This past year was one of growth, collaboration, and progress for the County. Your feedback guided Council’s strategy and decision-making, reflecting your priorities of roads and public safety.
April’s final budget deliberations included the difficult decision to approve a 2.4 per cent municipal tax increase to keep pace with service demands. Nearly 70 per cent of the capital budget was directed to road and bridge projects, improving safety and connectivity across the County. We also strengthened emergency services, funding RCMP operations, the new Teepee Creek Fire Hall, and Clairmont policing.
This year, the County tendered and awarded road projects worth $48 million, strengthening supply chains and improving traffic flow. At the same time, we invested $7.8 million in grants supporting community services and programs.
With our 2024 Municipal Census indicating a population of 26,701, up 26 per cent since 2012, these investments meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow.
We welcomed a new Council with five returning and four new members in October. Just over 20 per cent of eligible voters participated. Near the end of the year, we ran our second online Citizen Satisfaction Survey – stay tuned for a summary report in January.
In December, we were pleased to attend the Government of Alberta’s open house for the Highway 40X Bypass connecting Highway 43 and Highway 40 after years of advocating for this critical route. We continue to lobby the provincial government for fair electricity distribution rates, support for the Maskwa Medical Centre and libraries, and to raise the County’s profile. In May, we welcomed Premier Smith and UCP Caucus members on a tour of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, highlighting new discoveries and the need for funding to support its vital role in Alberta’s economy.
Partnerships remain at the heart of our success. Through the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP), we worked with neighbouring municipalities and provincial resources to respond to wildfires and strengthen emergency preparedness.
Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks and cost-sharing agreements ensure residents benefit from shared services and amenities. Agreements with the City of Grande Prairie and towns of Beaverlodge and Sexsmith support continued recreation access for County residents.
Our shared vision with the City of Grande Prairie and Municipal District of Greenview is driving projects like Wonder Valley and attracting investment. Through initiatives like Invest NW Alberta and Work NW Alberta, we unite municipalities, post-secondary institutions, and businesses to attract investment and address labour shortages.
The County and its partners are also updating the Regional Growth and Economic Development Strategy, ensuring coordinated priorities for future land use, infrastructure, and diversification across the Grande Prairie-Greenview region.
We invested $500,000 in the Maskwa Centre, supporting medical training opportunities that encourage students to study and stay in our region. We advanced affordable housing solutions with a land commitment to the Grande Spirit Foundation for a housing project in Clairmont.
The past year has shown us what is possible when we listen to residents and work together as a region.
