COUNTY CONNECTIONS FALL 2016

Reeve’s Message

While we will most Infrastructure Initiatives The County’s strategy includes a number of certainly miss the No doubt over the summer, you saw road FireSmart tactics to minimize the risk of wildfire, long summer days construction crews hard at work throughout the and reduce the risk of loss of life and damage to and warm weather, County. Safe and well-maintained transportation infrastructure. fall in the County infrastructure is important to our residents, kicks off a season and Council will continue to make that a Hearing from Us – Listening to You of new activities for priority. Council committed $21.2 million to Thank you to the Grande Prairie & District the entire family. road construction, with cost savings of $4.4 Chamber of Commerce for hosting the State This year, the million due to decrease in fuel costs and many of the County Address this summer. If you County directed projects coming in under budget. The County would like to view the speech, which gives an over $5 million into local recreation, culture and also recently received nearly $10 million in overview of the County’s initiatives and non-profit organizations within the County, provincial grants for waterline and wastewater priorities, it is posted online on our website at City and the region to support programs and developments. We look forward to working www.countygp.ab.ca/stateofthecounty. operations. These are investments into the with the Province and our neighbouring In closing, it was great meeting with so many quality of life and well-being for you and your municipalities on these projects. of you at the County’s open houses this past families. It’s important to County Council that June. We really appreciate these discussions, and these opportunities are easily accessible to our Safety Top of Mind invite your thoughts year-round. Please don’t residents and close to home. The groundbreaking ceremony for new hesitate to give your County Councillors a call to Sexsmith Fire Hall took place in June. The Regional Cooperation at Work discuss your thoughts and ideas, to help us keep scheduled completion of the new fire in touch with your priorities. We are currently working with many of our hall is targeted for early 2017. The County neighbouring municipalities on a Regional contributed $500,000 to the facility and waived Recreation Master Plan to assess the current construction permit fees, with the Province state of the region’s recreation programs, contributing another $350,000 towards the Reeve Leanne Beaupre services and facilities, and ensure we have a plan $1.4 million facility. The recent signing of that will guide us in the delivery of recreation for the Northwest Alberta Emergency Resource years to come. Public consultations took place Agreement among the Peace Regional Fire this over the past year, and we expect the final Chiefs group is also very important to safety document to be released this fall. throughout the region in that it will allow for What’s Inside The Regional Recreation Master Plan is just one quicker deployment of emergency resources throughout Northwestern Alberta. Over 20 of the ways regional cooperation is at work > Councillors’ Corner 2-4 locally. As many of you are aware, we currently partners have signed with more pending. > 2016 Budget Highlights 5-7 have a temporary partnership in place with I want to thank all employees in municipalities the City of Grande Prairie to provide animal throughout our region who came together > Safe Burning 7 adoption services while the SPCA works on through the Grande Prairie Emergency > Permits 8 developing a sustainable business plan. These Partnership (GPREP) to help the citizens of Fort School Zones cooperative initiatives are just a few of the many McMurray, High Level and Little Smoky who > 9 collaborative relationships the County has in were affected by wildfire. A sincere thank you > FCSS Programs 10, 12 place. to County employees for your work in the > Grande Prairie Regional Regional cooperation works effectively Emergency Operations Centre and to those who Animal Care Facility 10 were deployed to the communities. Our County because it taps into the individual strengths > Clairmont Community Night 11 of local municipalities and recognizes that staff brings much expertise and knowledge in municipalities can take different paths to the area of wildfires, recently receiving national > Composting and Digesting Units 13 achieve common regional goals. As we cultivate recognition for our work. > Agricultural Update 14 new relationships, the County continues to FireSmart Canada awarded the County with the > Railway 100th Year Celebration 15 work to ensure that agreements are carefully FireSmart Community Protection Achievement tailored to meet each municipality’s’ unique Award for our dedication to lowering the risk of > Fall Photo Contest 15 needs. wildfire through our Wildfire Mitigation Strategy. > Dino Museum Programs 16-17 > Crosslink County Sportsplex 18-19 countygp.ab.ca > Contact Information 20 1 Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner

Get to know a few of the County’s Councillors; the areas of the County they represent; their priorities; and some of the initiatives, programs and projects underway in our community.

benefit other communities weather we have experienced Sexsmith outside of the County including this summer has made our the north west edge of the City. roads particularly vulnerable to damage. Council is actively Ensuring our community working with Public Works to and the region has access to ensure gravel is applied and a wide range of recreation repair is completed to these opportunities also remains roads to keep them in a safe and a priority. This year we are driveable condition. If there are Bear continuing to invest in and Lake Clairmont any particular roads that require financially support various immediate attention, feel free to recreation and culture facilities contact your area councillor or and organizations. Specific the Public Works department. to Clairmont, the County contributed $615,000 over We have also invested $260,000 the past three years to the to develop the second phase of Clairmont & District Agricultural the Wapiti Dunes Trail System Division 2 Councillor – basing and paving a new road Daryl Beeston Society for the Adventure Park which will eventually connect (Clairmont Parkway Phase 1) to which includes a skate park, to the planned provincial trail Box 665 access the Seniors Lodge and spray park and greenspace system and the City of Grande Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0 other business and residential with picnic tables for outdoor Prairie, MD of Greenview trail Hm: 780-567-4299 developments in what will be activities and a place for systems. In the longer term, we Cell: 780-933-3464 part of downtown Clairmont. families to gather. Kudos to the are looking into developing Eml: [email protected] This is all a part of the Clairmont Clairmont & District Agricultural a trail system in Westlake and Heights Area Structure Plan. Society for your great work Whispering Ridge that will We have provided a grant to in the community. We’ve also eventually link to the City of Hi, I’m Daryl Beeston, Councillor the Clairmont Seniors Centre for Division 2 which includes invested in the development Grande Prairie trail network. to expand their Parking Lot of two softball fields at the the Hamlet of Clairmont We received a GreenTRIP to meet their needs as the Crosslink Country Sportsplex. and surrounding area. Being membership and usage of the funding grant from the province a resident of the County facility continues to grow. Improving accessibility is of Alberta and are currently for 28 years and a council another major priority of looking into the feasibility of member for nearly three years We are ensuring that Council. Various steps are being partnering with the City of I have developed a strong community growth it is done so taken to achieve this priority Grande Prairie to provide public understanding of the needs in a responsible and sustainable including the development of transit service for residents in of the community. During my manner. With more industrial a Transportation Master Plan, Clairmont to better connect tenure as a council member and residential developments revitalization of sidewalks and them to services and amenities I have been working hard to sprouting, we are working streets, expansion of our trail We are also working towards enhance the services, programs to ensure services, programs system, and the possibility of providing a health care clinic for and facilities available to our and amenities are in place a transit system for Clairmont. Clairmont and surrounding area, residents. to support this growth. The The goal of the Transportation as we see there is a need for this province recently provided the Master Plan is to connect more The construction of the Grande and other health care services in County and Aquatera with over of our rural roads with our main Spirit Foundation Seniors Lodge $9 million for a water and sewer our growing community. in Clairmont is well underway arterial roads to make travelling upgrades and expansion from in and out of the County more The new Peace Wapiti School with an anticipated completion the Clairmont Lagoon to the date of early 2017. With the efficient. Division (PWSD) school in wastewater treatment plant Whispering Ridge will serve opening of this new facility, our We have heard many of the in the City of Grande Grande families in the Clairmont area community will be even busier residents’ concerns about the Prairie. This will further aid us in and will be opening 2018. We than it already is. In preparation, condition of the roads in the the sustainable development have invested $465,000 into the the County has started grading, County. The wetter than average of Clairmont, and eventually new playschool which will be

2 countygp.ab.ca Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner

located in the new school. The Services in 2017. We are playschool will be run by our relieved that crime rates have overlays, re-construction and services for current and future Family and Community Support reduced since 2015. We’ve divisional road projects. The landowners and residents Services. We are delighted to also invested $500,000 to the roads being worked on in in the West County and in be working with PWSD on this Town of Sexsmith for a new fire Division 4 this year are the Wembley area. We will continue project. We look forward to hall, as well as $22,500 to the basing and paving of Range to lobby the government to the other doors of opportunity Grande Prairie Technical Search Road 74 from Highway 43 complete the remaining phases that will open as a result of this and Rescue Association. We north to Township Road to expand further west to development and partnership. will continue to do our best to 715; grading of Range Road Beaverlodge, Hythe and Horse proactively plan and anticipate 75 from Highway 43 north Lake First Nation. Keeping our communities the needs of our community. to Township Road 720; and as safe as possible is another Access to high speed internet microsurfacing in the rural for rural residents has been a priority of Council. Due to the I have truly enjoyed hearing subdivisions of Westridge increase in crime rates locally, from, connecting and working priority of Council’s over the Estates and Heritage Point. past decade. We have installed and other communities in the with residents and community Resurfacing for Lakeview province and in the country groups. I will continue to do my over 300 high speed internet Estates has been moved to towers throughout the County over the past couple of years, best to represent the residents 2017. The complete list of this year we approved the in Division 2 and the County to provide residents with access projects can be found on to internet. We recognize addition of another member as a whole. I encourage you page 6. to our Enhanced RCMP Unit to contact me to share any there are some limitations to with another Enhanced RCMP suggestions, questions and We are also working this system. Fibre optics is a member scheduled to join concerns you may have. with Administration on relatively new technology that our Regional Enforcement the development of a has enhanced internet speed Transportation Master Plan, a that we are looking further into. framework that will guide the As there are very few areas of County in improving our road the County where fibre optics network by connecting more have been installed, we will be

