Join Me for Breakfast - March 18th

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

Library Update - August 23rd, 2010

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

Library Update - May 3rd, 2010

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

Green Jobs for Earth Day!

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

Wrapping Up The Arctic Winter Games

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.

2010 Arctic Winter Games - Opening Night

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

The Unique Sports of the Arctic Winter Games

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.

Olympic Torch Makes It's First Stop In Alberta

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


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


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


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

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

Library Family Event & Fundraiser Featuring Little Bear.

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



Little Bear Winter Tales

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

Olympic Torch Starts It's Journey to GP

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

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

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

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

Library Grand Opening - Tomorrow

The Grande Prairie Public Library is holding it's grand opening tomorrow and there is a great line up of free family activities. You might remember that back in June we hosted a grand opening in conjunction with the Luitenant Governor's Arts Awards - that was actually for the whole Montrose Cultural Centre.

The event this weekend is specifically library focused and it will be a lot of fun with books, music and entertainment for everyone. The full list of the day's events is below:

Library Grande Opening – Saturday, August 22, 2009

Benjamin Alstad (Cello – in Children’s parent area) 10:00 AM

Celebration Story Time (Linda Smith Story Room) 10:30 AM

Jeannie, Katherine & Nicole Pernal (Piano, Violin & Cello – at piano) 11:00 AM

Face Painting with Shannon Fennell (Sky Story Room) 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Lucy’s Clown Caboose Magic Show (Linda Smith Story Room) 11:00 AM

Story Time with Alderman Bill Given (Preschool Play Zone) 11:30 AM

Susan Picard, Angie Maksymetz, Christine Ayling (Vocal Group – in non‐fiction) 11:30 PM

Celebration Story Time (Linda Smith Story Room) 12:30 PM

Sharon Schellenberg (Piano) 12:30 PM

Fred Penner (Teresa Sargent Hall) 1:00 PM

Library Opening Ceremonies (Teresa Sargent Hall) 3:00 PM

Lucy’s Clown Caboose Magic Show (Linda Smith Story Room) 4:00 PM

Jeannie, Katherine & Nicole Pernal (Piano, Violin & Cello – at Piano) 4:30 PM

Update - A picture of my reading, courtesy Wayne Ayling:

Iskoteo Arts Festival - Busy Week In GP!

Grande Prairie has an amazing week ahead of it! Seriously, tell me the list of events isn't impressive - I dare you!

In all seriousness this is going to be a great week that features the diversity of our community and hopefully will open some people's eyes to the thriving arts and cultural scene in Grande Prairie. The Iskoteo Arts Festival is a combination of new and annual events coordinated to coincide with the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards. Most of the events are free and those that do have a fee attached are supporting good causes. If you're not from GP, there's still time for you to plan a visit!

Tuesday, June 16th
• 4:00pm-8:00pm Muskoseepi Park
Municipal Government Day Check out my Photo Tour of last year's event (free)

• 7:00pm GPRC Glass Gallery
Art of the Peace Juried Art Show Opening Reception(free)

• 7:00pmGPRC Glass Gallery
Art Walk Launch(free)

Wednesday, June 17th
• 4:00pm-5:30pm Public Library
The Local Connections @ Your Library (free)

• 4:30pm-6:30pm Prairie Art Gallery
Bibi Clement "East Meets West" Exhibit Opens (free)

• 7:00pm-10:00pm Montrose Cultural Centre
Chamber of Culture Mixer (free)

Thursday, June 18th
• 1:30pm-2:30pm Public Library
Iskoteo Puppet Play & Story Time for Families (free)

• 3:00pm-5:00pm Centre for Creative Arts
Poetry in French Workshop($30)

• 3:00pm-5:00pm Centre for Creative Arts
Publishing & Publicity Panel($30)

• 7:00pm-9:00pm Public Library
Clem & Muriel Collins Writing Contest Awards Night(free)

Friday, June 19th
• 11:30pm-1:30pm, Montrose Cultural Centre
Frontenac House - Quartet 2009 Book Launch (free)

• 1:30pm Prairie Art Gallery
Best Small Gallery in the World Research Project (free)

• 3:00pm GPRC Performing Arts Centre Entrance
Guided Art Walk (free)

• 6:00pm South Bear Creek Ball Diamonds
Peace Starts At Home Concert for Sunrise House Youth Emergency Shelter ($5)

