Relocation guide 2014

BUSINESS ADVANTAGE01RESOURCEFUL SPIRIT, GROWING OPPORTUNITY

2014

WWW.CITYOFGP.COM

022014 RELOCATION GUIDE

WELCOME! We trust you will LOVE Grande Prairie as your new home!

• It is a welcoming community

• It is easy to be involved

• Contributing to our community is rewarding

• There are many family events and activities

• There is theatre, music, arts, sports

• It has excellent schools and health care

• You can practice many faiths

• It is a youthful and growing community

• People are enthusiastic and positive

• It has an entrepreneurial spirit

• There are many cultural communities

• You can buy everything you need

• It is a great place to invest

WE LOVE GRANDE PRAIRIE BECAUSE:HOW WE CAN HELP YOU:

• Buying a new home for your family

• Buying your first home

• Selling your existing home

• Renting an apartment

• Renting a house

• Transitioning from renting to buying

• Referring you to other professional services

• Buying and managing your investment property

• Selling your home if you transfer away

Helping you is what we do!

THE REALTY GROUP

780.814.1589 [email protected]

780.532.3400www.AngiePeters.com

[email protected]

Angie PetersJohn Krol

BUSINESS ADVANTAGE03

BEST

See what everyone’s talking about ...

Grande Prairie’s newest...biggest...

reason to live here!

Spoil the kids!

Come and play the right way.

Hours: 5:30am - 10:30pm*780-830-5000

#10 Knowledge WayGrande Prairie, Alberta T8W 2V9

*Statuatory Holidays 12pm-5pm

www.eastlinkcentre.ca

PR06150 Eastlink_Western HS&A Print Ad.pdf 1 14-02-11 4:23 PM

PR06150 Eastlink_Western HS&A Print Ad.pdf 1 14-02-11 4:23 PM

ADVERTISING SALES imageDESIGN

City of Grande PrairiePHONE 780.538.0475 | [email protected] | WWW.CITYOFGP.COM/ECDEV

Bag 4000 – 10205-98 Street, City Hall, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada T8V 6V3

imageDESIGN, publisher of the Relocation GuidePHONE 780.532.6353 | WWW.IMAGEDESIGNPROS.COM

10017 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada T8V 0V2

Message from Mayor Bill GivenWelcome to our new Relocation Guide and the youngest city in Canada. Our population is rapidly rising and is now over 60,000 residents! This magazine has invaluable information for companies considering expansion or indi-viduals contemplating a career change. You’ll quickly see why this is an excellent place to live, work, play and do business.Watch for regular updates at investgrandeprairie.caSee you soon!

Wel

com

e

06 General Overview

08 Business Advantage

10 Business Resources

12 Demographics

17 Housing & Real Estate

18 Key Contacts

22 City Map

28 History of Grande Prairie

31 Education Directory

34 Exploring Grande Prairie

37 Health Services Directory

38 City Parks & Facilities

42 Events

44 Environment

AERIAL VIEW OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

TABLE of CONTENTS05

ADVERTISING SALES imageDESIGN COVER PHOTO Grande Prairie Winter, Lloyd Dykstra

CONTRIBUTORS Brian Glavin, David Olinger, Jany Gao, Chelsea Lewis

_______________________________________________________

© All rights reserved Relocation Guide 2014. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. imageDESIGN and the City of Grande Prairie makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions.

PHOTOGRAPHY Lloyd Dykstra, Rhonda Figel, Glenbow Archives, Angie Patterson,

Janice Kretzer-Prysunka, John Plett, South Peace Regional Archives, Sharon Stanich,

William Vavrek


Genera l Overv iew

Grande Prairie is the vibrant regional hub of the Peace Country with a trading area that encompasses more than 250,000 people. The region has a wealth of natural resources including oil, natural gas, coal, and lumber. Many major corporations, from Canfor to EnCana, have oper-ated in the region for decades, providing jobs and growth to the City and its residents. As the world’s appetite for resources continues to expand, Grande Prairie is well-positioned to serve markets at home and abroad.

Situated on the southern edge of the Peace River region, Grande Prai-rie is aptly named for the vast and fertile prairie surrounding the City. Fur trading opened up the area, and Grande Prairie quickly became an agricultural settlement after the turn of the 20th century. In less than 100 years, this small farming community has grown to become the bustling hub of the north with a population over 60,000.

SUMMER BALLOONS LEAVING MUSKOSEEPI PARK | LLOYD DYKSTRA


GENERAL OVER VIEW07

ALTHOUGH GRANDE PRAIRIE HAS RAPIDLY EVOLVED,IT HAS NOT FORGOTTEN ITS ROOTS.

GRAIN FIELDS | LLOYD DYKSTRA

The City offers many indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities. During spring and summer, you can take advantage of late night golfing, the largest slo-pitch league in Alberta, and hundreds of kilometres of City and regional trails for biking, hiking and quading. There is also an abundance of lakes, streams and rivers to fish, boat and raft the day away. When summer fades to fall you can laugh the winter away while you go surfing at the 250,000 sq. ft. Eastlink Centre. It boasts an indoor water park complete with slides, lazy river and Olympic-sized swimming pool. After warming up in the water, enjoy a game of squash, volleyball, basketball, or one of the other various activities and classes available free to members. The commu-nity has numerous other facilities that include the Coca-Cola Centre, Golden Age Centre, Grande Prairie Museum, Heritage Discovery Centre, Indoor Soccer Pitch, among other arenas, fields and leisure venues. There are a variety of attractions around the region for all ages and interests.

