Mga pic

Bill

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Bill Given
Mayor,
City of Grande Prairie

Phone: 780.538.0310
Cell: 780.814.0518
Email: bgiven@cityofgp.com

Blog: http://billgiven.ca
Twitter: http://twitter.com/billgiven-----------------------------------------------
This message, and any attached documents, may include proprietary or protected information. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify me, delete this message, and do not further communicate the information contained herein without my express written consent.

You Don't Deserve to be Misled: City Reserves

Some very bad, intentional, misinformation is being circulated today by email and on Facebook, about how the city manages it's savings accounts, otherwise known as reserves. "Reserves" are a fancy name for savings accounts and the city maintains 12 different ones. Each has a different purpose but I'll get to that below. 

In my view, the information being circulated is a very intentional twisting of the facts - maybe not quite a lie, but certainly "intellectually dishonest". I'm sad to read some of the people lending their name to it. 

In the email version of this, one part says: "In 2011, $31 million was placed in unrestricted reserves because the city charged you more in taxes than they spent." The email goes on to suggest that the city should use the money that went into those reserves instead to lower taxes.

So basically what it's saying is if we dumped out all our savings accounts (or didn't add to them) taxes could have been lower which is true - it's just very, very stupid. At the most basic level it's good financial management to put money away for things that you know you'll need down the road or to help out with unexpected financial expenses. This is what the city does with reserves. 

If that all makes sense to you then you can see how this info is twisting the facts and I'd encourage you to share this note with your friends using the share button below, or by copying and pasting this note in to an email to your friends. Don't feel you need to read any further. 

Below I'm going to give you some examples about the details of what our reserves are - because I believe you deserve to have actual facts. 

Every year the city makes planned transfers to our reserves (deposits into our savings accounts.) Each one of these savings accounts has a policy that says exactly what it is intended to be spent on and in most cases how we will decide to add money to it. These policies are all publicly available on the city's website here: http://www.cityofgp.com/index.aspx?page=786 Look at them for yourself.

An example of one of these "savings accounts" is the Cemetery Perpetual Care Reserve. 

• It's purpose is "to provide for the improvement, maintenance, management, control and operation of City cemeteries." The expenditure guidelines state that the reserve is to be used "or the upkeep of the cemetery once it has been closed for future interments." So yes, if we followed the suggestion in the email we could use that to lower your taxes next year but then there'd be no money to make sure the cemetery is cared for in to the future! 

We could also drain the Winter Stabilization Reserve. 

• It's there to "offset over-expenditures that may occur in the snow removal and ice control operating budget as a result of abnormal winter conditions." Of course if we did that and then had a big snow fall year this year we wouldn't have any money to call in additional contracted equipment or pay for overtime to keep staff on the road. What do you think? Maybe a good idea to have that savings account set up?

We could clean out the Financial Stabilization Reserve. 

• It's really our "if things get bad" fund - there to manage "any annual operating deficiencies." This is essentially a buffer for the city should we have an unexpected loss of revenue for any reason. It IS used to shelter you from big tax increases when unexpected things happen. For example we have used this fund this term to make up for losses of revenue that we had budgeted for. Specifically when the County ended their contract for fire services with the city and when Aquatera moved out of city hall and stopped paying rent. In 2011 those two items together took away $4 Million in revenue we were expecting but you didn't see it drive up taxes, or force us to chop services in a knee-jerk fashion - because we were able to draw on the reserve. 

I could go on but I think you get the point. Anyone telling you that the city should drain it's reserves to keep your taxes low is hoping that you won't think for yourself. Really the whole thing is shameful.

City Moves Forward With Annexation

Last night council formally approved moving the annexation process forward by approving a final set of information sessions for the public. As the City's media release below details it's been a long process to get to this point, and there is still more to go before annexation is actually complete. 

Although the City "officially" initiated annexation back in early 2011 (by sending the County and the Municipal Government Board formal letters) I really view the process as having started back in 2005 or 2006. Back then Mayor Ayling's council started a discussion about how the city would grow in the future and that initiated what would result in the 2008 Growth Study (PDF Download). Then, after the election in 2007, Mayor Logan's Council started renegotiating the Intermunicipal Development Plan (PDF Download) with the County. When it was completed, after nearly 3 years of negotiations, the IDP laid out the future annexation areas for the city in two chunks that were intended to provide for a "30 Year" and "50 Year" growth horizon. Then, shortly after the 2010 election - in the spring of 2011 - this current council sent the letter that started the direct negotiations and landowner consultations that we are just wrapping up now.

Future growth areas for the City. 

Annexation is important for the City because we need to be able to offer a variety of development options to expand our tax base, particularly for commercial and industrial properties. Without the raw land laid out in the annexation area the city has extremely limited space to be able to attract new industrial and commercial development. These two classes of properties pay property taxes at a higher rate than residential properties - essentially they carry more of the burden of the city budget, so obviously if we have more of them it reduces the load on all the existing properties. One important thing to note is that while this is unquestionably about new taxes - it is NOT a "tax grab" as annexations are sometimes made out to be. If this was a "tax grab" the city would be annexing the already developed areas of the County, particularly the Clairmont area. As you can see in the map, that is not the case; the city is getting largely undeveloped land and the County gets to retain and grow it's Clairmont area. (The light yellow areas are the "30 Year" growth areas that we are talking about in this annexation, the darker brown areas are the "50 Year" growth areas.)