Bear rural roads to main paved encouraging internet providers Lake roads to ease travel for our to install more fibre optics in Clairmont residents. our rural areas where internet service is limited. Grande Despite the slowdown Prairie in economy, we are still The Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Wembley experiencing growth in Museum has been open for Dimsdale the County and as a result, nearly one year. The displays, Wedgewood more stress has been placed programs, tours and events on our roads, bridges and have attracted the local other infrastructure. We community, students from

a W p i t i R i v e r M.D. OF will continue lobbying the schools, and tourists from all GREENVIEW NO. 16 provincial government for over the world. We are happy to grant funding to improve our share the great news that the roads and infrastructure. museum has seen over 100,000 Division 4 Councillor/Deputy in the County. A few specific visitors as of June. I am very pleased that the Reeve – Ross Sutherland areas I have been placing province through the Water Several residents have large focus on over this term Box 1027 for Life Program, will be expressed their dismay with have been the development Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4B5 providing funding for Phase the work that was recently of roads, infrastructure and Hm: 780-532-8686 One of the Regional West completed by a company waterlines; as well as tourism Cell: 780-512-5385 County waterline. A waterline at Cutbank Lake to draw and enhancing the services Eml: [email protected] will be installed to run from water out for a fracking available to our rural residents. Aquatera in the City of Grande operation. Although this lake It’s been a privilege serving Road construction season Prairie connecting through is in the County, the usage as councillor for Division 4 is underway. Crews will be the County and into the Town and allocation of water is a (Wembley and Dimsdale area, working hard until mid- of Wembley. This project is responsibility of the Province. and west county) and Deputy October to complete over currently in the engineering We are aware that there was Reeve for the County. My overall 65 km of road surfacing and route selection phase. goal as councillor is to maintain including the paving of This will improve utility gravel roads, surfaced road and improve the quality of life Continued next page

3 Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner

little consultation between the retain and attract more business past president for the Suicide Safety is another top priority company, the province and opportunities. Upgrades to Prevention Resource Centre. of mine. I am proud that our landowners prior to the work the facility are also nearly community has come together Over the remainder of this term being done. The County values complete. I serve as a member through the Grande Prairie my main priority will be to our open spaces, natural habitat, on the Evergreen Park Board of & District Rural Crime Watch continue to help make our rural clean air and clean water and Directors Committee on behalf Association, the Beaverlodge communities stronger, more advocates for responsible use of the County. It has been a Rural Crime Watch Association, vibrant and more independent. by all parties. We have sent pleasure being involved in the Citizens on Patrol and other A few examples of the projects our concerns to the Province planning process. related community forums to I’d like to focus on to ensure asking that more consultation help keep our communities With summer nearing an end, these goals are achieved is occurs prior to this type of as safe and protected from I hope you enjoy what is left of the increased accessibility activity to ensure landowners crime as possible by being it. I wish the farmers a bountiful to recreation and cultural and the County are aware of watchdogs and reporting and safe harvest season! I opportunities such as a new the potential impacts and have suspicious activity. County look forward to continuing multi-use recreational facility for the opportunity to share their Regional Enforcement Services conversations with the residents La Glace. The Joint Recreation concerns. has been closely involved in of Division 4 and the County. Master Plan will be finalized later crime prevention and reduction Evergreen Park is in the If you have any questions, this fall and will serve as a guide measures. midst of creating a long term concerns or ideas, please feel for improving, enhancing, and operational business plan to free to contact me any time. planning the future in parks and Advocating for the recreation in the County as well ongoing maintenance and as the City of Grande Prairie, improvements to roads and the towns of Beaverlodge, infrastructure is also at the

SADDLE Sexsmith and Wembley, Village top of my list of priorities. HILLS COUNTY of Hythe and parts of the We are actively lobbying the MD of Greenview. Expanding provincial government to pave sports, recreation and cultural Secondary Highway 724 north opportunities also extends to to the Saddle Hills border as it the several organizations in the is a heavily travelled road. We

Valhalla region that we support through are pleased that the provincial Centre LaGlace grants annually. government has approved Buffalo Lakes grant funding to replace the Our Family and Community lift station Valhalla. The County Support Services (FCSS) has also approved funding to department’s motto is upgrade the water and sewer Clairmontto enhance the spirit of Bear system in La Glace. Lake communities by inspiring individuals and families. This is I am truly looking forward to the a philosophy I wholly support. learning experiences in my new I would like to continue role as the Division 8 Councillor. I Division 8 Councillor – as your new representative for emphasizing the services will do my best to be the strong Karen Rosvold Division 8. Although I may be ranging from community voice that represents the best relatively new to the world of school liaison, early childhood interests of residents of Division Box 54 municipal government, I have development, several 8 and the County. been a resident of La Glace for community programs, to home La Glace, AB T0H 2J0 Feel free to contact me anytime nearly 30 years and have been support and beyond that are Cell: 780-831-0902 if you any questions, concerns, very engaged in the community. available to our residents; as Eml: [email protected] or feedback. Over the many years into well, look for ways to enhance present time, I have also been our current services and Hello, I’m Karen Rosvold, the an active member of many local partnerships with neighbouring new councillor for Division 8 organizations including the La municipalities, the provincial which includes the La Glace Glace Agricultural Society, the government and local non- and Valhalla area. I would like to Valhalla Charter School, 4H; as profit social organizations. thank those who voted in the well as served as chairperson byelection this May and placed for the Beaverlodge Rural Crime their confidence in me to act Watch Association and the

4 countygp.ab.ca 2016 BUDGET Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Councillors’ Corner Investing in the Present and the Future

The 2016 Final Budget has been approved by County Council. “The County Council is very proud The $120.8 million budget includes estimated expenditures of $72.2 of our 2016 Budget. This budget million for general operations and $48.6 million for capital, 44 per cent takes into consideration the of which is being allocated to capital road projects. current economic circumstances by Council and administration were able to find cost savings of over $4.4 providing residents with services, million due to road construction projects tenders coming in under the previously budgeted amount, as well as in fuel savings. programs they need and planning for the future, while keeping tax The overall 2016 taxable assessment increased $427 million (5.4 per cent increase over 2015) representing an estimated $332 million in new rates very reasonable for residents growth and an increase of $95 million in market value assessment. and businesses. It reflects fiscally responsible management of our resources while ensuring that the

What impact does the budget have on Non-residential properties including County remains an attractive place taxes? machinery & equipment may experience to live and do business.” an increase based on individual The average residential rate payer will see property assessments and changes to their total municipal tax bill increase by 2 per  - Leanne Beaupre, the market value. cent not including requisitions. For example: County Reeve The budget focuses on quality of life An average home assessed at $415,500 • where investments have been made into will see an overall increase of $96 per year. safety including the hiring of an additional Of this, $64 is the provincial education tax Grande Prairie Administration agreeing that Enhanced RCMP member, contributing requisition; $1 is the Senior’s Foundation this addition will add to the overall capacity $500,000 to the Town of Sexsmith’s new fire requisition; and $31 is the County’s of the ball community by alleviating user hall and $22,500 to the Technical Search and municipal tax portion, which supports groups’ league play on neighbourhood Rescue Association to name a few. the provision of municipal programs and diamonds. As part of our commitment services. This sample property will pay a Council and administration understands to the planned provincial trail system, total of $2,583 per year in taxes–$1,587 for the importance of well-maintained and approximately $260,000 of funding will be the municipal services portion plus $996 in connected roads and bridges to help invested to develop part of Phase 2 of requisitions for Provincial Education residents move more efficiently and have the Wapiti Dunes Trails that will link the and Senior’s Foundation. Individual invested $21.2 million into road construction County, City of Grande Prairie and MD of properties will vary depending on the projects and bridge rehabilitation. Due to Greenview networks. different market values of property the continuous growth in the region, over Council and administration also discussed throughout the County. $3.3 million was put towards infrastructure the Fiscal Plan for 2017 in preparation for development for projects such as waterline Provincial Education and Senior’s the 2017 interim budget deliberations that improvements to make our communities Foundation Tax Explained will take place in December of 2016. The more sustainable in the long term. County’s two-year Fiscal Plan allows for a All Alberta municipalities are required to Ensuring our community and the region longer-term and more sustainable approach collect education taxes on behalf of the has access to a wide range of recreation to planning. Flexibility is built into the two- Government of Alberta. The County also opportunities also remains a priority. year fiscal plan for adjustments each year collects on behalf of the Senior Foundation. Approximately $5.07 million has gone into in the event major external changes occur Approximately 23.3 per cent of residential funding local recreation, culture and non- that are beyond the County’s control and taxes are transferred to the province for profit organizations within the County, to accommodate ongoing requests for education purposes and 1 per cent for the City and the region to help support resources and/or funding. Senior Foundation purposes. The County’s their programs, services and operations. education requisition has increased 10 per For further information on the 2016 budget Furthermore, $157,000 (with commitment cent for the year. and taxation rates, please call 780-532-9722 of $100,000 from the South Peace Ball or contact 780-513-3952 for assessment Overall, farmland taxes will remain virtually Association) will be invested into the information. the same as 2015. development of two softball fields for the Crosslink County Sportsplex, with City of Continued next page

