MINUTES OF THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, March 24, 2025 at 3:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

Council Chambers, City Hall

PRESENT

• J. Clayton, Mayor
• M. O'Connor, Councillor
• W. Pilat, Councillor
• G. Berg, Councillor
• K. O’Toole, Councillor
• D. Bressey, Councillor
• G. Blackmore, Councillor

ABSENT

• C. Thiessen, Councillor

ALSO PRESENT

• S. Bourke, City Manager
• C. Nestibo, Chief Financial Officer, Acting
• B. Glavin, Chief Operating Officer
• D. Lemieux, Chief Public & Protective Services Officer
• R. Tarant, Chief Strategy Officer, Acting
• J. Freeman (virtual), City Solicitor
• A. Van Beekveld, Council Committee Coordinator
• K. Biberdorf, Director of Community Connections
• A. Downing, Manager of Planning & Development Permitting
• Z. Patel, Planner

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Mayor called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m.

2.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

3.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

4.

ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

4.1

City Council Meeting

• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council adopt the minutes of the City Council meeting held March 10, as presented.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

5.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• MOVED by K. O’Toole

  Council adopt the Agenda with the addition of Item 6 - Sport Tourism.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

6.

SPORT TOURISM

K. Biberdorf, Director of Community Connections, presented Council with the Sport Tourism Canada Canadian Sport Event of the Year Award for hosting the 2024 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships. 

7.

DELEGATIONS

7.1

Alberta Forest Products Association

Rory Koska, representative of Alberta Forest Products Association, was present to request support from Council to enhance competitiveness, improve supply chains, and promote the use of Alberta forest products.

8.

REPORTS

8.1

Large Multi-Family Development Grant

• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council approve amendments to Policy 357 - Development Incentive Grants Program, as amended. 
• Amendment:
  MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council amend Policy 357 - Development Incentive and Grants Program to replace each instance of the phrase, "one-hundred (100) or more new Dwelling Units" with the phrase, "thirty (30) or more new Dwelling Units".

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• Amendment:
  MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council postpone this motion until after Public Hearings.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

8.2

2025 Advocacy Priorities

• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council approve the 2025 Council Advocacy Priority list:

  Key Advocacy Priorities - Electricity Distribution Costs; 911 Levy; Northwestern Polytechnic Support; Seniors Housing and Long-Term Care; and Economic Corridors

  Other Advocacy Priorities - Medical First Response Funding; Health Care Supports; and Dedicated Regional Funding.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council direct Administration to prepare resolutions for the 2025 Alberta Municipalities Fall Convention for submission before June 30, 2025, for: 

  1. Dedicated Regional Service Centre Funding, identifying key services provided in regional hubs that benefit the wider region and require additional funding to support sustainable service delivery; and

  2. Electricity Distribution.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

8.3

RCMP Retroactive Salary Payment - Release of Funds

• MOVED by D. Bressey

  Council approve the release of the RCMP retro payment of $3,937,332.95, previously approved to be funded through the Future Expenditures Reserve.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.

COMMITTEE BUSINESS

9.1

Council Committee of the Whole

• MOVED by D. Bressey

  Council adopt the minutes of the Council Committee of the Whole meeting held March 12, as presented.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.2

Public & Protective Services Committee

• MOVED by G. Blackmore

  Council adopt the minutes of the Public & Protective Services Committee meeting held March 18, as presented.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.2.1

Meeting Highlights

Councillor Blackmore provided highlights from the Public & Protective Services Committee meeting.

9.3

Operational Services Committee

• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council adopt the minutes of the Operational Services Committee meeting held March 18, as presented.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.3.1

Bylaw C-1464A - Road Closure Bylaw Amendment

• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council give first reading to Bylaw C-1464A, being an amendment to a Road Closure Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1464A was read for the first time.

  
  
• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council give second reading to Bylaw C-1464A.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1464A was read for the second time.

  
  
• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council have third reading of Bylaw C-1464A at this meeting.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council give third reading to Bylaw C-1464A, being an amendment to a Road Closure Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1464A was read for the third time and finally passed.

  
  

9.3.2

Meeting Highlights

Councillor Pilat provided highlights from the Operational Services Committee meeting.