Once the annexation is complete the city still has a lot of work to do to encourage growth and development of new tax paying properties in the new areas of the city. City Council recognizes this and we've started that work by recently adopting our Industrial Attraction Strategy (LINK), and beginning investments in the infrastructure that will help fuel development. 

So, we are nearing the end of one phase of what has been, and will be, a very long process in improving the City's financial viability. 

City media release below.... 

Open Houses Set For Annexation

City Council Monday approved two open houses for County of Grande Prairie residents to meet with Councillors and Administration regarding the City’s annexation application.

These final information sessions are set for May 27 and 28 at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“These open houses and the mediated sessions that preceded them are part of the application process to the Municipal Government Board (MGB),” says Senior Planner Stuart Wraight.

“Landowners have been sent letters notifying them of the open houses and we will also be available in person, by phone and email to discuss details of the annexation and how it affects them.”

The City has focused on landowner transition provisions as its priority while keeping in mind relevant previous MGB decisions. An application will proceed by June 30.

The Board will review the submission and then schedule a public hearing in Grande Prairie to consider the City’s request and to obtain information from residents and landowners who wish to make presentations.

If successful, the City would request that annexation become effective on Jan. 1, 2015.

The letter to residents provided a comprehensive update to landowners (see backgrounder for details):

• Taxation Phase-in Formulas – City’s Final Positions on Landowner Taxation Transition from County to City rates
• Zoning /Development Opportunities
• Service Levels
• Lifestyle Issues, including solid waste and business licenses

“The City is pleased the process allows for this final opportunity to for us to meet directly with landowners and inform them of how their input over the previous four open houses has influenced the City’s final position,” says Mayor Bill Given. “We look forward to responding to any further questions that arise.”

City and County administrations began discussing annexation terms in November 2011. Council to council negotiations began in August of 2012 and had several meetings through to December prior to mediation this spring.

“Annexation is a key issue to address continued growth and viability of the City,” says Mayor Given. “In order to diversify our tax base, raw land is needed to accommodate opportunities for new industrial and commercial development.”

Prior to negotiations with the County, landowners within the proposed annexation area received information packages from the City dealing with items such as proposed taxation and service levels, lifestyle and leisure issues as well as planning and development opportunities.

The City’s Planning Department held open houses and provided consultation opportunities for land owners.

Annexation would give the City about 6,300 hectares in the west and northwest, northeast and several quarter sections surrounding the City.

The City and County of Grande Prairie agreed on the lands to be annexed through adoption of the Intermunicipal Development Plan in June 2010.

Legion Track Renewal

I just received the note below from our facilities maintenance department:

The Legion Track resurfacing project is well underway!  


The Facility Maintenance Department is landscaping the interior perimeter of the track to address drainage issues, repairing irrigation lines as needed, removing the old rubber crumb track surface and installing the new track surface.  We may have the opportunity to install the new long jump pits as well, but this depends heavily on our strict time frame.

Work will continue for approximately 5 – 6 weeks.  During this time, access to the track is limited to construction workers and City employees wearing safety vests.  There will be one Drillers football game as scheduled on July 7th .

Once the project is complete, vehicles will no longer be allowed on the track for any reason.  When crossing the track with mowers, light trucks, tractors etc.. rubber mats will be available to place across the track surface.  Any and all vehicles including City vehicles will need to stay on the gravel path on the south side of the track or travel in the grass areas on the exterior perimeter of the track. Please ensure that summer staff without email access are aware of these changes.

Feel free to forward this email to affected user groups throughout the City of Grande Prairie.  Thank you for your patience over the next few weeks. 

Grande Prairie is the Youngest City in Canada

The demographic breakdown of our area from the 2011 census was released recently by StatsCan. The attached charts show how the city and county populations break down by age.

Both graphs are on the same scale to make comparison easier.

 Some interesting ways I found to look at the data….

• The City has more people under the age of 20 (15340) than the County has over the age of 20 (14230). That is to say that our population of school aged residents is larger than the whole adult population of the County. 

• The City's median age has risen slightly to 30.3. (the County's median age is 36.8), which is still MUCH younger than Canada as a whole (40.6).

• Grande Prairie can legitimately lay claim to being the YOUNGEST city in the province. 

Our median age of 30.3 is lower than ALL other Alberta cities: 

Camrose & Wetaskiwin both 41.2, St. Albert 40.2, Medicine Hat 39.8, Sherwood Park 39.1, Lethbridge 37.4, Lacombe 37.1, Calgary 36.4, Edmonton 36.0, Fort Sask 35.4, Red Deer 34.7, Leduc 34.0, Brooks 33.8, Spruce Grove 33.7, Airdrie 32.4, Wood Buffalo 31.8, Cold Lake 30.5

• Grande Prairie is also  the YOUNGEST city in Canada over 10,000 in population. 

