal Plan
K. Anderson, Corporate Services Director
Given how the economy has been a little... unsettled, over the last while Council asked Ken to give us an update on how things were looking for the year and how administration was handling any challenges that might pop up. Report highlights:
• the short fall in MSI funding (which had even more cut from it than we expected -$653,000)
• loss of revenue when a long standing grant from the province disappeared in their latest budget (-$592,000)
• lowered revenue projections from development services due to slower than expected construction activity (-$500,000)
• lowered revenue projections from the Crystal Centre (-$300,000)
• loss of revenue when the province removed ambulance dispatch from our 911 call centre (-$300,000)
• better than expected revenue at the Leisure Centre & Coca-Cola Centre (+$100,000)
• savings by delaying borrowing for construction projects (+$200,000)
• higher than expected tax penalty revenue, also probably due to the economy (+$200,000)
• increased revenue due to climbing interest rates (+$250,000)
• savings due to wages not increasing as fast as predicted (+$942,000)

Many of the items above offset with the exception of the $653,000 loss from the further reduction (last year's reduction caused an increase in taxes) in MSI funding, to handle that admin is suggesting we use money from the Facility Depreciation reserve. I'm hoping that we'll be able to pay that reserve back because the province has said that we would eventually get all the MSI money, just over a longer period. So, if it's replaced down the road hopefully we can just pay ourselves back so that reserve is available for it's intended use.

All in all, those things balance out so that the budget increase will remain at the 2.8% council approved in the fall. I think it goes to show how big a task municipal budgeting is.

3. 2010 Assessment Report for Mill Rate Application
D. Swant, Assessment/Tax Manager
I've spoken about mill rates before. Interesting note in the report; the revenue producing assessment in the city is just over $7 billion. That means that if you added up the value of all the properties in the city it would be worth $7 billion.

4. Bylaw C-1247, 2010 Property Tax
D. Sauve, Financial Analyst
This is the bylaw that actually puts the tax rate in place and formalizes the 2.8% budget increase. Of note, due to a reduction in the education portion of the property tax we can collect an additional $578,000 which will go to reduce the borowing needed for the multiplex construction.

All told, An average house in GP (with an assessed value of $263,000) will see their tax bill increase by $80.00 this year.

5. Senior’s Property Tax Rebate
D. Swant, Assessment/Tax Manager
This rebate gives seniors a rebate of $100 on their property taxes. The administration of the program is done through the Alberta Seniors Benefit Program.

6. Cancellation of Regularly Scheduled Meetings
A. Cerny, Deputy Legislative Services Manager
Much of council will be away for the FCM conference so the May 31 Council meeting and the June 1st Public Works meetings will have to be cancelled. (I'll be staying in GP this year)

7.Bill 9, Local Authorities Election Statutes Amendment Act, 2010
A. Cerny, Deputy Legislative Services Manager

8. Correspondence
8.1. Alberta Municipal Affairs, re: Responses to Bill 9, formerly Bill 203, Local Authorities Election Amendment Act, 2009

Two Names in for Election 2010

2010-03-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

There are now two official names in the race for a seat on GP's council in the October 18th 2010 municipal election.

The first to announce was Kevin McLean and then yesterday Erin Steidel launched her campaign. Kevin has run for council a number of times and just missed the cut in the 2007 election. Erin is a newcomer but she has a Facebook group and a blog up and running.

Welcome Kevin & Erin!

I've heard other names bounced around here and there but until someone chooses to make an announcement you can't be sure. As people do decide to officially throw their hat in the ring I'll mention them here and compile an on going list of candidates for Grande Prairie city council.

I'm sure there'll be lots of exciting announcements between now and nomination day!

Thoughts on Traffic Circles

2010-03-26T14:14:00.000-07:00

It looks like traffic circles might be coming to Grande Prairie. Last week a reposrt was presented at the Public Works committee showing the plan for the east & west couplet projects.

The intent of the couplet is to move westbound traffic off off 100 Ave and up to 101 Ave. The idea is that this should create a better flow for traffic going through downtown to the west side f the city and at the same time allow 100 Ave to have two way traffic which would improve access to downtown stores. One of the challenges had been how to handle the transitions ... so the suggestion of traffic circles came up.

After the report was released there was of course some initial feedback including a letter to the editor which was dead set against traffic circles (you can read it here). But there have also started to be some positive coments like this email that was sent to council:

Dear City Aldermen

I read on Wednesday’s edition in the DHT that the city is considering adding traffic circles in the downtown area. Congratulation! That is a great step towards solving the traffic problems with in the city. I only hope that other parts of the city would also be considered for the traffic circles as well. For example, I think that the corner of Resources Road and 84th Avenue would work, and the corner of 68th Avenue and Poplar Drive would also be a great fit.

I recently spent 3 weeks in Great Britain and found that roundabouts were a perfect way of sorting traffic without the hassle of dealing with traffic lights. A true traffic circle doesn’t have lights and I hope that is the type that is being considered.

As well as freeing up the traffic they are friendlier on the environment, no stopping and starting, and no idling waiting for the lights to change. Not to mention the saving on the power and upkeep which goes to the traffic lights. You will also find that there will be no traffic running the lights before they change like they currently do, cutting down on the number of accidents in town thus cutting down on the number of responses by Police and Fire Departments, a further savings.

I lived in Peace River for 10 years and they had a five way intersection that no one liked, a couple of years ago Alberta Transportation changed the 5 way intersection to a traffic circle and friends of mine that still live there have said it has sped up traffic. I also phoned Town of Peace River and they told me they never received a single complaint about the change over.
I have lived here in Grande Prairie for over 50 years and this is the one thing that has me enthused enough to write to the council to voice my whole hearted approval.