8:00pm GPRC Performing Arts Centre
Songs at Solstice - Featuring; Danyluk & Card, Trevor Horswill, Amalea Lutsenko, Celeigh Cardinal and Renee Golemba ($12 - $17)

Saturday, June 20th
10:00am-4:00pm Farmer's Market
Summer Solstice Super Market (free)

10:00am-12:00pm Centre for Creative Arts
Memoir: Writing Your Life Workshop with Bob Stallworthy ($30)

1:00pm-3:00pm Rabbit Hole Bookstore
Reading by Sid Marty, author of "The Black Grizzly of Whiskey Creek" (free)

1:30pm-3:30pm GP Friendship Centre
Youth Writing Workshop with Anna Marie Sewell ($10 donation suggested)

5:00pm GPRC Performing Arts Centre
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards Gala (Sold Out)

Sunday, June 21st
10:00am-1:00pm Centre for Creative Arts
Narrative Non-Fiction Workshop with Sid Marty (free)

1:00pm-8:00pm Muskoseepi Park
National Aboriginal Day Celebrations (free)

Week Long Events
• Art Board Show & Auction, Centre for Creative Arts
• Art Show & Sale, Tito's Bistro & Bar
• GP Guild of Artists "Expressions of Light" Art Show & Sale, Unique Gallery

In Portland for the 47th Annual IMCL Conference

First off; Happy Mothers Day! Unfortunately I'm not in Grande Prairie to take my mom out for brunch, I'm starting off this Mother's Day in Portland, Oregon - sitting in Peet's Coffee. So, Mom, the best I can say is that I'm thinking of you and I hope the phone call will suffice - thanks for being you!

I'm in Portland for the 47th Annual Making Cities Liveable Conference (IMCL). I hadn't heard of the event until last fall when all of council was emailed an invitation to come. The invite immediately piqued my interest because Portland has a very good reputation for great neighbourhood planning, redevelopment and public transportation. Added to the fact that the host city has a great reputation the conference has a great program - that really strikes home.

In fact, the sessions really seem to speak to a lot of the themes that are coming out in the public consultation process of our Municipal Development Plan review. Here are a few sessions that caught my eye:

• Cities for health & well-being
Urban planning for physical & social health. Active living & the walkable, bikeable city. Planning for
commuting by foot and bike. Land Use principles for the healthy city. Health effects of sprawl. Sprawl, lack of community & social pathology. Dangers of social isolation for the young & the elderly. Psychological effects of the built environment. Making streets work to improve social & physical health.

• Integrating transit and land-use
Make towns - instead of traffic planning & housing development. Evaluating TODs: case studies. Including transit in development review. Environmental justice in transportation planning. Innovative new TOD projects.
(GP's Transit Master Plan is due to be released shortly)

• Regional planning for healthy cities
Sustainable regional transportation & land-use planning. Promoting regional identity. Curbing sprawl. Focusing development in town centers. Achievements in limiting big box retail.

• Nature in the urban environment
Importance of contact with nature for health & well-being. Natural urban places for exercise, adventure, relaxation & stimulation. Natural beauty & well-being. Designing & restoring parks, community gardens, wild areas. Restoring biodiversity.
(GP has a Urban Park Master Plan being developed right now)

So with all those great sessions (and many others) it looks to be a worthwhile week and I'm happy that I chose to come here and forego the FCM conference that happens at the end of the month in Whistler. During the week I'll be posting from the conference, covering the highlights of the sessions. Registration is today at 1pm and I'm looking forward to getting started!

You Can Still Give Input on GP's New MDP

The city is still going through the public input phase of it's Municipal Development Plan review process. As I mentioned back in October of last year; The MDP is the overarching document that guides all the other plans that the city does so it's principles have a big impact in how our community develops. In fact it literally shapes the way our neighbourhoods grow, mature and redevelop - so it has a big impact on our quality of life

Have your say in how our community grows!


"Media Release
March 17, 2009

City of Grande Prairie Wants Public Input on MDP

Residents interested in helping to plan the direction of development in Grande Prairie are encouraged to attend a Wednesday, March 25 open house.

The session will allow the public to comment on the proposed Municipal Development Plan (MDP). It runs from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion.

“The public forum provides an opportunity to learn about the planning process,” says Planning Manager Michael McIntyre.”People can ask questions and express opinions about land use issues of importance to them.”

The MDP is a planning document used to guide future growth and development while taking into consideration the needs and concerns of citizens.

The existing MDP was initially adopted in 1995.

