MINUTES OF THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

INVEST GP COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:45 A.m. - 11:45 A.m.

Council Chambers, City Hall

MEMBERS PRESENT

• G. Blackmore, Committee Chair
• D. Bressey, Councillor
• W. Pilat, Councillor
• J. Clayton, Mayor

ALSO PRESENT

• W. Bosch, Councillor
• K. O’Toole, Councillor
• S. Bourke, City Manager
• D. Whiteway, Chief Financial Officer
• B. Glavin, Chief Operating Officer
• M. VanWerkhoven, Chief Public & Protective Services Officer, Acting
• J. MacEachern, Chief of Staff
• A. Van Beekveld, Council Committee Coordinator
• C. Ridgeway, Director of Events & Entertainment
• K. Biberdorf, Director of Sports Development, Wellness & Culture

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 12:04 p.m.

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Committee adopt the agenda as presented.

  For: (4)

  D. Bressey, J. Clayton, W. Pilat, and G. Blackmore

  CARRIED (4 to 0)

3.

DELEGATIONS

4.

REPORTS

4.1

Service Area Update

Janet MacEachern

J. MacEachern, Chief of Staff, presented Committee with an update on the current and projected activities planned throughout the service area:

• Economic Development - During the month of April, 13 commercial and 10 home-based businesses opened in the City. Employer applications previously qualified under the Rural Renewal Stream Program are being reviewed to meet new Provincial regulatory requirements; in the last two weeks, 9 employer applications were received and 18 endorsement letters were processed. Administration attended the Canadian Hydrogen Convention, connecting with industry and business leaders and start up companies to discuss local potential for the development of hydrogen in the region. The City had a booth at the Chamber Spring Trade Show, connecting with businesses and sharing information about our programs and supports. Administration joined Northwestern Polytechnic at their announcement on April 26 regarding the Rural Medical Education Program Training Centre.
• Investment Attraction - The City will have a booth at the Peace Region Energy Show May 15-16; this event is important in bringing together oil and gas companies, retailers and enabling sectors in the region to build connections and strengthen our energy sector. 
• Events & Entertainment - The Box Office has acquired two new ticketing contracts: Hythe Motor Speedway with four weekends and the Grande Prairie Regional Airshow. Upcoming events include: Grande Prairie Composite High School Graduation May 17; Mini Pops Kids May 24; Dinosaur World Live May 26; Stompede Bust Out May 28; Rainbow Bright Teen Dance May 31; Party in White June 1; Queen Tribute June 3; John Paul II High School and St. Joseph's High School graduations June 6 & 7; Grande Gathering Gala June 15; Charles Spencer High School Graduation June 26; and Canada Day July 1.

4.2

The Bowes Utilization

Janet MacEachern

C. Ridgeway, Director of Events & Entertainment, presented Committee with information regarding utilization of The Bowes at Bonnetts Energy Centre. The steady increase in multi-day events demonstrates the versatility and popularity of the venue.

K. Biberdorf, Director of Sports Development, Wellness & Culture, was present to provide additional information and answer questions.

• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Committee direct Administration to bring back information regarding a pilot program in the Bowes, including what user groups could be involved and potential costs.

  For: (4)

  D. Bressey, J. Clayton, W. Pilat, and G. Blackmore

  CARRIED (4 to 0)

5.

CORRESPONDENCE

6.

OTHER BUSINESS

7.

BYLAW & POLICY REVIEW

8.

OUTSTANDING ITEMS LIST

The Committee reviewed the Invest GP Committee Outstanding Items List for April 30, 2024.

• MOVED by D. Bressey

  Committee receive the April 30 Outstanding Items List, as amended, for information.

  For: (4)

  D. Bressey, J. Clayton, W. Pilat, and G. Blackmore

  CARRIED (4 to 0)

9.

ADJOURN

The meeting ended at 12:25 p.m.