Yours Truly
Randy Montgomery

Randy mentions Peace River and actually the experience there offers some tips on what to do as we move forward - things like "pamphlets explaining how to use the roundabout, a portable billboard on the subject and public meetings". Ultimately even after PR's circle was opened there was still some uneasiness from residents.

But, seeming to back up Randy's comments is this letter to the editor in the Peace River Record Gazette that says the traffic circle there is a great improvement over the old five-way intersection they used to have.

I wonder what the impression is from folks in PR is today - is the roundabout working? Have people become accustomed to it?

For more information on exactly what modern roundabouts are like check out the Province of Alberta information page on Roundabouts here

Let me know what you think of the plan.

Provincial Funding Cuts Hit GPRC

2010-03-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

The impacts of the tight provincial budget haven't just hit funding for municipalities, it's also had an impact on post-secondary education in Alberta. I've mentioned before how reductions in provincial funding for municipalities have directly increased taxes in GP. The media release I received this morning notes how Grande Prairie Regional College is impacted. GPRC is an important part of our community both economically & socially and I think it's important that we lobby the province to provide a level of funding that will see the institution grow.

GPRC Media Release
March 25, 2010

Tight reins on spending at GPRC in New Budget Year

The core values of Grande Prairie Regional College have been the guiding principles during budget planning for the coming year, according to Board Chair Michael O’Connor. The quality of education for students, and the protection of the people employed by the institution were the factors at front of mind while the College adjusted its budget in response to the reduced operating grant from the Government of Alberta for the budget year 2010-2011, which begins July 1.

“The Administration of our College has presented a lean and efficient strategy which keeps the institution strong and growing – on both campuses,” says O’Connor.

In February, the Alberta Government budget announcement included a 6% reduction in the operating grants across the post-secondary system in Alberta. For GPRC, the impact is a 4.7% ($2.0 Million) reduction in its annual operating grant. The announcement had been anticipated by GPRC in the light of current economic realities, and a strategy was presented by Administration and reviewed by the GPRC Board of Governors today. A final budget will come forward for approval at the May meeting of the Board.

The reduction has been addressed through a number of measures. People across the institution were asked to identify cost reductions in their departments. “We have made reductions people felt they could live with in the short term,” explains Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO of the College. “The savings came equally from across the organization, and we are very proud of our people for stepping forward to help find this solution.” Some of the shortfall has been met by applying operation contingency funds.

“This budget is tight, no question,” says Gnatiuk. “We are running very lean in order to protect our people, and to continue to provide our students with top quality education. There is limited contingency funding in our strategy, but it is designed to keep our institution strong and growing – our future is exciting.”

Among the strategies suggested to institutions by Advanced Education and Technology is the review of low-enrolment programs, which the College is doing. Other implications of the reduction include a possible capping of classes and programs. The current practice has been to add sections as needed to meet demand, which adds cost. There may also be some impact on timetabling, according to Susan Bansgrove, Vice President Academic. “Class times may be less convenient in the short term as we conserve our resources and it is possible that not all courses will be offered every semester. Strategies for the coming year include close management of overtime and position vacancies. We are putting our energy and resources toward ensuring the best quality educational experience for our students – the dedication and commitment of our teaching faculty and support staff is unfaltering.”

An additional impact of the changing economy is in the Apprenticeship area. The demand for apprentices within industry in the Province has decreased dramatically over the past year, and the trades space commitments allocated by Alberta Industry Training has decreased accordingly. Some restructuring of trades program delivery will result from this decrease.

“This is a situation driven strictly by demand from industry,” explains Bansgrove. “Apprenticeship training is always cyclical, and change is expected whenever the economy shifts. At the moment, there are some 7,000 trades apprenticeship spaces unfilled across the system. The commitment levels for GPRC have been reduced in all trades but one, and we anticipate that a few trades positions will be affected as we rationalize these changes.”

The current tight budget has not deterred GPRC from its focus on the future. Capital projects have not been impacted by the reductions, and will continue as planned. “Our campuses are being steadily improved through the capital grants and funds which we have received,” explains Gnatiuk. “There are a number of exciting projects underway which not only strengthen post-secondary education in our region but which support and strengthen our local economy.”

The coming years are anticipated with optimism and enthusiasm by GPRC. “We are using this time to streamline our business, improve our processes and find new efficiencies,” says Gnatiuk. “We are preparing for the future, developing new programs, getting ready so that when the funding once again becomes available, we are ready to grow.”
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For further comment please contact:
Don Gnatiuk, President and CEO
Grande Prairie Regional College
780-539-2024
dgnatiuk@gprc.ab.ca

Two New Directors at City Hall

2010-03-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

News today of a reorganization of some departments at city hall. With the recent news that Felix Seiler will be leaving the city there was an opportunity to make some changes in the way the different city departments are laid out. The city manager has the authority to structure the organization as he sees fit to best address the priorities that council sets out. Previously there were 4 directors; Public Works, Protective Services, Community Services & Corporate Services.

In terms of personnel, I like the changes City Manager Scerbak has made, both Janette and Jane have had important leadership rolls with the city over the years and it's great to see that both will be taking on the added responsibility that these new director rolls will come with. I'm interested to see exactly what functions will now fall under the Intergovernmental Services director.

Congratulations Jane & Janette!

Media Release
March 24, 2010

City Appoints Two New Directors

The City of Grande Prairie has filled its Community Services Director role and a corporate reorganization will result in a new service area being created.