9.4

Investment & Strategy Committee

• MOVED by G. Blackmore

  Council adopt the minutes of the Investment & Strategy Committee meeting held March 18, as presented.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.4.1

2022-2025 Strategic Priorities Progress Update Q4 2024

• MOVED by G. Blackmore

  Council receive the Q4 2024 Strategic Priorities Progress Update for information.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.4.2

Meeting Highlights

Councillor Blackmore provided highlights from the Investment & Strategy Committee.

9.5

Financial & Administrative Services Committee

• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council adopt the minutes of the Financial & Administrative Services Committee meeting held March 18, as presented.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

9.5.1

Bylaw C-1395P - Amendment to the Fees, Rates & Charges Bylaw

• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council give first reading to Bylaw C-1395P, being an amendment to the Fees, Rates & Charges Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1395P was read for the first time.

  
  
• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council give second reading to Bylaw C-1395P.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1395P was read for the second time.

  
  
• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council have third reading of Bylaw C-1395P at this meeting.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council give third reading to Bylaw C-1395P, being an amendment to the Fees, Rates & Charges Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1395P was read for the third time and finally passed.

  
  

9.5.2

Meeting Highlights

Councillor Berg provided highlights from the Financial & Administrative Services Committee meeting.

10.

CORRESPONDENCE

10.1

Grande Prairie Public Library

Mayor Clayton introduced correspondence received from the Grande Prairie Public Library.

• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council receive this correspondence for information.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

11.

DELEGATION BUSINESS

11.1

Alberta Forest Products Association

• MOVED by G. Blackmore

  Council direct the Mayor to write a letter of support, including the 6 points as presented by the delegation.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

12.

NOTICE OF MOTION

13.

RECESS

The meeting recessed from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

14.

DELEGATIONS

15.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

16.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

16.1

Land Use Bylaw Amendment C-1260-189

16.1.1

Call to Order

The Public Hearing was called to order at 6:01 p.m.

16.1.2

Introduction by Administration

A. Downing, Manager of Planning & Development Permitting, and Z. Patel, Planner, presented Council with amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. The proposed amendments are housekeeping in nature and aim to improve clarity and ensure consistency.

16.1.3

Presentations/ Submissions

There was no one present to speak regarding this matter.

16.1.4

Close Public Hearing

The Public Hearing closed at 6:09 p.m.

16.1.5

Business Arising from the Hearing

• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council give first reading to Bylaw C-1260-189, being an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1260-189 was read for the first time.

  
  
• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council give second reading to Bylaw C-1260-189.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1260-189 was read for the second time.

  
  
• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council have third reading of Bylaw C-1260-189 at this meeting.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council give third reading to Bylaw C-1260-189, being an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1260-189 was read for the third time and finally passed.

  
  

16.2

Land Use Bylaw Amendment C-1260-198

16.2.1

Call to Order

The Public Hearing was called to order at 6:12 p.m.

16.2.2

Introduction by Administration

A. Downing, Manager of Planning & Development Permitting, and Z. Patel, Planner, presented Council with amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. The proposed amendments will introduce small-scale residential opportunities within CL, CT, and CG Commercial Districts by allowing "Mixed-Use Apartment (up to 2 units)" as a discretionary use.

16.2.3

Presentations/ Submissions

There was no one present to speak regarding this matter.

16.2.4

Close Public Hearing

The Public Hearing closed at 6:24 p.m.

16.2.5

Business Arising from the Hearing

• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council give first reading to Bylaw C-1260-198, being an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1260-198 was read for the first time.

  
  
• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council give second reading to Bylaw C-1260-198.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1260-198 was read for the second time.

  
  
• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council have third reading of Bylaw C-1260-198 at this meeting.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• MOVED by G. Berg

  Council give third reading to Bylaw C-1260-198, being an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  Bylaw C-1260-198 was read for the third time and finally passed.

  
  

17.

REPORTS

17.1

Large Multi-Family Development Grant

• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council approve amendments to Policy 357 - Development Incentive Grants Program, as amended. 
• Amendment:
  MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council postpone this motion until after Council Member Reports.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

18.

