Every now and then I pop in to Google to see if there are any new local blogs providing information on Grande Prairie. There haven't been too many lately but there is one great site that I've neglected to mention.
Although not exactly a blog (ok, not a blog at all really) DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com is a great site that has tons of information on the whole Peace Region. My friend Ken has been running the site for at least eight years. In addition to on going updates on GP's business news he's also travelled the area and provides great information on many parks and recreation areas.
Ken has a media background so the information is detailed and he has some great photo galleries. Most recently he's put up galleries covering Street Performer's and the Canada Day Parade. (see if you can spot me on my bike in the Canada Day gallery).
So, pop on over to Discover The Peace Country - it's a great resource and I've added it to the Worthwhile Sites section on the right hand side of this page.
The personal blog of Bill Given, Mayor for the City of Grande Prairie in Alberta, Canada. Covers issues relating to the community of Grande Prairie, the Province of Alberta and municipal government.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Mackie Park Taking Shape
Just a quick note tonight ... I had to share my excitement with how J.C. Mackie Park is coming along. In case you hadn't heard, the park is named in honour of Mr. J.C. Mackie who was mayor back in 1958 when Grande Prairie became a city. It will be GP's first fully accessible playground - meaning it can be used by people in wheel chairs as well as those who have full mobility. It's pretty cool and I am very excited to see it take shape.
I've been cruising by every now and then. About two weeks ago it looked like this:

How happy was I when I popped by not much more than a week later and it looked like this:

The park is a project of the 50th Anniversary Committee and should (hopefully) be ready in early August.
* In response to a question in the comments: Mackie Park is at 111 Street and 106 Ave. that's just north of Emerald Gardens, behind Home Depot. It's an area with lots of high density housing and little green space so I'm sure the park will be a welcome addition.
I've been cruising by every now and then. About two weeks ago it looked like this:

How happy was I when I popped by not much more than a week later and it looked like this:

The park is a project of the 50th Anniversary Committee and should (hopefully) be ready in early August.
* In response to a question in the comments: Mackie Park is at 111 Street and 106 Ave. that's just north of Emerald Gardens, behind Home Depot. It's an area with lots of high density housing and little green space so I'm sure the park will be a welcome addition.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Library Update - July 14th 2008
Anne of Green Gables Turns 100!
Come celebrate Anne’s birthday at an afternoon tea in the Story Room. Period dress encouraged. Cordial and dainties to be served. Door prizes. All ages welcome.
Registration required. Telephone 532-3580 ext. 226 Wednesday, July 16 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
I Like the Book Better
Have you ever thought, WOW! That movie was way better than the book! On the other hand have you ever been disappointed by a movie version of a novel?
Starting July 2nd every Wednesday night we will be watching and discussing if we do in fact “like the book better”. Come to the Story Room at 6:00 pm to munch on popcorn and view the best and the worst of movies based on popular novels. Selections include The Golden Compass, A Walk to Remember and Eragon.
For ages 13–19. Call Sherrie or Heather at 532-3580 ext 226 for more information.
Discover Great Summer Reads at the Library
Discover the latest summer reads at your Library and win prizes.Keep track of the books you read or listen to between July 2 and August 31. Read 2 books or listen to 2 books (tape, CD or downloadable eAudiobook) and be eligible for prizes from Esquire’s Coffeehouses, the Leisure Centre and the Grande Prairie Museum. After reading or listening to six books, complete your reading log and enter your name for the Booklover’s basket to be drawn in September.
Reading logs will be available from the Circulation Desk or online at www.gppl.ab.ca.
Teen Reading Challenge & Online Book Club
Win great prizes this summer by participating in the Library's Teen Reading Challenge! Read two books and then fill out a draw form for our weekly Prairie Mall gift cards and the $200 shopping spree Downtown! Also, you can sign up online. The TeenSRC website at teensrc.ca offers booklists, a place to write book reviews, book club chat sessions, and a chance to win great weekly prizes.
Call Sherrie @ 532-3580 ext 226 for more information.
Writing Contest Anthology Now Available!
Congratulations to the winners of the 20th Annual Clem & Muriel Collins Writing Contest. The winners were recognized at an awards night held June 23 and thier stories have been published in an anthology. Travel, a collection of the winner’s stories is available at the Library for $7.00
Come celebrate Anne’s birthday at an afternoon tea in the Story Room. Period dress encouraged. Cordial and dainties to be served. Door prizes. All ages welcome.
Registration required. Telephone 532-3580 ext. 226 Wednesday, July 16 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
I Like the Book Better
Have you ever thought, WOW! That movie was way better than the book! On the other hand have you ever been disappointed by a movie version of a novel?
Starting July 2nd every Wednesday night we will be watching and discussing if we do in fact “like the book better”. Come to the Story Room at 6:00 pm to munch on popcorn and view the best and the worst of movies based on popular novels. Selections include The Golden Compass, A Walk to Remember and Eragon.
For ages 13–19. Call Sherrie or Heather at 532-3580 ext 226 for more information.
Discover Great Summer Reads at the Library
Discover the latest summer reads at your Library and win prizes.Keep track of the books you read or listen to between July 2 and August 31. Read 2 books or listen to 2 books (tape, CD or downloadable eAudiobook) and be eligible for prizes from Esquire’s Coffeehouses, the Leisure Centre and the Grande Prairie Museum. After reading or listening to six books, complete your reading log and enter your name for the Booklover’s basket to be drawn in September.
Reading logs will be available from the Circulation Desk or online at www.gppl.ab.ca.
Teen Reading Challenge & Online Book Club
Win great prizes this summer by participating in the Library's Teen Reading Challenge! Read two books and then fill out a draw form for our weekly Prairie Mall gift cards and the $200 shopping spree Downtown! Also, you can sign up online. The TeenSRC website at teensrc.ca offers booklists, a place to write book reviews, book club chat sessions, and a chance to win great weekly prizes.
Call Sherrie @ 532-3580 ext 226 for more information.
Writing Contest Anthology Now Available!
Congratulations to the winners of the 20th Annual Clem & Muriel Collins Writing Contest. The winners were recognized at an awards night held June 23 and thier stories have been published in an anthology. Travel, a collection of the winner’s stories is available at the Library for $7.00
Homecoming BBQ - Aug 2nd