Arenas General Manager Jane Cada-Sharp was the successful candidate in the search to replace Felix Seiler as Community Services Director. Seiler becomes the PACRIM Hospitality Area Manager on April 19.

“I am very excited about taking on the Community Services Director position,” says Cada-Sharp. The staff in this department are certainly up to any and all challenges and I look forward to meeting those head on with them.”

Cada-Sharp became the Arenas General Manager seven years ago. She assumed the general manager position at the Crystal Centre in 1999 after joining the facility in 1994 as Events and Marketing Manager. Cada-Sharp signed on with the City in 1991 after previous positions in marketing and promotions at Grande Prairie Regional College and in the broadcasting industry.

Also effective mid-April, Legislative Services Manager Janette Ferguson will lead the newly created Intergovernmental Services area which evolved in a re-organization. “This new service area will take in Legislative Services and other departments to help us better serve Council and the organization as a whole bolstering our ability work with regional municipalities and other levels of government,” says City Manager Greg Scerbak. “I congratulate both Jane and Janette on their new responsibilities and look forward to working more closely with them. They have both devoted long service to this City.”

Ferguson has served the City for nearly 32 years, the last 21 as Legislative Services Manager. She was Assistant City Clerk for 10 years. She joined the City as Secretary to the City Manager.

.“It’s exciting to take on a new role and help the municipality move forward,” Ferguson says. “I look forward to the opportunities this position creates for our organization.”

Scerbak says details on the composition of Intergovernmental Services and other organizational changes will be announced next week.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
City Manager
Greg Scerbak
780-538-0312

Incoming Community Services Director
Jane Cada-Sharp
780-538-0467

Municipal and Intergovernmental Services Director
Janette Ferguson
780-538-0479

Wrapping Up The Arctic Winter Games

2010-03-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

I stil haven't had time to fully "decompress" from the exciting and head-spinning week that was the Arctic Winter Games.

My quick impressions from the games:

• The city was busy! I mean realllllly busy - I'd almost swear that there was an audible hum from all the activity going on.
• Merchants at the mall must have noticed a spike in sales.
• Each venue had it's own personality. Cross-country skiing had a different vibe than Arctic Sports at the college.
• The things that are usually issues at the games (transportation, food and showers) seemed to get the least complaints.
• The kids had a great time.
• The army of volunteers that made the games happen deserve a rest!

That's all I can come up with right now- all in all it was a stellar week for our community!

If you'd like to see the action first hand check out the official AWG Flickr feed HERE. Volunteer Will Vaverk shot tons of pictures that captured just about everything from arrivals to departures and all the fun in between. (That's Will's work to the left.)

To see some other great shots stop by the Montrose Cultural Centre where you can check out the stunning images captured by the high school students that worked with professional photographers as part of the Photo Mentorship program.

The final medal count is on the AWG 2010 blog HERE.

New Grande Prairie Blog

2010-03-15T11:02:00.001-07:00

I had an email yesterday announcing a new Grande Prairie based blog:

"Hi Bill, I am a regular reader of your blog, I am the same Donna who has commented from time to time. I am also the person who expressed concern at last year's public town hall meeting at Maude Clifford school, about the littering problem in Grande Prairie. Well, it turns out that complaining about the litter to my husband and friends isn't really accomplishing anything, so I started a blog the other day. I already feel much better about the situation, like I'm actually doing something about it. So I wanted to let you in on it since you are someone who also blogs, and you may also have valuable input on the issues I choose to discuss, since some solutions will no-doubt involve working with the City. If you feel inclined, would you mind forwarding the link to anyone you know that might be interested? I am not on Facebook, but am planning to send the link to friends and people I am acquainted with around the community - but other than that, I'm not sure how to go about getting people on board. Grande Prairie: Project Clean & Green

Before I started my blog, I googled "grande prairie clean green" first, to see if anyone else had already started something like it, because why re-invent the wheel? Now that my blog is published, if you google the same words, my blog is the first hit that comes up - how cool is that?

Well I am on a mission and have no idea where it will take me, but I have high hopes and am pretty enthusiastic about it. Hope you like my site! Let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas."

Good for you Donna, it's great to see people taking action on the issues that are important to them! I've added Grande Prairie: Project Clean & Green to the Worthwhile Blogs section on the right hand side of the site - stop by and encourage Donna in her efforts to get the word out on how important it is that we all take a hand in keeping our city clean!

Arctic Winter Games - Dene Sports, Hand Games

2010-03-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Check out this great video from CBC's Dan Robson on the Dene Hand Games down at ATCO place:

Check out Dan's full post on his AWG 2010 blog for CBC HERE.

In the mean time - get your butt down to ATCO Place in Muskoseepi Park and check out some of the unique sports of the Arctic Winter Games!

If you're looking for sport times and locations go HERE. There's a handy menu that allows you to sort the events by date, venue or sport. If you're a basketball fan you can find out when all the games are. If you've got a free day you can select just the date and see all events for that day.

Library Update - March 8th, 2010

2010-03-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Support the Friends of The Library Silent Auction

The Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society is hosting their 9th Annual Silent Auction in the Library from March 1 - 21, 2010.

The auction showcases local talent from the community, with funds raised going towards a shelving unit that will hold the Library’s ongoing in-house book sale.

Items included in this year’s auction are artwork from Tannis Trydal, Kim Dettling, Marian Jacoba Shilka, Janice Lutsenko and Joan Taylor. There are photo cards, jewellery, crafts, and giftware, as well as an office chair provided by Corporate Express and a marble sculpture donated by the Downtown Association.