5 2016 BUDGET Investing in the Present and the Future

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS R ange Road 74 from Highway 43 north to In addition to road construction and bridge • maintenance, the capital budget includes: Capital Budget Township Road 715 – base and pave 1.6 km • $3.7 million for replacement of vehicles Approximately $21.2 million is being R oad Road 75 from Highway 43 north to and equipment invested in road construction and bridge • Township Road 720 – grade 3.2 km • $3.8 million for water line development maintenance projects. • Township Road 720 from Highway 723 to investments including but not limited to The proposed new construction includes Range Road 94 – base and pave 3.2 km the Bezanson Lagoon maintenance and nearly 65 km of road surfacing including the La Glace Lagoon Restoration project R ange Road 51 from Township Road 724 the paving of gravel roads, surfaced road • north to Township Road 730 – grade 1.6 • $1 million for University of Alberta overlays, re-construction and divisional road km Professorship endowment at the Philip projects. Grant funding for road projects J. Currie Dinosaur Museum for a total is estimated at $2.2 million, including a • R ange Road 41 from Township Road 714 to investment of $2 million $1.2 million Federal Gas Tax Grant and $1 Township Road 715 south – base and pave 1.66 km • $465,000 for new playschool in Whispering million in funding from Provincial Municipal Ridge as part of new Peace Wapiti school Sustainability Initiative (MSI) Grant. • Willowood Estates – microsurface 1.7 km • $260,000 for the development of a portion The following is a current list of road projects • La wra Estates – microsurface 1.7 km of Phase 2 of the Wapiti Dunes Trail System scheduled: • Westridge Estates – microsurface 0.8 km • $257,000 for the development of two • Clair mont West Phase 1/101 Avenue from • Lakeview Estates – microsurface 2.9 km softball diamonds at the Crosslink County 98 Street to 100 Street – curb and gutter M ountain Side Estates – microsurface 1.4 km Sportsplex 0.4 km • • Her itage Point – microsurface 0.6 km • $250,000 for a backup generator for the • Clair mont West Phase 1/98 Street from 100 Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Avenue North to 102 Avenue – final stage • Green Acres – microsurface 0.9 km $135,000 in information technology 0.2 km R ange Road 63 & Bauman Road (extend • • software additions and upgrades 100 Street East from the City Limits to 148 turning lane) – grade, base and pave 0.3 km • Operating Budget Avenue – overlay 0.8 km • Woodland Acres – microsurface 2.2 km The operating budget proposed for 156 Avenue from 98 Street to 100 Street – La wra Estates/Range Road 54 from • • 2016 includes: overlay 0.42 km Township Road 712 North to Woodlake $5.07 million in Community Grants for Clair mont Parkway/Township Road 725 – Estates – microsurface 1.2 km • • organizations such as STARS, Prairie Art grade, base and pave 2 km Eastland Estates – microsurface 1 km • Gallery, Nighthawk Year-Round Recreation • Township Road 730 from Range Road 35 • Horse Lake Road/Township Road 734 from Park, 18 community halls, six community west to Range road 40 – grade 1.6 km Highway 43 to Range Road 120 – base and arenas, seven curling rinks and two • Township Road 721/Beaverlodge Access – pave 7.2 km swimming pools and all of the following: final lift 1.6 km • Woodlake Estates – microsurface 1 km • $600,000 over three years (2015-2017) for • R ange Road 110/Hinton Trail from Highway • Sunr ise Estates – microsurface 0.6 km a total contribution of $1.8 million for the 722 South to Township Road 693 – overlay Approximately $1.2 million ($500,000 funded Bezanson Community Centre Phase 1 8.1 km by MSI Grant) is being invested on bridge • $200,000 for STARS operations over three • R ange Road 63 from City limits north to maintenance for 2016, with approximately years (2016-2018) bringing our total Highway 43X – overlay 2.4 km $1.3 million going into the reserve to contribution to date to $1.64 million • R ange Road 92/Radar Base Road from allocate towards bridge maintenance and • $333,334 over three years (2014-2016) for Township Road 720 to top of hill – overlay replacements in the future. The County a total contribution of $1 million to the 2.3 km has a total of 317 bridges, the most in the La Glace Arena Project province. Formerly, bridges were partially R ange Road 92/Radar Base Road from $150,000 over three years (2015-2017) • funded by the Provincial government. In • Township Road 720 to Highway 32 – chip to the Teepee Creek Ag Events Centre 2013, the province eliminated its bridge seal 3.2 km bringing our total contribution to date to funding program. $900,000 • Township Road 710 from Range Road 114 The County now has to allocate a larger North west to Range Road 120 North – portion of its linear tax revenue to • $65,000 for the Clairmont Agricultural grade, base and pave 3.2 km go towards bridge maintenance and Society Adventure Park Phase 2 bringing • R ange Road 62 from River Road Estates replacement. It is estimated that over our total contribution to date to entrance south to Township Road 704A – $30 million will need to be allocated for $615,000 grade, base and pave 1.5 km required bridge upgrades, repairs and/or • $500,000 for the new Sexsmith Fire Hall • R ange Road 61/Dunes North Road – grade, replacements in the next five years. • $400,000 for operations to the Grande base and pave 0.9 km Prairie Agriculture & Exhibition Society