The City has more to offer than sporting activities. World-class acts like Elton John, Keith Urban and Rihanna, have all graced the Crystal Centre’s stage. The Grande Prairie Live Theatre produces seven plays each season, as well as concerts, movies and other events. You can curl up with a good book and latte at the state-of-the-art Grande Prairie Public Library or tour an art exhibit at the newly expanded Art Gallery of Grande Prairie. For those looking for a hands-on experi-ence, sign up for a pottery class at the Centre for Creative Arts. Shop-pers in the family will have their needs met with the presence of major retailers like Costco, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart or boutique shops such as Sole Addiction, David’s Tea and RW & Co, to name a few. In the last year, HomeSense, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Pier 1 Imports, Bouclair and many others have opened their doors to Grande Prairie shoppers. In 2014, expect to see the Gap, Old Navy, Sleep Country, Montana’s, and Browns Socialhouse along with a few surprises!

Grande Prairie is strategically located at the heart of a regional transportation network. It is linked to Dawson Creek, the start of the Alaska Highway, and Fort St. John via Highway 43. For those looking for a mountain adventure, untamed Rockies and rapids await them in Grande Cache; while Jasper National Park offers visitors world-class skiing, hot springs, restaurants and more via Highway 40 south of the City. To the north, along Highway 2, you’ll encounter the ma-jestic Peace River Valley while crossing the historic Dunvegan Bridge. Although Grande Prairie has rapidly evolved, it has not forgotten its roots as agriculture remains an economic pillar of the region. This sector produces millions of tonnes of barley, canola and wheat, as

well as world-renowned red fescue used in turf grass and the largest share of Canada’s honey production. The regional industry continues to strengthen with the construction of Viterra’s new high-through-put grain terminal and the designation of the Beaverlodge Research Farm as the National Honey Bee Diagnostic Laboratory.

Thanks to modern amenities from a recently renovated art gallery, new library, contemporary schools along with a spectacular park that runs through the community, Grande Prairie is a great place to call home and raise a family.


DOWNTOWN GRANDE PRAIRIE DURING WINTER | ANGIE PATTERSON

Retail & Market AccessGrande Prairie has an estimated population of over 60,000 people and a trading area of more than 250,000 people. This results in the City having major chain stores like Costco, Future Shop, and Petsmart, outlets that usually only locate in major urban centres. In 2012, the estimated average household income in the Grande

Prairie area was $126,877, 48% higher than the national average. Having no provincial sales tax, Grande Prairie attracts shoppers from British Columbia and as far away as the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Grande Prairie’s success continues to attract national and international retailers.

THE GRANDE PRAIRIE

Bus ines s Advantage


Oil & Gas IndustryWith abundant conventional reserves and largely untapped uncon-ventional reserves, the region’s oil and gas industry has huge growth potential. As a regional service hub, Grande Prairie-based companies service oil and natural gas activities in northwestern Alberta, north-eastern B.C., and into the Northwest Territories. This massive market aids in economic stability, keeping companies and employees work-ing during periods of world economic uncertainty. Grande Prairie is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities offered as world energy demand continues to surge.

Young & Growing PopulationGrande Prairie is a young and vibrant community with a median age of 30.3, making it the youngest City in Canada, 10.3 years below the national average of 40.6. As the seventh fastest growing City in Canada, the city’s population expanded 16.8% between the 2006 and 2011 Federal censuses by attracting talented young men and women for the growing opportunities available here. When you arrive in Grande Prairie, you can feel the energy.

A Diverse Economic PortfolioThe Grande Prairie region is often noted for its oil and gas activ-ity, but we are also home to a wide range of industries, including agriculture, forestry, retail, and manufacturing. In addition, tourism is becoming an increasingly important factor with new attrac-tions like the Eastlink Centre and the soon-to-be built Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, adding to the draw of the region’s natural beauty. As well, our business-savvy community has been recognized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business as the Most Entrepreneurial Community in Canada for three consecutive years.

Forestry has long been a pillar of Grande Prairie’s economy and an important source of employment. During the 2008 recession, forestry companies across Canada were hard hit, but all three mod-ern mill operations in Grande Prairie – Weyerhaeuser, Canfor, and Ainsworth – remained in business with no layoffs.

Agriculture remains an important component to the Grande Prairie region some 100 years after the fertile land attracted the first wave of settlers. There are almost four million hectares of farmland in the Peace Country producing wheat, barley, hay, canola, and alfalfa. Our world-renowned creeping red fescue helps keep lawns, parks and golf courses green across North America.

The oil and gas industry has fueled growth in recent years with increased exploration, the development of shale and tight gas reserves, as well as increased production of the Peace River oil sands. With worldwide demand for energy increasing and proposals to carry resources to the west coast in progress, the future prospects of the region look increasingly bright.

Complementing our industrial assets, our location on the route to the Alaska Highway and having numerous shopping and recre-ational centres, Grande Prairie is a hub for shoppers and tourists alike. Shoppers are satisfied by a strong retail sector with representa-tion from Costco, Best Buy, Wal-Mart Supercentre, Wholesale Sports, Winners, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, Michaels, The Body Shop and many more. New facilities like the Eastlink Centre, Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, and the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum add to the already robust regional tourism capacity.

WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES,THE REGION HAS HUGE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH.

01 Rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, lumber, and agriculture

02 Presence of major multi-national corporations such as Conoco Phillips and Shell

03 Regional service centre for the oil and gas industry

04 A diverse economic portfolio with many pillars supporting robust growth

05 Young population with a median age of 30.3, growing at more than 5% annually

06 Retail centre for a regional market in excess of 250,000 people

07 Affluent local population; average household income $126,877 (2012 est.), 48% above national average

Key

Poin

ts

Aboriginal Business Canada www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100033140Aboriginal Business Canada is a program of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada which provides services and support to promote the growth of the Aboriginal business sector. It helps First Nations busi-ness start-ups with the development of business plans, accessing lenders and provides some financing.

BizPaLwww.bizpal.caBizPaL is an online service that simplifies the business permit and licence process for entrepreneurs, governments, and third-party business service providers. Launched in 2005, it’s managed by a partnership involving federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments. The website provides a one-stop destination to obtain permits and licenses needed to start and grow your business.