To see a full list of items, with pictures, check out the Grande Prairie Public Library Friends Society Facebook page. For more information please contact Judy at (780) 357-7478.

Just a few of the many Programs & Events going on at the library

Celebrate Food from Field to Table
March is Nutrition Month! Come and discuss how Canadians can celebrate food – right from where it is grown and harvested to a healthy and delicious meal on your table. Learn how to plan, purchase, prepare and plant healthy foods for you and your family.

Date: Thursday, March 11
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Rotary Community Room

Get Growing
Monday, March 15 at 6:30 pm – Vegetable Gardening
First, learn the benefits of growing your own vegetables with Nutritionist Danielle Wohlgemuth. Then, Lorna McIlroy will present how to get the most and best out of your vegetable garden, large or small.
Monday, March 29 at 6:30 pm – Flower and Container Gardening
Do you live in an apartment or condo? Don’t have time for a large garden but you love flowers or you want to try container gardening? This session will give you a great start to a fragrant and fabulous yard, large or small.

Programs for the Family

Easter Colouring Contest
Children up to and including age 8 are welcome to enter the Grande Prairie Public Library’s Easter colouring contest. Pick up an entry form at the Children’s Library Information Desk or print one from our website at www.gppl.ab.ca on the Children’s Page under Contests. The grand prize is a Library book bag full of books and toys.

Aluk Visits the Library!
Come and meet Aluk the official mascot of the 2010
Arctic Winter Games. Join Aluk and library staff for lots of fun activities in the Preschool Play Zone. A drop in program for sports enthusiasts of all ages.

Date: Tuesday, March 9
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Preschool Play Zone

2010 Arctic Winter Games - Opening Night

2010-03-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post this morning....

Although the volunteers & staff have been working behind the scenes for more than three years, the 2010 Arctic Winter Games officially got under way last night with the opening ceremonies. It's going to be a week full of fun, sport, art and, most importantly getting to know new people!

Through the week I'll try to post games info when I can but they'll probably be short - it's going to be a busy time and there's only going to be so much time I can spend at the computer.

Today's quick notes:

- Last night's opening ceremonies were excellent! The crowd in attendance was treated to a really diverse line-up of acts that showcased the broad spectrum of cultures represented in the north - and the sight of over 2000 athletes and 260 officials parading in was especially moving.

Athletes Seated For Opening Ceremonies

- At this morning's Chef De Mission meeting (at 7am!) the Yamal representative had high praise for the ceremonies. They were so happy to hear their national anthem in their native language and surprised to hear a well known local song for their entrance music that it "brought tears" to their eyes!

- There was a hardy crowd gathered at ATCO Place in Muskoseepi Park to greet the Games torch as it came in to light the cauldron. ATCO were great hosts and kept everyone entertained even through the opening ceremonies were a little over time and delayed the torch's arrival.

Lighting The Cauldron At ATCO Place

Keep up to date with the latest 2010 Arctic Winter Games news via the links below...
General Info for the week:

Arctic Winter Games Sport Schedules can be found HERE

Arctic Winter Games Results Information can be found HERE

Muskoseepi Park Pond Closed

2010-03-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

The warm weather has made the pond at Muskoseepi Park unsafe to skate on for the time being.

"Media Release
March 2, 2010

Muskoseepi Park Pond Closed

Skaters are asked to avoid using the Muskoseepi Park pond during the current mild conditions.

The warm weather the City has had over the past week has caused the ice surface to become slushy and possibly dangerous. Park staff hope to maintain the ice enough so that it can be used again if the weather gets cold.

“There are safety concerns if we get any amount people out on the skating pond right now,” says Muskoseepi Park Customer Services Manager Chad Cronk. “It is not an immediate threat but the warm weather has definitely comprised the thickness and strength of the ice. The forecast indicates continued warm weather.”

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Chad Cronk
Muskoseepi Park Customer Services Manager
(780)538-0451"

Council Time - Jan 1 to Jan 31, 2010

2010-02-26T11:25:00.000-08:00

One more council time update while I'm at it. January was a bit of a slow month as everything seems to take a bit of time to get rolling in the new year. Check out Sept of 2009 here and all posts on the subject here.

The standard council time disclaimer: I'm not including; time spent reading agendas, doing research, travelling to and from meetings or answering resident's phone calls & emails. Those add up too but again they are really tough to measure. So, if you think I might be overstating how much time something took or that the amount of time spent isn't really all that onerous please keep these "unmeasureables" in mind - they add up and this probably understates the time that one needs to commit to council.

Council Time - Sept 1 to Sept 30, 2009

2010-02-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since my last post looking at how much time being an alderman actually requires. (See all previous posts HERE) I was reminded to take a look again when the committee looking at council pay made a request looking for info. They want to know how much time council members commit to the various committee and events as part of the job. I passed on the link to my previous posts but also did up two new time charts that are a little more recent.

So, here's the first of those two new council time updates, my time in meetings and events from September 1st to 30th, 2009. As I say every time; please take this only as a rough estimate of time spent on things that I have physically attended.

Also, I'm not including; time spent reading agendas, doing research, travelling to and from meetings or answering resident's phone calls & emails. Those add up too but again they are really tough to measure. For example a meeting might last for an hour but what would you suggest getting there and back to home (where I work) adds? I'm not sure, I try to be early for meetings so that's another 10 minutes and I probably leave home another 10 minutes before that. It probably takes another 10 to get back home afterwards so a 1 hour meeting probably takes more like 1.5 hours out of my day. What do you think?