6 countygp.ab.ca 2016 Budget Continued Safe Burning: Protecting your property, your community, and your pocketbook • $500,000 for operations to the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum As we move out of summer and into the fall obtained a permit, if winds of 15 km/hr season, outdoor burning is still occurring cause an out-of-control blaze, you could be $65,000 over four years (2015-2018) for • regularly in our community. Because many responsible for the cost of bringing in any a total contribution of $260,000 to the fires in the County are caused by human necessary additional resources to help put Grande Prairie Art Gallery error, the County would like to remind out the fire. In the past, these third parties • $260,947 to the Grande Prairie Public everyone to follow safe burning practices at have included Alberta Agriculture and Library all times and to ensure you have an up-to- Forestry as well as security companies. $116,441 for 2016, for Nighthawk date fire permit as well as valid insurance. • The County is also encouraging residents Year-Round Recreation Park for Failure to do so not only impacts your to check with their insurance broker to equipment replacement ($177,500 for own homes and buildings, but also your ensure appropriate fire coverage is in place. 2015, $116,441 for 2016 and $134,191 pocketbook and the community at large. Coverage types for a home or farm are for 2017) for a total contribution of In the past, the Regional Fire Service has commonly known as Forest Fire Fighting $428,132 required assistance from outside agencies to Expense Coverage and/or Firefighting • $50,000 to Evergreen Park for a suppress fires started unlawfully. As a result Expense Coverage. backup generator bringing the total of these unnecessary increases in costs, in The best way to protect yourself, your family contribution to $175,000 2014, Council approved a motion that allows and your community is to ensure that you County Administration to bill citizens for any • $37,398 over four years (2015-2018) for have the proper fire permit and insurance, third-party expenses incurred while battling a total contribution of $149,592 to the and that you familiarize yourself with safe fires that have been caused by not following Grande Prairie Museum burning guidelines prior to lighting any fire. safe burning guidelines. • $41,600 over three years (2015-2018) These guidelines can be found at for a total contribution of $124,800 An example of an unlawful burn occurs if www.countygp.ab.ca/fire. to the South Peace Regional Archives winds are over 12 km/hr. Even if you have Museum • $25,000 over four years (2014-2017) to Grande Prairie Sport Council for a total contribution of $100,000 Thank you Veresen Midstream • $20,000 over five years (2012-2016) for a total contribution of $100,000 to the Compassion House Foundation • $15,000 over two years (2015-2016) for a total contribution of $30,000 for the Grande Prairie Provincial High School Rodeo Finals • $10,000 over three years (2015-2018) for a total contribution of $30,000 for Grade Three Reading University • $25,000 for the Teepee Creek 100th Anniversary • $22,500 for Technical Search and Rescue Association • $20,000 for the University of Alberta Geothermal Energy Project • $1.07 million to the City of Grande Prairie for the tax sharing agreement (share of municipal tax revenue- 20 per cent from co-generational facility and 10 per cent on any new commercial/industrial From left to right: Councillor Karen Rosvold; Councillor Harold Bulford; Councillor Ross Sutherland; Bill development in areas serviced by Kirkham, Versesen Midstream Operations Manager; Terry Dueck, County Facility Coordinator, Darby DeSchipper Veresen Midstream Hythe Plant Coordinator; Councillor Brock Smith; Jordan Pomeroy, Aquatera) to reflect County residents use Veresen Midstream Measurement Technician; Bonnie Fletcher, Veresen Midstream Plant Administrator; of City facilities and Councillor Peter Harris • $205,000 for County Growth Study The reconstruction of the shelter at the Demmitt Campground is now complete. Demmitt $135,000 for Commercial Investment and • Campground visitors can now take advantage of this shelter during their next day or Attraction Strategy thanks to Veresen Midstream’s $15,000 donation. A big thank you to Veresen Midstream • One Enhanced RCMP Officer for investing in quality of life and recreation and tourism opportunities in our community. For more information, please contact It’s greatly appreciated! Bill Rogan, County Administrator at 780-532-9722. 7 It’s My Land, Why REGIONAL Do I Need Permits County Honoured with FireSmart Canada ENFORCEMENT to Develop? Community Protection Achievement Award SERVICES SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS Put simply, permits are required in order to ensure your development complies with various legislation. Development permits are issued by the County under its Land Use Bylaw authorizing development, including excavation, stockpiling, building, additions, and a change in use or intensity of the use of the land or building, to proceed. They are used to regulate and control uses within the County. Development Permits are governed by the County’s Land Use Bylaw and should not be confused with Safety Codes Permits which fall under provincial legislation. Safety Codes Permits are governed by the Alberta Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulations and cover the areas of Building, Plumbing, Gas, Electrical, and Left to right, front: Councillor Daryl Beeston, Ken Atamanchuk – County of Grande Prairie Fire Private Sewage. Permits issued under Marshall, Tom Burton – Secretary with FireSmart Canada, Reeve Leanne Beaupre, Kelly Burke – Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Information Officer, Councillor Brock Smith, Councillor Karen the Alberta Permit Regulations grant Rosvold, Councillor Corey Beck permission to proceed with the work requiring a permit and ensure safety by Left to right, back: Councillor Harold Bulford, Councillor Peter Harris, Councillor Bob Marshall, Forrest Barrett – Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Wildfire Operations Officer, Councillor Ross Sutherland requiring construction to be done in accordance with the Alberta Building Code and other codes and/or practices. FireSmart Canada has awarded the County commendable and we look forward to your To better guide landowners through the of Grande Prairie with the FireSmart continued efforts.” Community Protection Achievement Award permit application process and to gain For the past several years, the County of for their dedication to preventing the risk a greater understanding of why permits Grande Prairie has been working closely with of wildfire impacting their community are necessary for developing within your Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (formerly through the development of a Wildfire land, be sure to visit our website at www. Sustainable Resource Development) Mitigation Strategy. countygp.ab.ca/permits or pick up various to minimize the fire risk on crown land brochures available at the Planning Office “Keeping our community protected from within the County’s boundaries. With located in the Administration Building at the risk of wildfire remains top of mind for the continued growth in population and 10001 84 Avenue in Clairmont. the County,” said Leanne Beaupre, County of development within the County, the need Grande Prairie Reeve. “We thank all of those for a more formal, approved approach to who were involved with the development wildfire mitigation has not only increased and roll-out of the plan for their exceptional dramatically, but is essential to all that work, Busy construction work on helping make the County safe.” live and play on or near forested land. The FireSmart Community Protection In 2015, the County developed the wildfire season underway Achievement Award is a program that mitigation strategy which includes a number recognizes communities throughout of FireSmart tactics to minimize the risk of in the County Canada who have gone above and wildfire, and reduce the risk of loss of life and beyond to complete a FireSmart Plan damage to infrastructure caused by wildfire. Another busy and successful construction for their community and begun to The plan includes planning and vegetation season is almost behind us. implement solutions. In Canada there are management strategies; and close 10 communities, including the County of partnerships with the Alberta government, Construction crews will be working on Grande Prairie, who have received this award. local municipalities, private land owners, select County roads until mid-October. The program has been running annually community/user groups, aboriginal groups Motorists are reminded to obey all signs, since 2012. and businesses to prevent wildfire risks. A flag persons, posted speed limits and large portion of the plan includes programs “Congratulations to the County of Grande exercise extreme caution when travelling and events to educate the community and Prairie for your efforts to understand the through the construction zone and when landowners about the steps they can take to potential impacts wildfire can have on your near crews and equipment. prevent the risk of wildfires. community and putting plans in place The County thanks residents and travellers to reduce the threats,” said Laura Stewart, For more information about the County’s for their patience and cooperation as we FireSmart Canada President. “The proactive fire prevention programs as well as the work to improve our road system. steps you have taken through education, Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, visit planning and vegetation management are www.countygp.ab.ca/fire.

8 countygp.ab.cacountygp.ab.ca REGIONAL ENFORCEMENT SERVICES SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS

School Zones soon take effect How to reach County Regional – Slow down and watch for pedestrians Enforcement Services Do you have a question, dog or cat? The Regional Animal concern or complaint regarding Care Facility services the County School zones will be in traffic enforcement, animal and City of Grande Prairie as well control and/or regulatory as many other municipalities in effect on the days school bylaws enforced by the County? the region. The Regional Animal is in operation throughout Care Center can be reached the THE COUNTY REGIONAL following ways: the County at the following ENFORCEMENT locations and times: SERVICES CAN Phone: 780-830-0199 BE REACHED THE Fax: 780-532-4745 FOLLOWING WAYS: Email: regionalpound@ Rural and Community Phone: 780-532-9727 countygp.ab.ca Fax: 780-567-5576 In Person: – Brochu Industrial School Zones: MAXIMUM Park, 12220 – 104 Avenue, Email: enforcementservices@ Grande Prairie. 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. countygp.ab.ca Animal Pound Services and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. In person: Community Services Shelter Services: Monday to Building – open Monday to 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday from 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4:00 p.m. Closed between noon and Town of Sexsmith & Closed between noon and 1:00 30 1:00 p.m. and statutory holidays. pm and statutory holidays. Town of Wembley: Occurrence Reporting form: Animal Adoption Services: pick up a pamphlet at any local 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to municipal office, complete and 6:00 p.m. Closed between submit it. noon and 1:00 p.m. and Online: go to the County’s statutory holidays. website at www.countygp.ab.ca. The school season is on the Office of Traffic Safety to Click on the heading “I want to”, horizon, and so are school educate drivers about traffic then select “Report” and choose HOW TO REPORT A zones. With that being said, safety; and, will enforce all “A traffic, animal, or bylaw DRUG HOUSE drivers are reminded to watch traffic laws to ensure our roads complaint”. Phone: 780-830-5889 for pedestrians and students and neighbourhoods are as Report a drug house form: walking to and from school; safe as possible. HOW TO REACH THE pick up a pamphlet at any local pay attention; drive safely; Motorists can be ticketed REGIONAL ANIMAL municipal office, complete obey all traffic safety signs and penalized for a number and submit it. and laws; and, slow down – CARE FACILITY of offences including but Online: go to the County’s especially in school zones. For animal shelter, pound not limited to: speeding in services, and adoptions. Do you website at www.countygp.ab.ca. Also, students need to take a school zone; passing a have questions about a lost pet? Click on the heading “I want to”, precautions and practice school bus; failing to yield to a Do you think it has been picked then select “Report” and choose crosswalk safety and watch pedestrian in a crosswalk; and, up and may be in the pound? “A Drug House”. for traffic. overtaking or passing a vehicle Are you interested in adopting a stopped at a crosswalk. These Peace Officers and RCMP will fines range from $57 to $575. be frequently patrolling school zones, especially during the For more information on Permit Required for Fireworks first few weeks of school to Alberta’s traffic safety laws visit re-enforce safe driving habits. www.transportation.alberta.ca. Wanting to light off fireworks? You will require a permit before you For more information on do so. Permit applications must be made in person at the County The County Regional school zones or traffic safety Community Services Building. There is no fee for a consumer permit; Enforcement Services will programs, please contact the however, there is a $100 annual fee for businesses to sell, offer for sale continue to collaborate with Regional Enforcement Services and store for the purposes of selling fireworks. For more information, the media, its traffic safety department at 780-532-9727. please refer to the Fireworks FAQs at www.countygp.ab.ca/fireworks. partners groups, and the

9 Early Childhood Programs Starting Up Again in the Fall

The County of Grande Prairie The following Playschools will offer programs this upcoming 2016-17 year: FCSS department offers a variety of early childhood Program Instructor Contact Days/Time Start Date development programs for Bezanson 780-518-0981 Theresa McLeod M/W: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. October 3 families throughout the County. Playschool [email protected] Currently, there are Playschool programs in Bezanson, Clairmont 780-567-3553 3 programs - varying days Tracy Johnston October 6 Clairmont, Elmworth, La Glace, Playschool [email protected] and times and Valhalla Centre, as well Elmworth 780-354-6538 as Parent and Tot programs Angie Sanderson M/W: 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. October 3 in Bezanson, Clairmont, Playschool [email protected] Beaverlodge and Hythe. For La Glace 780-505-0785 more information on these and Elissa Moe M/W: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. October 3 other play programs the County Playschool [email protected] offers, please contact FCSS Valhalla 780-380-4542 at 780-532-9727 or visit the Reanna Stockman T/TH: 12:40 – 3:40 p.m. October 4 Family and Community Support Playschool [email protected] Services department section on our website www.countygp. ab.ca. Please contact the instructors for more information about registration and fees.