The Centre for Research & Innovation www.gprc.ab.ca/community/criStarted by Grande Prairie Regional College and Peace Region Economic Development Alliance, the Centre links entrepreneurs, in-novators and business leaders to researchers, scientists, business de-velopment specialists, mentors and market development specialists in the Peace Region. It cultivates innovative ideas from the drawing board to the real world.

Community Futureswww.cfofgp.comCommunity Future Grande Prairie & Region is a non-profit orga-nization that helps to develop and implement community-based economic development strategies. The organization offers business counselling, business loans and programs, self-employment and entrepreneur training, along with community economic develop-ment programs.

Grande Prairie & DistrictChamber of Commercewww.grandeprairiechamber.comThe Chamber of Commerce connects business by creating opportu-nities for networking, business promotion, advocacy, and policy de-velopment. The Chamber makes services accessible to businesses of all sizes, types, and industries. The Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is the third largest in Alberta though Grande Prairie is the seventh largest city.

Peace Region EconomicDevelopment Alliancewww.peacecountrycanada.comOne of the 14 Regional Economic Development Alliances in Alberta, PREDA is a partnership of 25 municipalities, educational institutions, business groups and government agencies. This non-profit organiza-tion guides regional economic development and helps to grow a vibrant economy that explores, promotes and facilitates emerging opportunities, competitiveness and innovation.

CENTRE 2000

Bus ines s Resources


1 1

BANK ADDRESS PHONE

ATB Financial11507 – 99 Street, T8V 2H66801 Kateri Drive, T8W 0H19907 – 106A Street, T8V 8E9

780. 538.5225780. 538.8000780. 539.7450

Bank of Montreal 705 West Side Drive, T8V 8E6 780. 538.8150

Business Development Bank of Canada #203 10625 West Side Drive, T8V 8E6 780. 532.8875

Canadian Western Bank 11226 – 100 Avenue, T8V 7L2 780. 831.1888

CIBC 9933 – 100 Avenue, T8V 0V19825 – 116 Street, T8W 0C7

780. 538.8300780. 538.8363

RBC 9815 – 98 Street, T8V 2E410720 – 80 Avenue, T8W 0G9

780. 538.6500780. 538.8288

Scotiabank 9834 – 100 Avenue, T8V 0T89829 – 116 Street, T8V 8J6

780. 532.9250780. 833.1660

Servus Credit Union9930 – 99 Avenue, T8V 0R5

#18 9701 – 84 Avenue, T8V 4Z810130 – 117 Avenue, T8V 7S4

780. 831.2928780. 402.2928780. 532.8866

TD Bank Financial Group 10704 West Side Drive, T8V 8E69940 – 92 Street, T8X 0E7

780. 538.8100780. 538.8144

ORGANIZATION WEB ADDRESS PHONE

Aboriginal Business Canada www.ainc-inac.gc.ca 780.495.2954

BizPal www.bizpal.ca

Centre for Research & Innovation www.gprc.ab.ca/community/cri/index.htm 780.539.2807

Community Futures www.grandeprairie.albertacf.com 780.814.5340

Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce www.grandeprairiechamber.com 780.532.5340

Peace Region Economic Development Alliance www.peacecountrycanada.com 780.666.1968

Business Support

Local Banks

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE, HOME OF THE CRI, IN WINTER SUN | JANICE KRETZER-PRYSUNKA

BUSINESS RESOURCES1 1

DHT PRESS RUN | SHARON STANICH

GRANDE PRAIRIE

Demograph icsWhether it’s parents pushing a stroller, children filling the Eastlink Centre, or families biking one of the many trails, there are signs of youth everywhere you turn. Grande Prairie is an exceptionally young City, with a median age of 30.3 years compared to the national median of 40.6.

Grande Prairie’s youthfulness is a result of the growing opportunities presented by development of our natural resources. Grande Prairie’s population increased 16.8% between 2006 and 2011, almost tripling the national growth of 5.9%.

Grande Prairie rewards those who come seeking opportunities. Economic conditions in Grande Prairie have remained positive despite difficulties presented by the global economic recession from 2008-2010. Since then, our economy has roared back to life. The unemployment rate in Grande Prairie averaged 3.4% in 2013, com-pared to the national average of 7% and the provincial average of 4.6%. The many opportunities for jobs in Grande Prairie enable new post-secondary and trade school grads to gain valuable experience

out of school that they could only dream about in some of Canada’s major centres.

Grande Prairie’s reach is not limited to the immediate area. Our close proximity to northeastern British Columbia, the Yukon, and Northwest Territories, makes us the hub of a regional trading area comprising more than 250,000 people. Residents from across the region visit for shopping, entertainment, as well as education and health services. Our status as a regional centre attracts major retailers such as Costco, Wal-Mart and Best Buy to Grande Prairie. Businesses, large and small, will find a thriving customer base here.

Cost of Living Being a city in west-central Alberta, it is often believed that our cost of living is high relative to the rest of Canada, or even the prov-ince. However, the cost of living is very comparable with the rest of Alberta. With a high average household income and discretion-ary disposable income that is double the national average, Grande Prairie is a great place to build a comfortable lifestyle.

TOBOGGANING AT HAMBURGER HILL | RHONDA FIGEL


GRANDE PRAIRIE IS THE YOUNGEST CITY IN CANADA AND ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING IN NORTH AMERICA.

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Population Distribution by Age

Call 1-888-428-7778 and book yourFREE NO OBLIGATION consultation today!