York Hotel Transition Process

2010-02-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

While I was away the news that the city is purchasing the dilapidated York Hotel became public.

I strongly believe that this is the right move for the future of not just down town but, the community as a whole really. It's been an eyesore for a long time and it's really impacted people's sense of how safe our community it.

We've been working on the purchase for a long time behind the scenes and I'm happy that it's now out in the public domain so we can finally discuss it with the community.

Of course the process isn't going to be without it's surprises as we actually take on ownership of the building. But I think, working together, we can build a solution that improves the safety of our community, reinvigorates downtown and helps some people who were being taken advantage of.

Hmmmm, I just re-read that last sentence and I suppose it might be unclear who I mean when I say "working together". Of course I mean the city (Council and staff) but I also mean community agencies who are involved in housing, addictions and social services. Those two are probably obvious and you might have guess them.

In addition to those two groups, I also mean the downtown business community (they've got a lot invested in the success of the area and have been on the front lines of the issues created by the building over the past number of years) AND .... you. Now that we can influence what happens with this property it's time that we had a community-wide discussion about where we go next and how we get there and you, the general public should have a say.

I'm looking for your feedback - get involved, tell me what you'd like to see happen with the York.

Do you have ideas for the property?
Concerns about the residents or businesses?

This is just the start of a process, let's talk...

Media Release
February 23, 2010

York Hotel Acquisition Process Progresses

The City of Grande Prairie is taking steps to assume possession of the York Hotel on March 4 should there be no challenge during the appeal process.

A preliminary assessment of the building, to the best of our ability, was carried out and has identified safety concerns that may need to be addressed immediately to ensure the safety of the tenants.

Efforts are underway to assist residents and lessees with the transition once the City is able to take ownership of the premises. There are approximately 24 tenants in the hotel along with the Safari Restaurant and the Lucky Convenience Store.

The City’s plan for assisting residents includes providing Community Housing workers to assist in the transition. The City will also help with locating tenants to a new home, payment of first month’s rent and security deposit, assistance with moving and short-term storage of belongings, as necessary, and help with accessing additional resources, if needed.

“We are committed to ensuring the people living at the York Hotel find suitable accommodations so they can effectively transition into the community and move forward with their lives,” says Deputy Mayor Gladys Blackmore.

A Court of Queen’s Bench judge ruled on Feb. 3 that the City of Grande Prairie’s bid of $1.1 million was successful in a foreclosure hearing.

The York Hotel, located at 10012-101 Street was built in 1948.

“By purchasing this property, Council has positioned the City to guide development in that section of Grande Prairie in the long-term interest of the community,” Blackmore says.
—30—
Media enquires may be directed to:
Deputy Mayor Gladys Blackmore
780-518-1097 (Cell)
gblackmore@cityofgp.com

The Unique Sports of the Arctic Winter Games

2010-01-22T11:58:00.001-08:00

The Arctic Winter Games are really a very, very, unique event. Unfortunately I think a lot of people who haven't been involved with these games before just don't have a good concept of just how different they really are.

Of course there are all the traditional winter sports that you might expect like Hockey, Curling and Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, there's also the indoor sports like Basketball, Volleyball, and Table Tennis. Of course those are all exciting but it's the traditional Arctic, Dene and other northern events that are unlike anything in any other games.

So with that in mind I've been doing a little snooping on youtube and I've found clips from some of the sports that make these games different from anything you've seen before.

First up is the Two Foot High Kick where the competitor has to jump up and kick a small stuffed "seal" hanging down from a string. They have to touch the seal with both feet at the same time and maintain their balance when they land. I think the winning kick at the Yellowknife games was at about 8 foot, 4 inches!:

I'll post more clips as I find them.

A Look Back - "The Last Frontier, At Least In Canada"

2010-01-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

Clete Roberts is back in Grande Prairie. In this clip he speaks with a local farmer about the richness of the farmland in the area. Mentioned in the video is Herman Trelle from the Wembley area who was known as the "Wheat King of the World". Herman is also mentioned in this TIME Magazine article from the December, 1927.

Maybe now you'll think of Mr. Trelle whenever you listen to The Hip.

By the way, is "potentiality" a word? ... yes, it appears it is. We may have to start putting that one back in to use!

Responding to a Concern About Snow Removal

2010-01-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

I received a note on Facebook yesterday, my friend wanted to bring to my attention a discussion that was going on in a group called "Better Snow Removal for Grande Prairie".

I didn't jump into the conversation on the group but I did choose to contact one of the people directly. After getting some more details from her about what area of the city she lived in I sent along this response. I think it might answer questions other people in the city might be asking so I thought I'd share it here:

Thanks for the info!

I'll pass on the concern about the slippery intersection to see if we can get a little extra ice control there.

Just so you know when we talk about bus routes we're talking about the streets that city transit buses go on. We make these streets our second highest priority.

The first priority after a snow fall are the "Major Arterial" roads like 100 St, 84 Ave, 68 Ave, Resources Rd, Hwy 40 - Wapiti Road, etc. These are obviously the streets that have to carry the most traffic in the city.

After all the streets that fall in to the group above are done we move on to Priority 2 streets. This is where the city Transit Bus Routes are and also includes "Major Collector" Roadways that may or may not be part of a bus route; Crystal Lake Drive, Mission Heights Drive, Poplar Drive, Royal Oaks Drive, etc.

The idea is that if we can get the #1 & #2 streets cleaned quickly the majority of traffic can move pretty well through the city and important for emergency services like the police, fire and ambulances can get where they need to go.

After all that has been taken care of we move on to the residential roads as our #3 priority. This would include your street. Here, 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.)