If you include cities under 10,000, we are the fourth youngest behind only Lloydminster (the Saskatchewan side only), Martensville, SK and Iqaluit, NU.

If you broaden the list to include all communities (which includes counties and MDs) over 10,000, we are the third youngest community in Canada behind Mackenzie County, Alberta and Hanover, Manitoba

• The old data a point of "More people under the age of 4 than over the age of 65" still holds true for the City of GP. (0-4 = 4840, 65+ = 3420)

The skewing of our city's population obviously leads to some unique challenges (we're going to need more schools for sure - especially a the elementary level) but I believe it also is one of the reasons our city is so dynamic and active. 

Sir Elton John - In Grande Prairie

Now how's THIS for entertainment at the Crystal Centre?

CRYSTAL CENTRE

Thursday, April 26^th

GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – Elton John will perform solo at Crystal Centre on Thursday, April 26^th at 8PM performing his “Greatest Hits Live” concert, featuring number one chart hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career. This will be Elton’s first ever appearance in Grande Prairie.

The public on-sale will begin Friday, February 10^th at 10 AM.

One of the most successful live acts on the road today, Elton puts on the kind of concert you will never forget: the entire audience standing, dancing and singing along with much-loved classic songs such as “Your Song”, “Rocket Man”, “Bennie and the Jets”, “Philadelphia Freedom”, “Crocodile Rock”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, and many more.

"It's a thrill to be able to welcome a star of Sir Elton John's stature to Grande Prairie. His legendary performances have entertained millions worldwide and seeing him live at the Crystal Centre is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Grande Prairie Mayor, Bill Given.

The monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer Elton John spans five decades. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, 29 consecutive Top 40 hits, and he has sold more than 250 million records worldwide. John holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time, “Candle in the Wind ’97,” which sold over 33 million copies. Since his career began in 1969 he has played over 3,000 concerts worldwide.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10th, 10AM

                                                                                           

Tickets are $91.50, $151.50 and will be available online at crystalcentre.com, at the Crystal Centre box office or charge-by-phone at (780) 538-0387.

A service charge is added to each ticket. There is an 8 ticket limit per customer. 

Taxi Bylaw - Missing the Point

At tonight's council meeting one of the agenda items will be the third and final reading of the proposed changes to the sections of the city's business licence bylaw that deal with regulations around taxis. The discussion about the changes has been covered in the media many times - and most of the time the media focus in on the proposed "cap" on the number of taxis that the city would licence to operate.

As of right now the "cap" has been stripped out of the bylaw. That happened at our last council meeting when a number of council members objected to it and a motion was made to pass the bylaw with out that section. If the bylaw passes "as is" tonight then we will have no cap on the number of taxi licences that the city will issue.

Much of the attention during the debate has been on how this is "government interfering with the free market". Unfortunately I think that point of view fails to take into account why the cap was proposed in the first place - it provides us a lever which we can use to encourage the taxi industry to provide better service ... specifically to people with mobility issues.

The bylaw stated that we would limit the number of taxi licenses to 173 and review that number every two years to see if it needed to be adjusted. The bylaw also made allowances for drivers who operated in 2010 but missed the registration deadline due to personal circumstances - they were allowed to reregister and that brought the number of registered taxis to about 206... already well above the "cap".

(Of note is that Red Deer also has a limit on the number of taxis: 1 per 750 people ... or about 110 total based on the most current population of 82,772. If our cap worked on the same ratio of 1/750 our cap would have been 67 units. The Red Deer Taxi Bylaw)

The thing about "The Cap" is that it does not prevent new taxis from coming on the the road. Anyone could licence a new taxis - IF it was either wheelchair accessible OR a hybrid.

I will be the first to admit that there is no question that this would be an example of government regulating of private enterprise. But the truth is that we already regulate the taxi industry in many ways and I feel this is a reasonable way for us to encourage the industry to begin providing service to a good portion of our population who have very few options for transportation. I also think it's kind of like saying we welcome new businesses BUT you have to provide a handicap stall in your parking lot - not an unreasonable request.

The funny thing is that much of the taxi industry is in SUPPORT of the cap.

The cap would provide a financial incentive for private business to invest in bringing wheelchair accessible taxis to the city. Basically we are saying that we have enough old police cars out on the streets and that if you want to bring a new unit to the city to do business it should be wheelchair accessible (or a hybrid).

So tonight council will debate the third and final reading of the taxi bylaw... without the cap. If no changes are made and the bylaw is passed as is we will loose that lever, that incentive, that the cap provided to encourage taxi operators to bring wheelchair accessible taxis to the city.

It makes me think of how we managed to get the last accessible taxi on the street (pics)- by giving a $20,000 grant to do it. If we had had a cap in place at the time maybe the city wouldn't have had to do that. I think it's telling that there have been no new accessible taxis since the city last contributed money to make it happen ... unless there's some kind of financial incentive then industry won't do it.

Welcome to 2012

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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