E. [email protected]

INVESTMENTS YOUR PLAN INSURANCE

Retirement Savings Plans

Tax Free Savings Accounts

Education Planning

Strategic Investment Planning

Tax Advantage Funds

Mutual Funds

Estate Planning

Risk Management

Financial Planning

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Long Term Care

Personal Health and Dental

Group Insurance

WE ARE MORE THAN JUST MORTGAGES! ASK US ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

JESSIE BUCHANANADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

DEAN HUNT, CFPSENIOR FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

NICOLE MARKINASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Borrowing to invest involves risk and may not be suitable in all situations. Speak to an Investors Group Consultant to see if this strategy is suitable for you. Commissions, fees and expenses may be associated with mutual fund investments. Read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

It’s more than a mortgage, it‘s part of your �nancial worth. Along with a Mortgage Planning Specialist,

we oversee your mortgage to ensure that it �ts your family’s �nancial well being.

You are the reason why we are here and our goal is to make sure you get the service and knowledge that you deserve. We don't just fund mortgages: we take the time to make sure your mortgage is right for you! Tell us what you are looking for and what your goals are, short term and long term. Maybe you want to go on a

trip of a lifetime or maybe you’re planning on expand-ing your family. We will make sure that you receive a mortgage that works for your personal goals. All of our pre-approvals are done as full mortgage applications so there are no surprises when you �nd the perfect home.

YOUR MORTGAGE, YOUR WAY!

• Meeting with you on your schedule.

• Giving you great rates and mortgage options.

• Taking the time to understand what your goals are.

• Understanding that it is important that your family is protected if something happens to you.

• Educating you on how your mortgage works and learn strategies on how to potentially accelerate the payo� of your mortgage.

• Showing you how to use your mortgage as part of your �nancial plan.

• Making sure your mortgage is quali�ed before you go shopping.

• O�ering advice on the best mortgage options for you.

• Taking into account your lifestyle and what you can a�ord.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MORTGAGEWe will help you take your mortgage to the next level by:

P R I V A T E W E A L T H

Live for Today, Plan for Tomorrow

6 GREAT REASONS TO CONSIDER PERSONAL INSURANCE OVER MORTGAGE INSURANCE

You own the policy anddesignate the bene�ciary.

Only you can cancel or make changes to your plan.

Your coverage remains level asyour mortgage decreases.

Your coverage stays with you ifyou move.

Your coverage continues afterthe mortgage is paid.

Your coverage is con�rmedwhen you apply.

15

Call 1-888-428-7778 and book yourFREE NO OBLIGATION consultation today!

E. [email protected]

INVESTMENTS YOUR PLAN INSURANCE

Retirement Savings Plans

Tax Free Savings Accounts

Education Planning

Strategic Investment Planning

Tax Advantage Funds

Mutual Funds

Estate Planning

Risk Management

Financial Planning

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Long Term Care

Personal Health and Dental

Group Insurance

WE ARE MORE THAN JUST MORTGAGES! ASK US ABOUT THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

JESSIE BUCHANANADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

DEAN HUNT, CFPSENIOR FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

NICOLE MARKINASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

Trademarks, including Investors Group, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc. Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Borrowing to invest involves risk and may not be suitable in all situations. Speak to an Investors Group Consultant to see if this strategy is suitable for you. Commissions, fees and expenses may be associated with mutual fund investments. Read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

It’s more than a mortgage, it‘s part of your �nancial worth. Along with a Mortgage Planning Specialist,

we oversee your mortgage to ensure that it �ts your family’s �nancial well being.

You are the reason why we are here and our goal is to make sure you get the service and knowledge that you deserve. We don't just fund mortgages: we take the time to make sure your mortgage is right for you! Tell us what you are looking for and what your goals are, short term and long term. Maybe you want to go on a

trip of a lifetime or maybe you’re planning on expand-ing your family. We will make sure that you receive a mortgage that works for your personal goals. All of our pre-approvals are done as full mortgage applications so there are no surprises when you �nd the perfect home.

YOUR MORTGAGE, YOUR WAY!

• Meeting with you on your schedule.

• Giving you great rates and mortgage options.

• Taking the time to understand what your goals are.

• Understanding that it is important that your family is protected if something happens to you.

• Educating you on how your mortgage works and learn strategies on how to potentially accelerate the payo� of your mortgage.

• Showing you how to use your mortgage as part of your �nancial plan.

• Making sure your mortgage is quali�ed before you go shopping.

• O�ering advice on the best mortgage options for you.

• Taking into account your lifestyle and what you can a�ord.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MORTGAGEWe will help you take your mortgage to the next level by:

P R I V A T E W E A L T H

Live for Today, Plan for Tomorrow

6 GREAT REASONS TO CONSIDER PERSONAL INSURANCE OVER MORTGAGE INSURANCE

You own the policy anddesignate the bene�ciary.

Only you can cancel or make changes to your plan.

Your coverage remains level asyour mortgage decreases.

Your coverage stays with you ifyou move.

Your coverage continues afterthe mortgage is paid.

Your coverage is con�rmedwhen you apply.

162014 RELOCATION GUIDE 1-800-277-7800 | HomesandLandofGrandePrairie.com

If you’re looking for a home in the Peace Region, call 1-800-277-7800 for a FREE copy ofHomes & Land Magazine, the Peace Region’s most comprehensive Real Estate publication.

Visit HomesandLandofGrandePrairie.com to see hundreds of

available listings in all price ranges and to browse the current issue of the magazine online.

makes finding your easy.new homeHOMES LAND&

The local real estate market remains affordable. The City’s construc-tion is on the upswing with Building and Inspection Services issuing a total of 4,938 permits in 2013. The value of construction projects in 2013 increased 10% from 2012, totalling $280.4 million. Home prices in Grande Prairie have risen slightly over the last year, but remain low relative to average household income and well below the Canadian average.