Over all, our budget for snow removal is just over $4 million dollars per year ($4.035m in '09 to be exact and slightly more in '10). If we don't spend all the money in one year we put it in the bank and save it to help out in years where there is excessive snow and the budgeted amount won't cover the added costs.

You can find more information about what neighbourhoods the city crews are working on each day here:

http://www.cityofgp.com/citygov/dept/trans/worknotices/default.htm

(Check out the "Getting to Your Street" part)

Also, I had a chance to read the post on the group wall and you said "I would really like to see snow removal be paid for out of the City's pcket, not mine..."

It's important to remember that property taxes, like the ones you pay on your home, are how the city gets the majority of it's budget and it pays for much more than the bus you see in front of your house and the garbage collection.

Whenever council chooses to improve a service or build something new it will be reflected in your taxes. We try to be as efficient as we can when we spend your dollars but every police officer we add, or extra snow removal crew
we put on duty, or new recreation program we offer has to be paid for.

Our challenge is trying to balance having affordable taxes with providing the services that people want in our community. It's not always easy.

If you have any other thoughts or questions feel free to give me a call (780-814-0518, my cell) or send me a note here on Facebook.

Games Will Leave a Legacy of Service in GP

2010-01-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

One of the legacies that the 2010 Arctic Winter Games host society hopes to leave the city with is an increased sense of community and better customer service. How would hosting something like the games do that for Grande Prairie? The answer is through training for it's volunteers.

In a pretty unique program the host society is working to provide free customer service training to all games volunteers. Check out the information below:

Training by the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association is provided free of charge toall volunteers of the 2010 Arctic Winter Games. The ‘Super STAR Service’ program provides customer service training to help improve the quality of service provided by staff & volunteers from the inside-out. All Games volunteers are required to attend one of these sessions.

Pre-registration is not necessary, just drop by the session that best fits your schedule. All sessions are being held in the Rotary Community Room at the Montrose Cultural Centre in Grande Prairie:

Saturday, January 16 – 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sunday, January 17 – 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday, January 20 – 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, January 23 – 9:00am - 12:00pm

Wednesday, January 27 – 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, January 30 – 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Sunday, January 31 – 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Monday, February 1 – 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Wednesday, February 3 – 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday, February 5 – 1:00pm - 4:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, February 6 – 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Sunday, February 7 – 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Monday, February 8 – 9:00am - 12:00pm

Tuesday, February 9 – 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday, February 10 – 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, February 13 – 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday, February 14 – 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday, February 17 – 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, February 20 – 9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm-4:00pm

Don’t miss your chance to be trained in ‘Super STAR Service’ – complete your registration at the Games’ FINAL Volunteer Rally.

That’s right – time is running out! Visit the Games Crew this Saturday (January 23rd) from 10:00am-3:00pm at Montrose Cultural Centre to:

- Register as a Volunteer
- Complete Your Security Clearance Form
- Get Your Accreditation Photo
- Choose Jobs and Shifts

There are LESS THAN 50 days until Grande Prairie hosts the circumpolar north - RISE UP! Volunteer today.

How's that for making it easy? There are a load of times available so the training should be able to fit in to anyone's schedule!

A Look Back - Good Times In the Pub

2010-01-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

Even a hard working World Reporter like Clete Roberts likes to kick back and relax now and then - just like the rest of us. Check out what happens when he sits down for a cold one in the Grande Prairie of the 50s.

Seems like a pretty good rule.

A Look Back - Visitors from the East

2010-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

In this instalment of World Report Celte Roberts conducts a coffee shop interview with another visitor to Grande Prairie. This "Jaunty Alouette" from Montreal seems to have a pretty good opinion of Grande Prairie but Celte finds out that he might need to fork out a bit more than he expected when he offered to buy the coffee!

Interesting that even back in the 50s there were people coming out to see just "what's going on here". I love the comment "...because the Easterners don't know the Westerners very well."

GGS Committee Agenda for January 13th, 2010

2010-01-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a loooooong meeting!

General Government Services Agenda January 13, 2010

1. Delegation
1.1. Grande Prairie Public Library, re: 2010 Budget and Update

2.Branding Exercise Recommendations (attached)
D. Olinger, Marketing Communications Manager

3.Grande Prairie Airport 2010 Business Plan (attached)
K. Anderson, Corporate Services Director

4. Aquatera Utilities Inc. Request for City Waiver of Dividends (attached)
B. Manz, Manager, Aquatera Utilities Inc.

5. Bylaw C-1139F, To Amend the Aquatera Utilities Inc. Schedule “G” of the Utility Bylaw (attached)
Council Referral Dec 14/09

6. Public Members on Committee Resignation Procedure (attached)
Environment CommitteeReferral Jan 4/10

7. Honorariums for Council Committee Public Members (attached)
L. Ramirez, Municipal Intern

8. Community Futures Annual Report (to be distributed)
B. Glavin, Economic Development Specialist

9. 2009 Tax Sale (attached)
K. Stephenson, Property Tax Coordinator

10. Review of Financial Indicator Graphs from Municipal Affairs (attached)
D. Sauve, Senior Financial Analyst

11. Grande Spirit Foundation Request for Land (attached)
A. Cerny, Deputy Legislative Services Manager

12. Grande Prairie Airport Commission Articles of Association (attached)
A. Cerny, Deputy Legislative Services Manager

13. Strategic Priorities Chart (attached)
J. Ferguson, Legislative Services Manager

14. General Government Services Outstanding Items List (attached)
K. Anderson, Corporate Services Director

15. “In Camera” (land matter)