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL ANIMAL CARE FACILITY TO THE RESCUE

The Grande Prairie Regional Animal Care Facility is now Contact Information open to temporarily replace the services o ered by Contact us with any questions about surrendering the Grande Prairie and District SPCA. The Facility will animals, animal adoption, a lost pet, or if you want to ensure the continuation of safe and humane animal care nd out if your pet is in the pound. by delivering Pound, Adoption, and Animal Shelter Phone: 780-830-0199 Services. Facebook: www.facebook.com/gpracf Pound Services Email: [email protected] The animal pound provides temporary holding of In Person: 12220-104 Avenue, Grande Prairie animals that are lost or stray, picked up by animal (Brochu Industrial Park) control, or are the subject of an investigation because of Website: www.countygp.ab.ca/animalcare a bite or a necessary quarantine. The main goal of the www.cityofgp.com/animalcare pound is to return animals to their owners. Animal Shelter and Pound Services Animal Shelter Services Hours of Operation are as follows: Animals that are surrendered by owners will go up for Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. adoption immediately. Closed between noon and 1:00 p.m. Adoption Services Sunday noon to 4:00 p.m. Approximately 1,000 animals will be adopted in the Closed on all statutory holidays Grande Prairie region this year! All animals available for Animal Adoptions Services adoption are checked by a veterinarian, dewormed, Hours of Operation are as follows: micro-chipped and given a rst set of vaccinations. Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All animals come with a 50% o voucher for spaying or Closed between noon and 1:00 p.m. neutering services. Closed on all statutory holidays Adoption Rates Stay tuned for the possibility of expanded At the Grande Prairie Regional Animal Care Facility, adoption service hours animal adoption fees are a ordable! New Adoption Rates Puppies $200 Adult Dogs $175 Senior Dogs $100 Kittens $90 Adult Cats $80 Senior Cats $50 Please see our Facebook page wwwfacebookcom/gpracf to view some of the animals up for adoption!

10 countygp.ab.ca Clairmont Community Night and Teacher Meet & Greet Join us on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Clairmont Community School Family and Community for a fun and social evening! Support Services Is Turning Meet and greet the Clairmont Community School teachers from 6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. in the gymnasium. 50 Years Young Get answers to your questions by visiting the agency and In 1966, the Social Credit Government created a new entity to community organization displays as they showcase their services. address preventive social services in the Province of Alberta. This new Explore volunteer opportunities in your community. Legislation, the Preventive Social Services (PSS) Act and Regulations allowed a partnership between the province and municipalities For more information contact the Wellington Resource Centre at to look at the social needs of their own communities and design 780-567-2843. preventive programs to meet them. In 1981, the Act was renamed Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). The province provides funding to municipalities which they must match with at Supporting Our Youth and least 20 cent dollars (an 80/20 split). Families with the Community The County of Grande Prairie was quick to get in on this new initiative and joined with the City of Grande Prairie, the towns of Beaverlodge School Liaison Program and Sexsmith and the Village of Hythe to establish a multi-municipal FCSS program. They held the first meeting of their regional board It is not uncommon for students needs, increasing in-school in 1967. Initially the program offered Family Service Counselling, who experience difficulties in functioning, enhancing the playschool programs, and Home Making – now called Home Support. life to act out at home and at relationship between the school. Common problems for student, school and family, and The partnership continued until 1981 when the County decided to grade school-aged children, improving family functioning forge their own program and withdrew from the partnership. including those within our and well-being. community, include behavioural Today FCSS programs are located in 207 communities across Alberta, This goal of increasing school concerns, issues with emotional serving almost 100 per cent of the population! The total population success is accomplished by health, difficulties with friends residing in municipalities not participating in FCSS is less than 3,800. connecting Community School or peers, concerns about school, Liaison Counsellors in order to The uniqueness of FCSS is its ability to adapt to the needs of its family conflict, separation and provide support and to act as community and citizens. The regulations provide guidelines for types divorce, and family-school a liaison between community relationships. of services and programs and identifies the desired outcomes for agencies, schools and families. society/individuals including: To support the needs of We know that this coordination children experiencing these of resources leads to better • S elf-reliance, resilience and function in a positive manner difficult situations, the County’s outcomes for youth, and • P ositive social relationships Family and Community Support this is why the Liaison role is • S ocial engagement and contribution to their community Services (FCSS) department so essential to building and • R emaining active participants in their communities, and administers the Community maintaining our thriving and • A ddressing social issues and influence change School Liaison Program. successful communities. The province of Alberta can take great pride in this innovative The Community School Liaison Youth who are having difficulty program that has stood the test of time. We are the envy of other Program is a tremendous reaching their true potential can provinces as no other province has anything similar! asset for the students and be referred to the program by families connected to Valhalla teachers, school administrators, The County of Grande Prairie FCSS offers a variety of direct services Community School and the parents, community agencies and programs and provides funding to partner agencies. We’re 14 schools within the Peace and by students themselves. excited about our 50th anniversary serving our residents. Stay tuned Wapiti School Division No. 76. This wide array of people who for more information about various 50th anniversary events that will The Program provides support can make referrals ensures be held in the coming year. for children and their families speedy access to help, and when difficulties arise either increases the chance that at home or at school. This students who need assistance Seniors Walk and Talk Program runs every includes providing information will be identified early. and referrals to community Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information or to resources, assessments and provide a referral for a family or starting October 27, 2016 through April 27, consultations, counselling and child who may be in need of parenting support services. 2017 at the Crosslink County Sportsplex. Take this community enhancement The primary goal of the program, contact 780-532-9727, a walk, jog or run around the 240 metre Happy program is to increase email [email protected], or Trails Track, meet and greet other seniors, and youth’s success at school by talk to your child’s school. supporting their emotional enjoy a coffee. Admission is free. 11 WELLINGTON RESOURCE CENTRE Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in the Wellington Resource Centre (WRC) o ers programs that focus on promoting the healthy development of children and families; and improving the quality of life for families, seniors, youth, children and adults. The facility, attached to the Clairmont Community School, is a partnership between the Peace Wapiti School Division 76 and the County of Grande Prairie.

PROGRAMS FOR South Peace Family Literacy Home Alone MULTI PURPOSE ROOM ADULTS, FAMILIES AND Programs • Open to children ages 9-11 AND OFFICE SPACE FOR • Teaches self-care and safety CHILDREN: St. Johns Ambulance NON PROFIT AND skills that build condence to babysitting course COMMUNITY GROUPS: Parents and Tots stay home alone for short • Ideal for youth ages 11 and up • Free for non-prot and • Drop in. Admission is free, periods of time donations welcomed • Learn necessary skills to care community groups • Open to children ages 0-6 and for infants, toddlers and Parenting Workshops • Ideal for meetings, training, preschoolers while babysitting seminars, exercises, crafts and caregivers Community Volunteer Income • Enhance awareness and safety more (no birthday parties) • A great opportunity to bring Tax Program skills needed when babysitting • To book contact the WRC at your child out for crafts, games, • Provide income tax services to and caring for others 780-567-2843 play and story time, sing along low income residents and to make friends Babies Best Start OTHER ONE STOP Clairmont Snow Angel • Available in Clairmont starting • The program is available for SERVICES: on September 15 and Program pregnant women and parents • Information and referral Bezanson on September 13 • Available to anyone who is of all ages with a focus on services to various agencies experiencing disruptions in promoting healthy pregnancies and programs Alberta Health Services their ability to shovel their and healthy child development. • Resume faxing and printing Immunizations walkways or driveways • Second Tuesday of every It also empowers expecting or • People of all ages can take part WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS month current mothers to make and volunteer to become a OPERATE IN THE WRC? healthy lifestyle choices by • For appointment, call the Snow Angel Health Unit at 780-513-7500 o ering nutritional counselling, Clairmont Preschool one-on-one support, peer PROGRAMS AND 780-567-3553 support, education, SERVICES AVAILABLE YMCA Daycare breastfeeding information and 780-567-3347 community connections FOR THE RETIRED OR • Contact 780-532-5766 for SEMI RETIRED: CONTACT INFORMATION: more information • Referral services and advocacy 10407 – 97 Street for seniors Clairmont, Alberta, T0H 0W0 South Peace Rural Community • Assistance completing Adult Learning Opportunities Phone: 780-567-2843 government forms including Email: [email protected] Visit www.sprcl.ca for list of AOS, CPP, and GIS applications courses and programs • Assistance completing Alberta Ideas for new opportunities and Food Bank Special Needs applications programs are always welcome! • Drop items o between noon • Home support services and 2 p.m. every Wednesday through County of Grande • Christmas Hampers Prairie FCSS applications accepted in November