For the latest information on monthly building permits issued by the City of Grande Prairie, visit www.cityofgp.com/buildingstats

Hous ing & Rea l Estate

2013 HOUSING STATISTICS

Number of Approved Permits (2013) 8,291

Value of Construction (2013) $280,406,894

Average Residential Home Price (2013) $288,738

Average rent 2 bedroom suite $1,1241

Apartment vacancy rate 1.3%2

PROPERTIES BACKING ONTO CRYSTAL LAKE

1 Canadian Real Estate Association Statistics Creastats.crea.ca/Area

2 Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation Rental Market Statistics Fall 2013

HOUSING & REAL ESTATE17

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

$ value of residential permits $86,379214 $71,375,061 $71,092,577 $77,487,196 $136,292,548

$ value of commercial permits $80,957,654 $206,688,893 $26,087,910 $53,763,891 $49,042,817

$ value of industrial permits $6,627,424 $5,215,000 $2,364,976 $59,375,165 $8,775,535

$ value of gov’t & institutional permits $33,934,697 $5,484,562 $28,936,620 $6,266,692 $61,956,945

Total permit value $207,898,988 $288,763,515 $128,482,082 $196,891,944 $256,067,945

Number of single family dwellings starts 180 524 486 557 491

Number of dwellings starts 180 586 506 696 611

Total number of permits 1,413 1,105 1,010 1,056 1,405

K ey Co ntacts

City Matters

Key Services

WESTGATE FIRE STATION | WILLIAM VAVREK


ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION CONTACT

City of Grande Prairie 780.538.0300www.cityofgp.com

Grande Prairie Fire Department 780.538.0393

Grande Prairie RCMP 24 hr. non-emergency: 780.830.5700General enquiries: 780.830.5701


A1 License & Registry Provides driver licensing and other license and registry services

780.539.5009

Alberta Motor Association Provides driver licensing, insurance and roadsideassistance services

866.989.6370www.ama.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers Helps newcomers to Canada integrate intothe community

780.538.4452

Grande Prairie Greyhound Long distance bus service to Edmonton, Calgary,and other Canadian cities

780.539.1111

The License CentreDriver licensing and vehicle registration, corporate registry, birth, death, marriage, land title, personal

property, health care, and Canadian Boating License

780.532.4033www.thelicencecentre.ca


Aquatera Local provider of water, wastewater, solid waste and recycling services

780.538.0348www.aquatera.ca

Utilities Consumer AdvocateProvides comprehensive listing of all power producers and utilities companies in Alberta. This information is

hosted by the Government of Alberta

310.4.UCAwww.ucahelps.alberta.ca


Bell Mobile Phone, Internet & TV780.833.7020www.bell.ca

Eastlink Internet, TV & Phone1.888.345.1111

www.eastlink.ca/west.aspx

Fido Mobile Phone1.888.481.3436

www.fido.ca

Galaxy Broadband Satellite Internet Service1.877.463.9728

www.galaxybroadband.ca

Koodo Mobile Phone1.866.995.6636

www.koodomobile.com

Shaw Internet, TV & Phone1.888.472.2222www.shaw.ca

Telus Mobile Phone, Internet, TV & Phone310.2255

www.telus.ca

Xplornet Internet 1.866.841.6001


Big Country XX Local Radio Station780.532.0840

www.bigcountryxx.com

Daily Herald-Tribune Local Daily Newspaper780.532.1110

www.dailyheraldtribune.com

Eastlink Channel 7 Community TV Channel 780.533.6397

Free FM Local Radio Station780.357.3733

www.1047freefm.com

Q99 Local Radio Station780.882.6612

www.q99live.com

Rock 97.7 Local Radio Station780.539.9700

www.rock977.ca

Reach 96.3 FM Local Radio Station780.830.7640

www.reachfm.ca

Utilities

Communication Service Providers

Local Media

KEY CONTAC TS19

Your Home. Your Way.

www.Stonebuilt.ca780.539.4946 | [email protected]

Stonebuilt is raising the bar with their dedication to delivering the quality and

value you deserve in both your dream home and your builder. Learn about the

Stonebuilt advantage, and check out our portfolio of homes:

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WOLFEREALTOR®

As a CENTURY 21® Real Estate profes-sional, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible. I have thirteen years of experience selling residential real estate in the Grande Prairie area, and there is nothing I love more than helping people buy or sell their home! My personal knowledge of the local real estate market is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21® brand—the most recognized name in Real Estate today.

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P H O T O : M A R T I N E M A R T E L L P H O T O G � P H Y

Pick up your FREE copy ofULTIMATE BRIDAL at:

Dedicated to Grande Prairie,the Peace Region & Northern BC

BRIDALultimate

magazine.com

Cobblestone | Prairie Mall | Wapiti Road

WE SHOP AROUND SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO!

Real People, Real Service, Really Local

Serving the Peace Region for over 90 years, Prairie Villa Insurance and Sexsmith Insurance can meet all of your general insurance needs;

home, auto, business, commercial, farm, and travel. Call us to �nd the best coverage for you and ask us about multi-policy discounts!

GRANDE PRAIRIE: Phone 780.532.7800 | Toll-free 1.800.532.0099 | PrairieVilla.com

SEXSMITH: Phone 780.568.3010 | Toll-free 1.800.288.8341 | SexsmithInsurance.com

BUYING or SELLING Real Estate?

WE CAN HELP.