16. Correspondence

16.1. Grande Prairie Public Library, re: 2010 Operating Budget (attached)

16.2. Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, re: Key Initiatives Meeting (attached)

16.3. Northwest Corridor Development Corporation, re: Submissions to the Federally Appointed Rail Freight Service Review Panel (attached)

16.4. Alberta Municipal Affairs, re: 2010 Budget Update (attached)

16.5. Premier of Alberta, re: Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, Formerly Bill 50 (attached)

16.6. Fletcher Mudryk & Co., re: 2009 Audit Plan (attached)

16.7. Legislative Assembly Alberta, Standing Committee on Community Services, re: Bill 202 Municipal Auditor General (attached)

17. Other Business

Council Agenda for January 11th, 2010

2010-01-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

AGENDA FOR THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 11, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. NATIONAL ANTHEM
3. ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

5. DELEGATIONS
5.1 Ms. R. Gagnon, Resident, Re: Snow Removal/No Snow Parking Route
My note: I've received a lot of email about this change I mentioned on my blog previously. I think we need to re-look at the issue and see if there might be a better compromise position that balances the city's need to have these areas free of parked cars while crews remove snow and the needs of residents.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1 Reserve Disposal of Lot R (Reserve), Block 3, Plan 3680HW (attached)
6.1.1. Call To Order
6.1.2. Introduction by Administration:
For disposal of Municipal Reserve as requested by the Regional Authority of The Northwest Francophone Education Region No. 1, to enable them to complete a transfer of land.
6.1.3. Presentations/Submissions
6.1.4. Close Public Hearing
6.1.5. Business Arising from the Hearing
6.1.5.1. Reserve Disposal of Lot R (Reserve), Block 3, Plan 3680HW
Council approve to remove the “R” Reserve designation from Plan 3780HW, Block 3, Lot R (Reserve), as identified on the attached “Schedule A” and to proceed with transfer of title back to the Regional Authority of the Northwest Francophone Education Region No. 1, as presented.

6.2 Bylaw C-1100-155, to Amend the Land Use Bylaw (attached) Bylaw C-1100-155, to amend the Land Use Bylaw text amendments regarding Dispatch Office.
6.2.1. Call To Order
6.2.2. Introduction by Administration
6.2.3. Business Arising from the Hearing
Council recess the Public Hearing of Bylaw C-1100-155 to Monday, February 8, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.

7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7.1 Bylaw C-1235 to Repeal Road Closure Bylaw C-456 (attached)
Council give Bylaw C-1235, to repeal Road Closure Bylaw C-456, second reading.
Council give Bylaw C-1235, to repeal Road Closure Bylaw C- 456, third reading.

8. REPORTS

9. COMMITTEE BUSINESS
9.1 Policy Review Committee – December 14, 2009
RECOMMENDATION
Council receive the minutes of the Policy Review Committee meeting held December 14, 2009.

9.2 Council Committee of the Whole – December 16, 2009
RECOMMENDATION
Council receive the minutes of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting held December 16, 2009.

9.2.1 Multiplex Theming RFP
RECOMMENDATION
Council: 1. award the amended Multiplex theming package to Studio Y Creations Inc. in the amount of $886,631, as the most qualified bidder meeting specifications, and,
2. direct Administration reduce the palm trees and one dinosaur at the Multiplex adult whirlpool, and further,
3. direct Administration include the trompe-l’oeil style mural for the Multiplex flow rider.

9.3 Environment Committee – January 4, 2010
RECOMMENDATION
Council receive the minutes of the Environment Committee meeting held January 4, 2010.

9.4 Protective Services Committee – January 5, 2010
RECOMMENDATION
Council receive the minutes of the Protective Services Committee meeting held January 5, 2010.

9.4.1 Dispatch Agreement Renewal for the MD of Big Lakes
RECOMMENDA TION
Council approve the renewal of the contract with the Municipal District of Big Lakes to provide emergency fire dispatch services for a three year period in accordance with the fee schedule.

9.5 Community Development Committee – January 5, 2010
RECOMMENDA TION
Council receive the minutes of the Community Development Committee meeting held January 5, 2010.

9.5.1 Tender T-39-434-09, Coca-Cola Centre Crawl Space Improvements Phase 1
RECOMMENDA TION
Council award Tender T-39-434-09, in the amount of $118,500 (excluding GST), for the Coca-Cola Crawl Space Improvements Phase 1 to G & M Plumbing & Heating Ltd., as the lowest tender meeting specifications.

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

A Look Back - Child Rearing in Grande Prairie

2010-01-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

I was going to wait a bit to post this but the feedback from everyone was so positive that I couldn't wait. I've got two more sections from this World Report that I've uploaded, I'll post them tonight. There's also another section that I still have to convert before I can upload it, I'll do that over the next week. So until then, here's another look back at Grande Prairie in the '50s:

In this instalment of World Report Celte Roberts interviews a Grande Prairie taxi driver, Chester Miller. Watch to hear the story of how the Miller Taxi company was involved parenting!

If you visit the Grande Prairie museum's Heritage Village you can the Miller Taxi building that Chester's company operated out of for years.

I don't think that would pass as parenting today.

A Look Back - World Report Visits Grande Prairie

2010-01-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

In the '50s Clete Roberts brought his World Report program to northern Alberta to have a look at a happenin' little town called Grande Prairie. Check out part one of Clete's visit to GP:

I'm a fan of the history of our community, I think it's cool to see how the city has changed over time. I also think it's important to know where we came from. I'll be posting more of the video over the next while as I'm able to upload it.