To stay updated on the WRC’s and other community events nd us on Facebook 12 by searching Wellington Resource Centre, Clairmont Alberta and “Like Us”! How to make requests for sponsorship Are you a community group Community Services Building or organization looking for between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. support whether it is through excluding the lunch hour and sponsorship for a fundraising holidays. or community event? If so, the Requests will only be accepted County may be able to help you. • quarterly. Submit the request In order for your request to be COMPOSTING AND form for sponsorship by the properly processed and possibly following deadlines: granted by the Recreation DIGESTING UNITS FOR Advisory Committee and County Deadline: September 1, 2016 Council, the following steps must Event date: October, November, SALE! be completed: December 2016 • Complete the Council Deadline: December 1, 2016 Meeting Sponsorship and Event date: January, February, Interested in reducing waste and giving back to the Silent Auction Items Request March 2017 environment? Purchase your very own Earth Machine Form available online at www. Deadline: March 1, 2017 countygp.ab.ca by searching Event date: April, May, June 2017 Composting Unit or Green Cone Digester Unit to use in “Event Sponsorships”, or grab a hard copy at the Community Deadline: June 1, 2017 your yard at home today! Services Building located on Event date: July, August, Township Road 724 (1 mile September 2017 west on Highway 2). For more information, visit • Submit the completed form by www.countygp.ab.ca or EARTH MACHINE COMPOSTER email to parksandrecreation@ contact the Parks and countygp.ab.ca or in person Recreation department at Cost: $60 to the front reception of the parksandrecreation@countygp. • Accepts grass clippings, leaves ab.ca or 780-532-9727. and debris and fruits and vegetables • Easy to use and assemble Have a vision for your culture or • Converts organic material to recreational facility or program nutrient-rich soil • Easy to remove composted but don’t have the funds to make material it a reality? • 10-year warranty If so, then you may be eligible improvements that exceed • Rodent Resistant for grant funding through the $50,000. County’s various recreation and Amount available: $50,000 or culture grant programs! more Check out the various grants The 100th Anniversary Grant available to non-profit GREEN CONE FOOD DIGESTER The 100th Anniversary Grant community groups and facilities: supports communities that Cost: $120 The Capital Assistance Grant are celebrating their 100th • Accepts kitchen scraps The Capital Assistance Grant year with a special event including meat, bones, dairy, assists groups who own or or commemorative capital cooked and processed foods, operate a recreational or cultural improvement. facility that needs facility or grains, and pet waste Amount available: infrastructure improvements. • Simple and easy to use up to $25,000 Groups may apply for up to • No need to stir 50 per cent of their total • No by-product project cost. The Capital Assistance Grant, • Converts material to liquid and the Major Capital Grant and the enters surrounding yard Amount available: Between 100th Anniversary Grant are providing nutrients to the soil $5,000 and $50,000 accepting applications The Major Capital Grant until October 1, 2016. The Major Capital Grant assists To start the application process groups who own or operate a visit www.countygp.ab.ca recreational or cultural facility For more information and to purchase a unit, that need facility or infrastructure visit www.countygp.ab.ca/homecomposting 13 Agriculture Update

The Agriculture department is having Youth Agriculture Discovery Tour a Hit another busy summer. While the weather On June 2nd, we hosted our first Youth has greatly benefited crop growth, we have Agriculture Discovery Tour. The grade threes also experienced a big increase in weed from Wembley Elementary School were growth. Our vegetation management taken on a tour of the Scenic Heights Farm program is well underway with crews having where they learned about lamb, poultry and made their first rounds on most of our grain operations. After a BBQ lunch, they roadsides and industrial areas. We have had went to the Balisky Farm where they learned help from various community groups who about pigs, cattle handling, 4H, gardening, were participants in this year’s Weed Warrior and riding. Judging by the big grins and Program – a fundraising program for non- enthusiastic chatter, it was an exciting day profit groups. These groups spend an hour for the kids, filled with learning about where learning about noxious weeds and why they their food comes from, and the hard work matter before going out to help our weed that goes into producing it. picking crew combat noxious weeds in The Agricultural Service Board has expressed the County in exchange for $500. For more the need for more educational opportunities information about this program visit the for children, with regards to agriculture, Agriculture section on www.countygp.ab.ca. and has tasked our Agriculture department to provide and expand on our current agricultural education for youth. Hosting the Youth Agriculture Discovery Tour is one of the programs the County will begin Did You Know? to offer as part of this initiative. We are looking forward to hosting more events and Did you know that programs for our youth to participate in. empty dairy-free flavoured coffee creamers can now be returned to any Alberta Depots for a In spite of all of the rain, mowers have rebate? gotten well over half of the roadsides cut in the County, and have also assisted Alberta The most common Transportation with mowing the median non-dairy liquid between Highway 43 and the railroad tracks coffee creamers that in Clairmont. will be accepted are the International With the weeds come weed inspectors, who Delight creamers provide people with information packages if and the Coffee-Mate they see weeds on their property that need creamers. These to be addressed. Thank you to everyone who Annual Agriculture Tour products are registered in multiple flavours has cooperated with our weed inspectors. If The County’s annual Agriculture Tour took and several different sized containers, all you spot any noxious weeds in the County, place on August 25. It was a resounding of which are to be accepted for a 10 cent please give us a call at 780-532-9727. success. After the hearty breakfast, guests refund. Don’t forget to toss them in your were taken on a tour of a grain farming refundable bottle bin. operation that grows barley in their rotation, and a cattle feeding operation that uses County Bottle Donation Program Accepts spent barley from the local brewery. The Refundable Bottles Tour concluded at the Grande Prairie As part of our Bottle Donation Program, Brewing Company where they got to sample all of the County’s recycling and waste the beer made from locally produced grain. management facilities as well as transfer The next Agriculture Tour will take place stations accepts these creamer containers in summer of 2017. For more information, along with other refundable beverage Noxious Oxeye Daisy contact the Agriculture department at containers. Proceeds raised from these 780-532-9727. containers to go directly to several local non-profit organizations. For more information about this program visit www.countygp.ab.ca/bottleprogram.

14 countygp.ab.ca TH The County of Grande Prairie & RAILWAY 100 Watsons foto source presents the ANNIVERSARY Fall Phase CELEBRATION Photo Contest CATEGORIES Scenes of the County - photos People Engaged in Agriculture - including but not limited to photos including but not limited Join the Town of Sexsmith as they celebrate speci c scenes and sites. to individuals and families active 100 years of rail service to the South Peace. in farm work, engaging in People at work - photos including agricultural activities such as Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 1-6 p.m. but not limited to people at work gardening, farming, harvesting, sites, employee picnics, loading bales, horseback riding, construction sites, in the oce, in sheep shearing, animal feeding Downtown Sexsmith the eld, in the ward/medical and 4-H events. oce and in the bush. Fan Favourite - At the end of each Sports, Recreation and Culture in phase, the top photos entered in the County - photos including the speci c phase will be posted Bring the whole family out for but not limited to indoor and on the County of Grande Prairie's outdoor sports, recreation and Facebook Page for the public to games & activities including: cultural activities, events and vote on. The public will have two festivals. weeks to "like" their favourite • Fish pond for children • 2 by 4 go-go races for photo(s). The photos that get the under 6 ages 13 and up most likes will be announced and awarded with prizes at the • Three legged races • Turkey shoot competition County's 13th Annual Photo Contest Evening in March 2017. • Sack races • Fiddlers’ jamboree • Wheel barrow races for • Old railroad stories told by ages 7-12 the early railroad • Horseshoes employees themselves • Raw egg race • Late lunch by donation

Event is free to attend, however cash Here Comes the 4 o'clock Train by Judith Standring Making Memories by Darryl Smith donations are greatly appreciated! We hope to see you there!

Barnyard Capers by Darla Lukac Rail Lights by Wendy Kempert

Deadline to submit photos November th Photos must be taken during the season of fall but do not need to be taken in 2016. Photos must be taken within the County of Grande Prairie.