Experience Excellence with our Legal Team

Grande Prairie 780-532-7771

600 Windsor Court, 9835 101 Avenue, Grande Prairie1-888-531-7771 | kmsc.ca | [email protected]

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100 Ave 100 Ave

108 Ave

116 Ave

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Firehall

Police Station

Airport

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GP Public School

GP Catholic School

County School

Other School

Shopping District

Park and Fields

Information Centre

Museum

Recycling Depot

Library

Art Centre

Recreation

Campground

Golfcourse

O� Leash Park

Legend

Grande

LLOYDMINSTER

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Peace RiverFairview

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HytheBeaverlodge

WhitecourtGrande Cache

Hinton

Wembley

Edmonton

Sexsmith


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100 Ave 100 Ave

108 Ave

116 Ave

132 Ave

116 Ave

99 AveR ichmond Ave

108 Ave

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68 Ave Township Road 712 68 Ave

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Hospital (Future)

Firehall

Police Station

Airport

GP Regional College

GP Public School

GP Catholic School

County School

Other School

Shopping District

Park and Fields

Information Centre

Museum

Recycling Depot

Library

Art Centre

Recreation

Campground

Golfcourse

O� Leash Park

Legend

Grande

LLOYDMINSTER

1616

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Peace RiverFairview

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HytheBeaverlodge

WhitecourtGrande Cache

Hinton

Wembley

Edmonton

Sexsmith



Grande Prairie is renowned as one of Canada’s youngest and most entrepreneurial communities. More recently, the City has been dubbed by employ-ment search engine Adzuna as the easiest place in the country to �nd employment.

That would be no secret to local residents in this northwestern Alberta city of 60,000 – the population has grown by an average of four per cent a year for more than a decade.

Many people arrive in the community every year for career opportunities and, before they know it, �nd that Grande Prairie has pleasantly become their permanent address.

New residents and visitors quickly learn that you can easily �nd everything you want in this modern, urban centre – whether it’s shopping, recreation or cultural amenities. It’s all here, within minutes of the home you can readily afford.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re from the East Coast, the Prairies, or one of the many countries around the globe represented here. Grande Prairie is a multicul-tural mecca with at least 100 distinct cultures found in the City.

Grande Prairie will top your list of choices for reloca-tion if you are attracted by a vibrant, four seasons playground.

As a young community – there are more residents under age �ve than over 65 – several major facilities have childcare programming. The municipality has also established a Youth Council to ensure the voice of young people is heard.

Looking for a family friendly location to live? Grande Prairie has everything for young families that you’re seeking – and more!

The community will be marking its 100th year since incorporation in 2014 with celebrations and events throughout the year. Join us for our 100th anniversary festivities – you may stay for a lifetime!

For all your City of Grande Prairie needs, visit us at:

Relocate here and enjoy the Grande Experience!

Book your event today!phone: 780.513.5252 ccc.cityofgp.com facebook.com/cocacolacentre

Figure SkatingSpeed SkatingPublic Skating

HockeySledge HockeyShinny Hockey

email: [email protected] facebook.com/gpneighbourhoodassociations

Get involved today!

Does your neighbourhoodhave an association?

• Community Garage Sales

• Block Parties & BBQ’s

• Community Safety

• Clubs & Groups

• Spring Clean-Up & Recycling

• Neighbourhood Gardens

• Seasonal Events

• Share, Engage, Belong

cityofgp.com/neighbourhoods

Need a meeting room?We have 5 spaces to host between 10 – 112 people!

Birthday PartiesSports Night

AnniversaryReunions

MeetingsGet-togethers

A Grande H i story

RICHMOND (100TH) AVENUE, 1914 | NC-6-725 GLENBOW ARCHIVES

Grande Prairie is located in Alberta’s Peace Country, so named for the Peace River which flows through the area. Before the arrival of European settlers, the prairie was home to the Beaver First Nation, with bands of Cree sometimes travelling through the region as well. Since the 17th century, the fur trade brought European explorers further and further west, and in 1793, Alexander Mackenzie became the first European to travel through the Peace River Region. In 1805, the initial fur trade post was established in the region on behalf of the North West Company.

A Hudson’s Bay trading post was established near Grande Prairie in 1881. The beginning of the 20th century saw more settlers in search of farmland, and in 1910 the town site was laid out by the Argonaut Company. In 1911, a two-story store was erected on the corner of

what is now 100th Avenue and 100th Street, and soon after, much of the Grande Prairie town site began to be taken up by various busi-nesses, ready to serve the incoming settlers. Grande Prairie was incor-porated as a village in 1914. During the Great Depression, more set-tlers arrived from the drought-stricken southern prairies. They came north to farm the moist, fertile soils of the Peace. The Depression was difficult for people on the prairie, but in the Peace River region, thanks to favourable weather conditions that continued, the bumper crops and residents fared relatively well. Agriculture built the foundation of Grande Prairie in the early 20th century, and it remains important today. The region produces more grain than the entire province of Manitoba, as well as the largest share of the Canadian honey supply.

The discovery of oil at Leduc, Alberta in 1947 ignited a series of

GRANDE PRAIRIE, 1918 | 1991.9.2 SOUTH PEACE REGIONAL ARCHIVES


TO THIS DAY, GRANDE PRAIRIE REMAINS ONE OFTHE FASTEST GROWING CITIES IN CANADA.

29

explorations leading to the discovery of bountiful reserves of oil and natural gas in the Peace Region. Though some exploration and drilling occurred in the early parts of 20th century, it was the post-war explo-rations that spurred the oil and gas industry in the area. As more and more reserves were discovered, the economy expanded and the re-gion’s population increased dramatically. Today, the oil and natural gas industry has become integral to Grande Prairie’s economic growth.

The second half of the 20th century was the beginning of an era of prosperity for Grande Prairie. The rapid economic and population growth in the town and region led to Grande Prairie becoming a City in 1958. This growth quickly drove up demand for infrastructure and workforce development. To address the region’s growing need for post-secondary education; the Grande Prairie Junior College was established in 1965, becoming the Grande Prairie Regional College in 1974. The modern structure bordering Muskoseepi Park was de-signed by world-renowned architect Douglas J. Cardinal. Following the construction of the college was the opening of the Prairie Mall, attracting international stores and shoppers to the City.