“Grande Prairie has grown significantly over the last 14 years and our planning documents need to reflect this change,” says MacIntyre. “Public input is important to ensure the plan reflects the interests and values of residents.”

Information has been collected from surveys conducted in June, and through various focus group sessions with local residents and organizations.

The City of Grande Prairie and Lovatt Planning Consultants, with assistance from ISL Engineering and Land Services, is updating the MDP to establish a policy framework and future land use concept that reflects the collective vision of the citizens on a variety of issues such as the type, level and pattern of downtown, industrial, sustainability and commercial development, the need for market affordable housing, sustainability and smart growth principles.

The MDP strives to balance all views expressed in the plan preparation process. It will also incorporate the results of other planning processes under way such as the master plans for Transit and Muskoseepi Park, the Transportation Master Plan and the Land use Bylaw.

Once the public participation phase has been completed, the consultant will draft a new MDP. Council’s Review Committee will evaluate the draft and if it believes the ideals of the community have been represented though the initial process the consultant will then begin the second set of focus groups in order to gain public input on the proposed draft.

The goal is to have the updated plan reviewed by Council in the fall."

Accessible Taxi Launch Pictures

Some pictures from today's media event launching Grande Prairie's first wheelchair accessible commercial taxi. See my previous post (Here) for the background and media release.

Yellow Cabs Owner, Percy Sekora speaks to the media.


DTS President John Minue (left) speaks with Ald. Radborne (middle) and DTS board member Darrell Watchorn.


Darrell become the first Grande Prairie resident to ride in our new taxi as the media looks on.


The ramp is lifted and Darrell is on his way!

GP's First Accessible Taxi Launched Today!

This afternoon I'll be at City Hall for a very special event as Grande Prairie's first wheelchair accessible taxi is launched. I've volunteered on the board of the Disabled Transportation Society for the last few years and serving there has really opened my eyes to the different ways you have to plan your life if you are in a chair. One of the goals we set out was to help our clients and members by exploring options for round the clock service.

Right now DTS can only afford to operate between certain hours. So that means if you wanted to go out to a late movie (or even a late Storm hockey game) you might not be able to get home because the DTS buses stopped operating at 10:30! Also because of the demand clients have to book trips DTS in advance. So, what happens if a visiting friend surprises you with a call asking you out for coffee? Sorry, if you haven't booked your ride with DTS 24 hours in advance we probably can't fit you in.

This new taxi should help solve those kind of things and really improve the quality of life for folks in wheelchairs. Yellow cabs will operate the taxi while it is still owned by DTS which I think is a good arrangement.

I've been working on this since council originally approved the grant a few years ago before I got on the board and I'm happy to see it finally all fall into place.

The city's news release is below:

"Partnership Paves Way For Wheelchair Accessible Taxi

The City of Grande Prairie and the Disabled Transportation Society (DTS) have partnered to provide the community with its first-ever wheelchair accessible taxi.

At a ceremony today, the new unit, a Chevrolet Uplander, operated by Yellow Cab in a lease arrangement, was unveiled at City Hall.

“We are proud to invest in this initiative to ensure a group of our citizens can participate more fully in the community,” says Mayor Dwight Logan. “I commend everyone involved for working hard to see this initiative through to fruition.”

The $50,000 taxi was purchased with the support of a $20,000 grant from the City of Grande Prairie and DTS contributing the $30,000 balance from their own funds.

“This initiative is an important step forward for accessibility,” says John Minue, present of the DTS. “Today’s launch has been more than three years in the making and we’ve overcome several challenges along the way. This is an exciting day.”

DTS and Grande Prairie Transit, the only providers of public wheelchair accessible transportation, have limited hours of operation, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and have limited availability, notes Minue. “The wheelchair accessible taxi will be in service around the clock every day,” he says.

DTS’s door-to-door service requires 24-48 hours advance booking on a first-come, first-served basis. Difficulty in accessing bus stops in winter, restricted transit hours and fixed routes have also meant gaps in service, notes Minue.

The new unit will address a myriad of needs, says Minue. These range from early morning flights, late-evening social events, after-hours trips to and from the hospital, and as an option when the DTS is already booked.

Percy Sekora, Yellow Cab owner, has offered to donate 10 per cent of the profits from the unit to the Society. “I am thrilled to partner in this initiative,” he says. “I am pleased to help fill gaps in service for residents who deserve the opportunity to enjoy social activities or get to appointments readily like able-bodied citizens.”