YEAR END PRIZES: Photographer of the overall best PRIZES: picture for the whole year from each of the categories ST PLACE win a $250 gift card from Watson's Foto Source and a for each of the categories 12" by 18" metal print of their winning photo. Overall win a Watson’s $100 gift card best photos will be featured at the Crosslink County Sportsplex. All contestants will also receive a voucher ND 2 PLACE for 25 free prints at Watson's Foto Source. for each of the categories Winning photos will also be featured on the County's win a Watson’s $50 gift card Facebook Page, website. All photos will be featured at for photo nishing the 13th Annual Photo Contest Evening in early 2017. RD PLACE For full contest details and photo upload instructions for each of the categories visit www.countygp.ab.ca/photocontest, or go to the win a Watson’s $25 gift card County of Grande Prairie Administration Building at for photo nishing 10001-84 Avenue in Clairmont for print copies. 15 UPCOMING EVENTS, LECTURES AND PROGRAMS

LECTURE SERIES FALL HOURS (September 1 to October 31) Tuesday-Friday...... 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. SEPTEMBER 24 – 3:00 P.M. OCTOBER 15 - 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Sunday...... 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Derek Larson, Assistant Curator at the Scott Raymond, Archaeologist Monday...... CLOSED Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum Topic: Andean Civilization before the WINTER/SPRING HOURS Topic: The teeth and diet of modern Incas (November 1 to April 30) monitor lizards and extinct meat-eating Tuesday-Thursday...... 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. About Scott: Working at the dinosaurs Friday...... 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. University of Calgary. Scott Raymond Saturday, Sunday...... 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. About Derek Larson: Derek Larson, is an Archaeologistwho studies Monday...... CLOSED Assistant Curator at the Philip J. Currie ancient South American cultures. ADMISSION RATES Dinosaur Museum, discusses the diet of Adult...... $14 monitor lizards like the Komodo dragon DECEMBER 10 - 3:00 P.M. Senior/Veteran...... $11 and what that can tell us about the diet Dr. Jason Donev, Physicist Students (with ID) and youth (5-17)...... $7 of “meat-eating” dinosaurs and their Topic: Energy, Poverty and Climate Children under 5 ...... Free close relative, the birds, in the Change: Humanity’s Great Challenge Cretaceous. Family ...... $40 About Dr. Doney: Dr. Donev is a (2 adults and up to 4 children) nuclear power, electricity and Group of 10 or more people SHOWTIMES thermodynamics instructor at the Adult...... $11 Senior...... $7 University of Calgary. Youth (5-17)...... $5 11 a.m. DEEPSEA CHALLENGE ADDITIONAL 12 p.m. SEA MONSTERS If you are interested in National Geographic Film ...... $2 Special Exhibitions ...... $2 1 p.m. DEEPSEA CHALLENGE attending a lecture, email Alberta Motor Association 2 p.m. LIVING IN THE AGE OF AIRPLANES [email protected] or Members received 10% off call 587-771-0662. National Geographic Theatre Only 3 p.m. DEEPSEA CHALLENGE Adult...... $5 Students/Seniors/ Youth (5-17).....$2.50 4 p.m. SEA MONSTERS

5 p.m. DEEPSEA CHALLENGE

6 p.m. SEA MONSTERS 16 CURIOUS CRITTERS: DINOSAURS IN FLIGHT ROCK AROUND THE MUSEUM A brand August 24, 25 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. new travelling Open to children ages 4-6 exhibit Dinosaur’s in Cost: $5/child Flight opens to the Learn about geology, listen to a story, learn about different public on rocks and mineral and make your own miniature volcano to September 10, take home! This single session is offered on separate two 2016 (will be on dates. display until Pre-registration is recommended. January 6, Maximum 10 children per program. 2017). SO YOU WANT TO BE A PALAEONTOLOGIST: METEOR MADNESS WRAP UP PARTY August 24, 25 | 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open to children ages 7 to 12 Cost: $10/child Join us as we wrap up the summer programming for space themed craft making. This single session is offered on separate two dates. AMBER BALL GALA Pre-registration is recommended. Maximum 15 children per session. Join us in celebrating the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum’s first anniversary for an evening of exceptional ambiance, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM fabulous culinary cuisine, live August 26-27, September 16-17 | 7:30 p.m.–9:30 a.m. entertainment featuring the Jim Cuddy Open to ages 7 and up. All youth must be accompanied by an adult Trio and dancing with DJ Groove N’ Tonic. Cost: $60/person All proceeds raised at event will go Here is your chance to spend the night in the world of millions of year towards the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur ago with life-size, dinosaurs. Not only will you explore the fascinating Museum. Contact [email protected] world of dinosaurs, you will be sleeping right next to the gallery of our or 587-771-0662 extension 407 to register ancient creatures! With this event we will take you on an experience that and for more information. you will never forget. Night at the Museum includes: 6 p.m. Friday, September 9 • A National Geographic Experience in the Aykroyd Family Theatre Cost: $250/person • Story time • Cretaceous Music Location: Entrec Centre, Evergreen Park • Snacks and breakfast (Additional food may be ordered) Dress: Black Tie, Formal Dress Please inquire when booking. It is recommended that you register your child at least one week prior. Space is limited. PIPESTONE CREEK BONEBED TOUR August 27, 28 at 10:30 a.m. | 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Open to all ages Cost: $5/person (minimum four participants required for tour to proceed)

The calendar of event is subject to change. For more information and to register for our programs visit www.dinomuseum.ca or contact 587-771-0662.

17 CROSSLINK COUNTY SPORTSPLE PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Northwest unior Hockey League Learn to Skate The NWJHL is back in action! Come and cheer the JDA Our next sessions of Pre-School 1, Pre-School 2, Level 1 County Kings on at the Crosslink County Sportsplex! and Level 2 will run from Monday to Thursday starting Find their full schedule at www.nwjhl.com. The Players’ on October 4. Visit our website for lesson schedule. Bench Lounge and Tito’s are here to provide the Kings’ fans with a variety of tasty food and beverages during Adult NonContact Hockey League the games. We are proud to host the NCHL, which is new to our region. Late registrations for free agents are welcome. U U8 and U Indoor Soccer Fun Leagues For more information, visit www.nchl.com or contact Enroll your child in the fall league from 10 a.m. to 1 Nick Fleehart at 587-432-5955. SANTA SKATE p.m. every Saturday. U5 is for children born between 2011 and 2013, U8 is for children born between 2008 Indoor Batting Cage Join us on Sunday, December 11 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. when we and 2010, and U11 is for children born between 2005 Enjoy using our new drop-down batting cage in the host our Annual Santa Skate in partnership with the Community and 2007. The next session runs from September 24 to Trican Fieldhouse during drop-in times or rent it for Whether you are looking to drop in for a skate, Foundation for the County of Grande Prairie Fireghters. Come and November 19 (excluding Thanksgiving weekend). your own group. Baseball pitching machine, bats and Please register early, and let us know if you would like helmets are also available for rent. Visit our website for join a yoga class, keep your child busy, enroll in Skate with Santa, meet your reghters, and enjoy hot chocolate to coach or volunteer to receive a $30 discount. drop-in times and pricing. one of the many sports leagues o ered, or rent and candy canes. Admission is by donation of food or cash to the Adult Shinny and Stick & Puck any of our various recreational spaces for Seniors Walk n Talk Community Food Bank. Take a walk, jog or run around the track, and meet and Check website for drop-in schedule. practices or special occasions, the Crosslink greet with other seniors Monday to Friday from 8:30 Lunch Time Stick & Puck County Sportsplex has activities suited for STATUTORY HOLIDAYS & SCHOOL BREAKS a.m. to noon. $3 for drop-in, or purchase a 10-punch Open to all ages from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We o er several fun-lled drop-in programs designed to keep the convenience card for $30. The County of Grande Prairie everyone. weekdays. Check website for additional drop-in times. kids busy and active while they are out of school. Check our website sponsors this for free admission every Thursday morning from October 27, 2016 until April 20, 2017. MOTION FITNESS or give us a call for more information and for program schedules. & Under Stick & Puck Open to people ages 13 and under. Work on your Located on the second oor of the facility. Visit Tender Tots shooting, stick handling, passing or general skills. No www.motiontness.ca, call 780-830-3880, or stop in In the Trican Fieldhouse from 9:30 a.m. to noon every BIRTHDAY AND SPECIAL OCCASION PARTY PACKAGES shinny during this session, skill development only. for membership rates. Try their rice bowls and weekday - walk the track or socialize with friends or Book your party on the ice rink, dry oor rink (seasonal), eldhouse Goalies permitted to practice taking shots. Check Ice protein smoothies for a boost to your workout. other parents while your child plays with our variety of Calendar on website for program times. or outdoor elds. Bouncy castle rentals and pizza parties available. toys on the eld. Bouncy castles will be set up on ERNIES SPORTS EPERTS Visit our website for more information on party package options Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Vinyasa & Hatha Yoga Located on the rst oor of the facility for all of your These classes are smooth owing and are ideal for and pricing. Bouncy Castle Days skate sharpening and sporting goods needs. every age of beginner to intermediate Yogis looking to Bring the kids in for extreme fun on Mondays, relieve stress, increase energy, improve exibility and PLAYERS BENCH PUBLIC SKATE Wednesdays and Fridays when we set up our bouncy get into deep relaxation. Purchase a 10-punch pass or FAMILY SPORTS LOUNGE Every weekday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Check website castles during Tender Tots! Older kids that are out of drop in to the variety of classes to nd out which one is school on Friday afternoons can come and join the fun Enjoy some delicious food and beverages in the for additional public skate times. right for you. fully licensed lounge while cheering on your until 2 p.m. Come and check out our new Jungle Run favorite players or watching your favorite game. For SPORTS AND RECREATION AREAS IDEAL FOR: and Dragon Blast! Beginner Gentle Flow Drop-In: Tuesdays & Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and encompasses a full catering or to pre-order, call them at 587-299-9001. KnockerBall Rentals hour of a variety of poses and stretches for any level of • hockey • baseball • dry-land Rent our KnockerBalls for birthday parties, company TITOS CONCESSION yogi to relieve stress and get a deeper stretch. • skating • ball hockey training outings, fundraisers, youth groups, camps, corporate Located on the rst oor of the facility for quick and • skating • box sports (seasonal) events, team building and more! Choose from many Community Drop-In Power Class: Tuesdays from 6:15 healthy food and to give the kids a treat after dierent games such as Knocker Soccer, Red Rover, playing their best game. For catering for your • soccer • kids camps • slo-pitch p.m. to 7:15 p.m. All levels of yogis can say hello to Last Man Standing and more. Ideal for people ages 9 happy hips and a happy spine while “kicking it up a parties or special events, call them at 587-259-0940. • cricket • tackle & touch • short and and up (minimum height requirement - 4 ft). Check notch” and getting into amazing shape. • lacrosse football long distance website or give us a call for more information and • rugby • athletic running pricing. Yoga-ssage (Pre-registered only): Fridays for ve weeks beginning September 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 • ringette training • tness training p.m. All of these classes can be modi ed to meet any • softball • conditioning and classes individual needs. *Check our website and Facebook • sports camps for additional classes or schedule changes. camps