The homecoming BBQ promises to be a great family night on a weekend full of fun.
The entertainment will be suitable for everyone and will provide the perfect atmosphere to catch up with old friends. In fact, while I'm talking about the entertainment - I have to point you to the website of the evening's headliner: The Sensational Hot Rods . The Hot Rods have travelled throughout Canada and the US performing. From their website:
"... a high energy 5 piece band playing 50’s rock'n'roll. The Sensational Hot Rods perform auditoriums, outdoor concerts and special events. Their stage antics radiate to the audience that fun is the order of the day and just try to keep your feet from dancing. You'll have a hard time doing that when you enjoy 'The Sensational Hot Rods'. "It's going to be a unique night and a lot of fun so even if you have moved away from Grande Prairie, consider this a personal invitation from me to you; join us for the night. We'd love to have you back!
You can purchase your tickets online by going here.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
xof1 Solar Car Stops in GP
To visit the team's website go to www.xof1.com where you can find out more about the project and the car. As I noted in the video they are still looking for sponsors to help the complete the 10,000 mile journey from Buffalo NY, to Inuvik and back. If you or your company can help please get in touch with them.
* In the video I mistakenly called Marcelo da Luz "Marco" ... I guess my ad-lib skills are only so good, sorry Marcelo.
Ok, sure; his solar car uses even less gas than my hybrid. But I think it's fair to say I win hands down in the passenger comfort department. I have cup holders.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Art Board Auction Closes Soon- Get Your Bids In!

The Centre For Creative Arts hasn't had it easy while their current building is being renovated. They've had to make due with temporary home in the old RCMP station. Commendably, they are still working to offer programs and space for small art based businesses.
Additionally , as they look forward to getting back to their rightful home (is it done yet - is it done yet?) they are putting on the second annual Art Board Auction to benefit the Healing Arts Program.
"One of the most successful things we do at the Centre for Creative Arts is to bring art programs to groups and individuals who may not have the opportunity to experience such activities in any other way. This program is open to Grande Prairie and Area groups and organizations between September and June of each year."
You can support the Healing Arts program by bidding on a one of a kind Art Board - but time is running out! The auction closes on July 6th at 3:00pm... you have to have your bid in by then!
Last year I got a great board. I've been trying to find a spot in city hall to display it since then but I think it's just about time it came home to go up in my office. I already have my bid in for this year (I'm not going to tell which one I'm bidding on; I don't need you driving up the price!)
Go here to see all the Art Boards and to place your bid!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Quick Note, BIG News
There is very big news that I'd like to share...
It's been a while since Dave Gourlay announced that he was going to retire. Since then city treasurer Ken Anderson has been very ably filling in as acting city manager.
After engaging consultants to help us with our search and then many meetings to conduct interviews, review references and to debate we've finally decided. Just as of this afternoon council wrapped up our search for a new city manager.
Greg Scerbak (formerly our Community Services Director) has accepted council's offer to come on board as our "only employee" and take over the title of City Manager.
Greg has been with the city since about 1996. He has a diverse background including both local government and private sector jobs and in my opinion he has a great sense of what is possible for our city. I think Greg will do an excellent job as city manager.
It's been a while since Dave Gourlay announced that he was going to retire. Since then city treasurer Ken Anderson has been very ably filling in as acting city manager.
After engaging consultants to help us with our search and then many meetings to conduct interviews, review references and to debate we've finally decided. Just as of this afternoon council wrapped up our search for a new city manager.
Greg Scerbak (formerly our Community Services Director) has accepted council's offer to come on board as our "only employee" and take over the title of City Manager.
Greg has been with the city since about 1996. He has a diverse background including both local government and private sector jobs and in my opinion he has a great sense of what is possible for our city. I think Greg will do an excellent job as city manager.
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