The new taxi can transport those in wheelchairs and regular passengers. Those wishing to utilize the taxi can make arrangements through Yellow Cabs' regular dispatch at 780-539-3366."

International Human Rights Day

Have you every actually read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? I have to admit that although I'm sure I've seen it many times I couldn't recite it.

I found this clip on the Oscio website and I have to be honest, it gives me chills when I watch it.


The Universal Declaration of Human Rights from Seth Brau on Vimeo.

I can't help but think; what if every nation on Earth abided by the principles laid out here? Or, even closer to home; what if the needs of every person in Canada were addressed in accordance with the Declaration?

Celebrate International Volunteer Day

Today is International Volunteer Day.



Designated by the UN in 1985 International Volunteer Day is a time to thank the volunteers in our communities for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society. During the course of my work on council I've realized that with out volunteers our city would be a very, very different and depressing place.

If you are looking to volunteer, to support the work of volunteers (or even for a way to thank volunteers) in Grande Prairie you should contact the Volunteer Services Bureau.

Thanks to all you volunteers out there!

The Future of Muskoseepi Park

I'm really impressed with how every time we do a survey on recreation the highest rated amenity Grande Prairie has is our urban park, Muskoseepi. The park was largely developed in the early 80's with money from a provincial urban parks program. (Probably one of the best programs the province has ever had if we judge by the success and longevity of the park it left behind!)

Today Muskoseepi stretches from one end of the city to the other and brings together a wide variety of activities and features. The city is doing some planning ahead and developing a Muskoseepi Park Master Plan which will guide the future development and expansion of the park. As with all of our master plans we take community input seriously as part of this process there have been surveys and public input sessions. Before the consultants go away to draw up the final plan based on what they've heard you get one more chance to have your say:

What: Muskoseepi Park Master Plan Review
Where: Muskoseepi Park Pavilion
When: Wednesday, December 3rd - 6:30pm

News Release:

Resident Voice On Muskoseepi Park Future Encouraged

City residents have one further chance to have their say into the future of Muskoseepi Park.

An open house to review the Muskoseepi Park Master Plan is set for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion. This is the last opportunity for residents to provide input prior completion of the plan.

“The first round of public consultation and stakeholder meetings provided valuable feedback and we want to ensure we’ve given residents as much opportunity as possible to participate in this important process,” says Operations Manager Laurie Barry. “A second open house will validate the goals and recommendations are as accurate as possible regarding the community’s vision of this park for the future.”

Muskoseepi Park includes Bear Creek North, the Reservoir, Crystal Lake, Centennial Park, the Trail System, and Bear Creek South.

“We are grateful to all community members who took the time to respond to the public survey,” says Barry. “This input gives us a very good understanding of the issues, ideas, needs and wishes to better meet the needs of our community. This Park is an extremely valuable resource in the City and we want to maximize its potential through the Master Plan.”

Information on the survey feedback will be provided at the Open House.

All the goals will be collected from the public input and these will be formalized into recommendations within the Master Plan. The document is due to be finalized in April for City Council approval.

Free Education for Non-Profit Organizations

I received this note from the Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau. There are a couple of great educational opportunities for anyone involved with non-profit & community based organizations. Check out the VSB website for more great supports for community groups. And, for those looking for something to do, the VSB also maintains a database of volunteering opportunities. My attention grabbing headline aside; only one of the events is actually "free", the other is just very inexpensive.

"- Alberta's Promise is hosting a professional development learning opportunity Community Building in Real Life. This is a sponsored fund development and capacity building workshop being held Thursday, December 5, 2008 from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm in the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion in Grande Prairie.

There is no cost to attend but you must pre-register by Monday, December 1 here. This workshop will examine how a non-profit can use its social cause to change beliefs and behaviours as well as generate new resources. For further information, please contact info@albertaspromise.org or call 402-297-6665. Volunteers, board members and staff members are encouraged to attend. complimentary beverages, snacks and lunch provided.

- Volunteer Alberta and Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau are hosting an information session on Generative Governance, The New Perspective on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Muskoseepi Park Pavilion in Grande Prairie.

This is an opportunity for organizations and their board members to gain some insight into a new and innovative way to govern. Whether your organization has an established succession plan in place or your organization is in the process of developing an effective governance model, we are all looking for individuals who will contribute responsibly to the governance of the organization. The cost to attend is $25.00 for one individual or $50.00 per organization ( 2 or more from the same group). To register, visit here. For more information, please call the VSB office at 780-538-2727"