Grande Prairie’s role as a regional hub was enhanced in 1982 with the opening of the new Courthouse and Provincial Building to ser-vice the region’s need for Alberta Government services. The opening of Crystal Park School in 1983 brought Grande Prairie the first inte-grated school in Alberta combining regular school with programs

traditionally only found in hospitals. Building on the region’s success, a modern 450-bed hospital was opened in 1984 to accommodate a growing population base.

We warmly welcome all individuals and businesses to Grande Prairie to become part of this growth. In the past, the constant stream of talented and hard-working individuals coming to Grande Prairie brought prosperity and vitality. We are eager to see this trend con-tinue to shape an even brighter future.

GRAIN SILOS, 1951 | 2002.54.32 SOUTH PEACE REGIONAL ARCHIVES

Memory Lane

presented by

Take a walk down

In celebration of the City of Grande Prairie’s 100th Anniversary, take a

walk down Memory Lane and experience over 50 points of interest

depicting the history of Downtown Grande Prairie from 1914 – 2014!

Guidebooks available at: The Co-op Marketplace & Escapes Bistro, 214 Place SouthOr, follow the tour on your smartphone: GPTour.ca

The Grande Prairie Public School District is committed to ensuring all students receive quality core instruction and support, and in addition offers students the following opportunities:

The Grande Prairie Public School District is a learning community in which every student succeeds.

Every Student Succeeds

Grande Prairie Public School District is proud to offer the widest range of

programming north of Edmonton as we strive to support each student’s

efforts to graduate. For more information visit

www.gppsd.ab.ca

• Comprehensive support for students with special needs in an inclusive environment.• A balanced literacy approach to instruction across all grades and subjects with Reading Recovery (Grade 1) and other literacy supports available in all schools.• Pre-school and elementary Montessori programs with trained certified teachers.• Pre-school to Grade 12 French Immersion. Late Entry French Immersion for grade 5 students tentatively set for September 2014.• Access to current technology at all levels.• International Baccalaureate Programming from Grade 6 to 12.• Gifted Programming support for students in pullout and inclusive settings.

• District supported Music beginning with strings and band in upper elementary.• Access to a wide range of complementary courses for students in Grade 7 to 12.• Registered Apprenticeship Program(RAP) creates opportunities for students to explore trade career paths while completing high school.• Preparing students to participate in the world after high school as students, employees, and leaders with global awareness and the tools for life-long learning.• Comprehensive High School programming (grade 9 to 12) in two high schools beginning in September 2014 with the opening of Charles Spencer High School.

GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL COLLEGE | WILLIAM VAVREK


Conseil Scolaire du Nord-ouest No. 1 www.csno.ab.ca 780.624.8855

Grande Prairie Catholic School District No. 28 www.gpcsd.ca 780.532.3013

Grande Prairie Public School District No. 2357 www.gppsd.ab.ca 780.532.4491

Grande Prairie Regional College www.gprc.ab.ca 780.539.2911

Peace Wapiti Public School Division No. 76 www.pwsd76.ab.ca 780.532.8133

Education Facilities


A Bright Beginning Child Care Centre goguild.com/grandeprairie/a-bright-beginning-child-care-c 780.532.9170

Building Blocks Daycare www.gprc.ab.ca/community/daycare 780.539.2781

Kateria Mission YMCA Childcare www.northernalberta.ymca.com 780.539.4280

Kid’s Place Pre-School & Kids Day Care Centre www.cityofgp.com/davebar 780.538.0469

Patterson Children’s Centre www.northernalberta.ymca.com 780.532.9656

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital Child Care Centre www.albertahealthservices.ca 780.538.7100

Stepping Stones Day Care & Family Day Home Program 780.532.9684

Watch Me Grow Family Child Care Program www.watchmegrow.ab.ca 780.814.7050

Wee Care Drop In Centre www.wecaredaycaregp.com 780.357.0030

Daycare Facilities

EDUCATION DIREC TORY31

Educat ion D i rectory

St. Joseph (9-12)

St. KateriSW Acreages

Wembley

Silver Pointe

Riverview Pines

and others

Whispering Ridge

Clairmont

Reservoir

CrystalLake

Ivy Lake

Gro

veda

le

S

S‹

NW Acreages‹

Carriage LaneCrystal Landing

‹

Maple Ridge

Taylor Estates

Silver Pointe

Riverview Pines

and others

‹SE Acreages

Wembley

‹NE Acreages

‹‹

Westlake

‹ ‹

‹

Wed

gew

ood

‹St. Clement

S

St. GerardS

St. PatrickS

MotherTeresa

S

Holy CrossS

N

Copperwood

‹

WWW.GPCSD.CA or call 780-532-3013

Boundary MapFor Grande Prairie and Area

Inspire. Create. Believe.

County families can attend and receive

bussing to St. Kateri, Mother Teresa,

Holy Cross, St. Gerard or St. Joseph.

We warmly welcome all familes. For more information regarding boundaries,

bussing and school programming, please visit:

Catholic Education Centre9902-101 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2P4780-532-3013 | www.gpcsd.ca

St. Clement Catholic SchoolGrades Pre-K-89636-109 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 1R2780-532-4698 | stclement.gpcsd.ca

St. Patrick Catholic SchoolGrades Pre-K-8St FX Sports Academy Grade 4-87810 Poplar Drive Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4T8780-539-7434 | stpatrick.gpcsd.ca

École St. Gérard Catholic SchoolFrench Immersion Pre-K-99724-88 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0B7780-532-5398 | stgerard.gpcsd.ca

Holy Cross Catholic SchoolGrades K-811011-90 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8X 1J7780-538-0077 | holycross.gpcsd.ca

Mother Teresa Catholic SchoolGrades K-8Montessori Pre-K-Grade 37501 Willow Drive Grande Prairie, AB T8X 0H7780-814-9732 | motherteresa.gpcsd.ca