Visit www.crosslinkcountysportsplex.com or call “Like” us on Facebook or “follow” us on 780-830-7407 for more information including facility Twitter at cgpsportsplex for updates on hours, services, user rates, facility rentals. our events and programs CROSSLINK COUNTY SPORTSPLE PROGRAMS & SERVICES

Northwest unior Hockey League Learn to Skate The NWJHL is back in action! Come and cheer the JDA Our next sessions of Pre-School 1, Pre-School 2, Level 1 County Kings on at the Crosslink County Sportsplex! and Level 2 will run from Monday to Thursday starting Find their full schedule at www.nwjhl.com. The Players’ on October 4. Visit our website for lesson schedule. Bench Lounge and Tito’s are here to provide the Kings’ fans with a variety of tasty food and beverages during Adult NonContact Hockey League the games. We are proud to host the NCHL, which is new to our region. Late registrations for free agents are welcome. U U8 and U Indoor Soccer Fun Leagues For more information, visit www.nchl.com or contact Enroll your child in the fall league from 10 a.m. to 1 Nick Fleehart at 587-432-5955. p.m. every Saturday. U5 is for children born between 2011 and 2013, U8 is for children born between 2008 Indoor Batting Cage and 2010, and U11 is for children born between 2005 Enjoy using our new drop-down batting cage in the and 2007. The next session runs from September 24 to Trican Fieldhouse during drop-in times or rent it for November 19 (excluding Thanksgiving weekend). your own group. Baseball pitching machine, bats and Please register early, and let us know if you would like helmets are also available for rent. Visit our website for to coach or volunteer to receive a $30 discount. drop-in times and pricing.

Seniors Walk n Talk Adult Shinny and Stick & Puck Take a walk, jog or run around the track, and meet and Check website for drop-in schedule. greet with other seniors Monday to Friday from 8:30 Lunch Time Stick & Puck a.m. to noon. $3 for drop-in, or purchase a 10-punch Open to all ages from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. convenience card for $30. The County of Grande Prairie weekdays. Check website for additional drop-in times. sponsors this for free admission every Thursday morning from October 27, 2016 until April 20, 2017. & Under Stick & Puck Open to people ages 13 and under. Work on your Tender Tots shooting, stick handling, passing or general skills. No In the Trican Fieldhouse from 9:30 a.m. to noon every shinny during this session, skill development only. weekday - walk the track or socialize with friends or Goalies permitted to practice taking shots. Check Ice other parents while your child plays with our variety of Calendar on website for program times. toys on the eld. Bouncy castles will be set up on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays. Vinyasa & Hatha Yoga These classes are smooth owing and are ideal for Bouncy Castle Days every age of beginner to intermediate Yogis looking to Bring the kids in for extreme fun on Mondays, relieve stress, increase energy, improve exibility and Wednesdays and Fridays when we set up our bouncy get into deep relaxation. Purchase a 10-punch pass or castles during Tender Tots! Older kids that are out of drop in to the variety of classes to nd out which one is school on Friday afternoons can come and join the fun right for you. until 2 p.m. Come and check out our new Jungle Run and Dragon Blast! Beginner Gentle Flow Drop-In: Tuesdays & Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m and encompasses a full KnockerBall Rentals hour of a variety of poses and stretches for any level of Rent our KnockerBalls for birthday parties, company yogi to relieve stress and get a deeper stretch. outings, fundraisers, youth groups, camps, corporate events, team building and more! Choose from many Community Drop-In Power Class: Tuesdays from 6:15 dierent games such as Knocker Soccer, Red Rover, p.m. to 7:15 p.m. All levels of yogis can say hello to Last Man Standing and more. Ideal for people ages 9 happy hips and a happy spine while “kicking it up a and up (minimum height requirement - 4 ft). Check notch” and getting into amazing shape. website or give us a call for more information and pricing. Yoga-ssage (Pre-registered only): Fridays for ve weeks beginning September 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. All of these classes can be modi ed to meet any individual needs. *Check our website and Facebook for additional classes or schedule changes.

“Like” us on Facebook or “follow” us on Twitter at cgpsportsplex for updates on our events and programs 19 Councillor’s Councillor Bob Marshall Contact – Division 5 Information Hm: 780-766-2161 Cell: 780-933-2053 [email protected] Councillor Harold Bulford – Division 1 Councillor Peter Harris Hm: 780-567-4119 – Division 6 Cell: 780-876-9009 Hm: 780-354-2823 [email protected] Cell: 780-933-3074 [email protected] Councillor Daryl Beeston – Division 2 Councillor Brock Smith Hm: 780-567-4299 – Division 7 Cell: 780-933-3464 Cell: 780-831-0902 [email protected] [email protected] Reeve Leanne Beaupre Councillor Karen Rosvold – Division 3 – Division 8 Hm: 780-538-3809 Cell: 780-831-0902 Cell: 780-814-3121 [email protected] [email protected] Councillor Corey Beck Deputy Reeve – Division 9 Top row from left to right: Councillor Corey Beck, Councillor Harold Bulford, Ross Sutherland Hm: 780-568-2223 Councillor Daryl Beeston, Councillor Peter Harris, Councillor Karen Rosvold. – Division 4 Cell: 780-831-6394 Hm: 780-532-8686 [email protected] Front row from left to right: Councillor Brock Smith, Reeve Leanne Beaupre, Cell: 780-512-5385 Deputy Reeve Ross Sutherland, Councillor Bob Marshall. [email protected]

COUNTY CONTACT INFORMATION SENIOR ADMINISTRATION

E-mail: [email protected] County Administration Buildings Bill Rogan 780-532-9722 Administrator [email protected] Address: 10001-84 Avenue, (Administration, Assessment, Economic Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0 Development, Finance & Systems, Communications, Human Resources, Public Nick Lapp 780-532-9722 Website: www.countygp.ab.ca Works, Planning & Development Services) Director of Planning & [email protected] Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone: 780-532-9722 Development Services Note: Closed during Community Services Building Arlen Miller 780-532-9727 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Agriculture Services, Regional Enforcement Community Services [email protected] Services, Regional Fire Service, Parks & Director Recreation) Phone: 780-532-9727 Dunes Fire Hall Dale Van Volkingburgh 780-532-9722 (Family & Community Support Services) Director of Public Works [email protected] Phone: 780-532-9727 Dawn Sauvé 780-532-9722 Director of Corporate Services [email protected] Like us Follow us Watch us on Facebook on Twitter on YouTube

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: The County of Grande Prairie No. 1 10001-84 Ave., Clairmont, AB T0H 0W0

20 countygp.ab.ca