Arrest Made In Connection with B.C. Pipeline Bombings

2010-01-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

I just received the following media release which notes that there has been an arrest made in connection with the pipeline bombings in the Dawson Creek area. The Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune has more info here.

The RCMP release:

"Large Search Underway in Pipeline Bombing Investigation
Grande Prairie for E Division
Friday January 8, 2010

Hythe, Alberta: A significant development in the 15 month long investigation involving a series of bombings near Dawson Creek has lead to a search of a large rural farm and the arrest of one male.

RCMP members from E and K Divisions led by the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) are currently conducting a criminal code search warrant on a large rural property located near Hythe, Alberta to search for evidence relating to the Dawson Creek bombings. It is not known how long investigators will remain on the property.

"We cannot say what we are looking for specifically, or what information led us to the location, but we have followed a trail of evidence that ultimately led to the execution of the search warrant," said Supt. Lloyd Plante, Assistant Criminal Operations Officer for the RCMP's National Security Program in British Columbia.

One male associated with the property has been taken into custody. His name cannot be released since he has not been formally charged.

This investigation is far from over. Criminal charges have not been laid, and investigators have a significant amount of work ahead of them.

The $1,000,000 reward being offered by EnCana has not been claimed. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the dedicated tip line at 1-866-994-7473

Inspector Tim Shields is available to answer media questions at the scene. He can be reached through the RCMP E Division media line at 604-264-2929. Please monitor www.bc.rcmp.ca closely for any updates."

Sprinkler System Failure Floods Museum

2010-01-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

2009 ended badly for the GP Museum, there was a on December 29th that has forced the closure of the main exhibit area. It sounds like major trouble was averted and I hope none of the museum's collection was badly damaged.

The City media release:

Museum Closed Due to Flooding

The Grande Prairie Museum main exhibit gallery is closed temporarily because of flooding that occurred December 29.

A rupture in the sprinkler system of one of the southwest storage trailers showered artifacts and storage trunks. Fortunately, an alarm alerted Security and Fire personnel, who notified Museum staff. The affected items were quickly removed and laid out to dry in the safety of the main gallery.

Damage is being assessed.

“This was such an unfortunate and potentially disastrous event,” said Heritage Resources Manager Trenton Perrott. “Thankfully, quick actions were taken to aggressively reduce the amount of damage.”

Clean-up and renovations to the storage area are expected to take several weeks and the exhibit gallery will remain closed until the end of January. The archives, rental area and reception are unaffected by the flooding and will maintain regular hours.

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Trenton Perrott
Heritage Resources Manager
(780)830-7083
tperrott@cityofgp.com

Two Ideas to Start The New Year

2010-01-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

At this afternoon's Environment Committee meeting (pdf agenda) I'll be brining forward two ideas that I'd like to see tried in Grande Prairie. One is a water saving idea and the second could help keep a lid on over flowing trash bins that dirty our city. Both products come from a company I first encountered at the AUMA convention tradeshow.

Water Saving - I love the hanging flower baskets down town in the summer. They add a lot of life to our streetscape and I look forward to them going up every year. One thing I've noticed though is that maintaining them takes a huge amount of time and seems to waste a lot of water. Each day a city truck drives around to spray each basket with water. Unfortunately not all the water makes into the baskets and ends up watering the sidewalk below, quite a bit drains through the mossy bottom of the basket. I kept thinking that there has to be a better way that would take less time and waste less water. Turns out there might just be...
These planters from ALFA have a solid bottom and a built in water reservoir that eliminates the need for daily watering. I imagine that the savings in staff time of not having to water every day could pay for the planters in just a couple of seasons - and we'd stop wasting water!

Litter Bins - There are some spots in the city where regular litter bins just aren't cutting it. The two situations I'm thinking of are were bins are in remote locations and not picked up very often (like on the trails in Muskoseepi) and in places where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic that generates a lot of litter. In either situation the bins fill up to over flowing before being emptied out and after that excess trash gets blown around and makes a mess of the city. Some spots are particularly bad for this, the first that comes to mind is the west parking lot at the leisure centre.

This In-Ground Waste system is basically a 6 or 7 foot tall litter bin, where the majority is buried below ground. Being as big as they are they can handle a lot of trash before needing to be emptied. In remote locations maybe they'd only need to be emptied once or twice a year and in the high volume locations they could probably make it a week or two.

This afternoon I'll be making a motion at the environment committee to ask staff to evaluate at each system. I'd like to see staff provide a report evaluating potential cost savings and a plan on how we could run test projects for each idea.

What do you think - good ideas?

Welcome to TwentyTen!

2010-01-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, after a little of a holiday hiatus I'm back at the keyboard.

First things first, lets start this year, and decade off right by getting our pronunciation straight from day one.

Now that we've got that out of the way I wanted to point out a couple of additions to the site:

First, We have a new Grande Prairie based blog ... welcome Bungalow 56! The writer attended a Blogging for Beginners course I put on a the library in November and since then her blog has exploded with great posts and great pictures. You'll find Bungalow 56 in the Worthwhile Blogs at the bottom right of the site.

Second, I've added a new feature that automatically generates recommendations on related posts. I hope this will encourage readers to check back in to the three hundred and twenty odd posts I've done over the last three years. I think this is a helpful addition, you'll see it pop up at the bottom of each post. (Thanks to Bungalow 56 for the idea!)

Multiplex Theming Concept Images

2009-12-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-12-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-08T11:09:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-28T12:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T09:31:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T14:13:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-08T11:54:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-02T15:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

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