DELEGATION BUSINESS

19.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

Councillor Blackmore highlighted the RBC Webcam event "Navigating the Impact of US Tariffs" and the Community Futures of Grande Prairie Board meeting. 

Councillor Bressey highlighted the AB Munis Executive Committee meeting, the Policing Committee meeting, the Police Commission meeting, and the Association of Governmental Risk Pools Conference. 

Councillor Pilat highlighted the Nighthawk Sponsor Appreciation Night event, the Bear Creek Dam Engagement Session, the Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee meeting, and the 2025 Sport Events Congress Conference.

Councillor O'Connor highlighted the Golden Age Centre's 50-Year Anniversary event, the Bear Creek Dam Engagement Session, the Weyerhaeuser and Canfor Vegetation Management Open House, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Spring Convention, the Elected Officials Education Program regarding strategic planning, the Grande Prairie Sport Connection Board meeting, the Community Advisory Board on Housing and Homelessness meeting, the 2025 Alberta Budget Discussion at Centre 2000, and the Swan City FC Awards Ceremony. 

Councillor Berg highlighted the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association Board meeting, the Grande Prairie Public Library Board meeting, and the Career & Technology Studies Showcase at the Grande Prairie Composite High School.

Councillor O'Toole highlighted the Special Olympics meeting, the Grande Prairie Police Service Stakeholder Committee meeting, various webinars from the Canadian Association of Police Governance, the Nitehawk Sponsor Appreciation Night event, the Bear Creek Dam Engagement Session, the Weyerhaeuser and Canfor Vegetation Management Open House, the D Company Armouries Foundation meeting, the Official Opening of Divine Nigerian & Ethiopian Cuisine, the Elected Officials Education Program regarding strategic planning, the 2025 Sport Events Congress Conference, and the Grande Prairie Regional Recreation Committee meeting. 

Mayor Clayton highlighted the Mid-Sized Cities Mayor's Caucus Budget event, the Bear Creek Dam Engagement Session, the Northern Alberta Elected Leaders meeting, the Official Opening of Divine Nigerian & Ethiopian Cuisine, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Spring Convention, meetings with various Ministers, the 2025 Alberta Budget Discussion at Centre 2000, and the Swan City FC Awards Ceremony. 

• MOVED by D. Bressey

  Council take a recess.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

  The meeting recessed from 6:54 p.m. to 7:53 p.m.

  
  

20.

REPORTS

20.1

Large Multi-Family Development Grant

• MOVED by M. O'Connor

  Council approve amendments to Policy 357 - Development Incentive Grants Program, as amended. 

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)
• Amendment:
  MOVED by W. Pilat

  Council amend the Development Incentive and Grants (DIG) Program Policy by replacing Section 4.2.2. of the Policy with the revised Section 4.2.2.:

  4.2.2. Large Muti-family Development Grant:

  a. For a new Multi-Unit Residential project which results in the creation of thirty (30) or more new Dwelling Units, an applicant may be eligible to receive a temporary annual grant in the form of a prorated rebate equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the general municipal tax portion of the municipal property tax increase associated with the Incremental Assessed Value of the property between the date on which the building permit for the project is issued and the earlier of: i. the date on which the final occupancy certificate for the project is issued, AND ii. The second (2^nd) anniversary of the of the date on which the building permit for the project was issued, and, provided that the occupancy certificate for the project is issued by not later than the third (3^rd) anniversary of the of the date on which the building permit for the project was issued, an additional temporary annual grant in the form of a prorated rebate for two (2) additional years as shown in the table below: 

  Year	1	2	3*	4*
  Grant Amount	100%	100%	100%	50%

  * - Rebate in respect of years 3 and 4 following the issuance of the building permit is conditional on achieving final occupancy certificate by not later than the third (3rd) anniversary of the of the date on which the building permit for the project was issued.

  For: (7)	D. Bressey, Mayor J. Clayton, W. Pilat, K. O’Toole, G. Berg, G. Blackmore, and M. O'Connor
  Absent (1)	C. Thiessen

  CARRIED (7 to 0)

21.

ADJOURNMENT

The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 8:11 p.m.