St. Joseph Catholic High SchoolEnglish Program 9-12Advanced Placement 9-12French Immersion 10-1210520-68 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8W 2P1780-532-7779 | stjoseph.gpcsd.ca

St. John Bosco Catholic Outreach SchoolGrades 9-12Home Education and Alternate Education9902-101 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2P4780-532-3013 | stjohnbosco.gpcsd.ca

St. Kateri Catholic SchoolGrades Pre-K-87906 Mission Heights DriveGrande Prairie, AB T8W 1H3780-538-2883 | kateri.gpcsd.ca

BEAVERLODGESt. Mary Catholic SchoolGrades K-91117 - 1 Avenue West Beaverlodge, AB T0H 0C0780-354-2944 | stmarybv.gpcsd.ca

SEXSMITHSt. Mary’s Catholic SchoolGrades Pre-K-129001 - 103 Street Sexsmith, AB T0H 3C0780-568-3631 | stmarys.gpcsd.ca

SPIRIT RIVERSte. Marie Catholic SchoolGrades Pre-K-84910 - 44 Avenue Spirit River, AB T0H 3G0780-864-3585 | stemarie.gpcsd.ca

FAIRVIEWSt. Thomas More Catholic SchoolGrades K-1210208 -114 Street Fairview, AB T0H 1L0780-835-2245 | stm.gpcsd.ca

New School

Opening 2016/17 S


TOBOGGANING | LLOYD DYKSTRA

Exp loring Grande Pra i r i eVisitor Information Drop by our Visitor Information Centre at Centre 2000 on Highway 43. It’s your one-stop information centre for things to do around Grande Prairie and area. You’ll find brochures on accommodations and attractions, maps, souvenirs, and knowledgeable, friendly staff, who will help organize your perfect trip. The Centre is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the summer and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. between the Labour Day weekend and Victoria Day weekend in May.

Camping Grande Prairie residents love camping. There are numerous RV parks and campgrounds around the City, at nearby Pipestone Creek, Dun-vegan, and many other locations. You can also camp in the heart of the City at the Rotary Campground located next to Muskoseepi Park. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery while staying close to all City amenities. Check out the Visitor Information Centre or go to www.gptourism.ca to find a directory of camping sites.


35

SUNRISE AT KLESKUN HILLS | LLOYD DYKSTRA

IN GRANDE PRAIRIE, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE;EXPLORE NATURE IN ALL ITS UNTAMED GLORY.

Downtown Shopping Downtown is the financial, commercial and cultural centre of Grande Prairie. This bright and colourful block of cityscape has more than 500 establishments, ranging from branches of major banking institu-tions to quaint old book shops and art stores, to bustling bars. Visit Downtown and shop to your heart’s content! The Farmers’ Market is open every Friday and Saturday, as well as on Wednesday during the summer, bringing you the region’s fresh produce and other specialties. There are also frequent parades, shows and other events in Downtown. For detailed information on Downtown businesses and events, go to www.gpdowntown.com

Golfing There are several golf courses within the City and surrounding area to satisfy your golfing needs with the summer sun shining until after 11p.m. Some golf clubs also offer camping, RV parking, and winter activities. Go to www.gptourism.ca for a directory of local golf courses.

Indoor Sports Indoor running, swimming, soccer, squash, fitness areas and ice rinks—we have them all. Drop by the Eastlink Centre, the Leisure Centre, or Dave Barr Community Centre for some indoor recreation.

Rotary Bus Tour Check out this fun way of getting to know the Grande Prairie region. Enjoy a guided bus tour that introduces you to local attractions, industries, events, and facilities. We know the tour will inspire you to do some exploring in the area afterwards. Bus tours operate every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from June to August, departing from Centre 2000 at 7 p.m. On Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. the Regional Tourism association also hosts a Visitor Barbeque, free to anyone interested in attending.

Around the RegionDinosaur Exploration More than 70 million years ago, a herd of Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai tried to cross the flooded river in what is today’s Pipestone Creek area. Most of them could not cross the swollen river and drowned, leaving behind a dense dinosaur bone bed, first uncovered by a school teacher in 1974. The dinosaur bones discovered at Pipestone Creek belong to a distinct, and as of yet, little known species of dino-saurs. A new dinosaur museum is under construction near Wembley, 20km west of Grande Prairie. Visit the Pipestone Creek dinosaur bone bed to have a paleontological adventure!

Outdoor Adventures Numerous companies offer exciting adventures in the region! You can try a wild river tour, exploring nature in all its untamed glory, sign up for an off-road race, hunt or fish, or try downhill or cross-country skiing and mountain biking. Go to www.gptourism.ca for a complete directory of regional outdoor attractions.

SNOWMOBILING | JOHN PLETT

EXPLORING GP35

9839 - 103 Avenue, Grande PrairieFor renting inquires, contact:780.357.4987 | cityofgp.com

Visit us on Facebook: facebook.com/MontroseCC

The Montrose Cultural Centre is located in the heart of Grande Prairie and is home to the Grande Prairie Public Library, the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, Esquires Coffee House, and the bright, beautiful Teresa Sargent Hall. The 5,000 square foot Teresa Sargent Hall is available to rent and is an ideal location to host special events, such as weddings, holiday parties, and business meetings. Stop by for a visit or a cup of coffee, and enjoy the warm, welcome space of the Montrose Cultural Centre.

MUSKOSEEPI PARKEntrance on 102 St. and 102 Ave.780-538-0451 OPEN YEAR-ROUNDcityofgp.com/muskoseepi

• Room Rentals• Summer Day Camps• Preschool Programs• Spray Park• Skateboard Park• Playground & Climbing Wall• Grassed Areas for Games & Activities• Hiking Trails (Map available)• Fishing for Kids and Seniors (Summer)• Lawn Bowling & Horseshoes• Basketball/Tennis Courts• Miniature Golf

THE BRIDGE TORECREATION, CULTURE & HERITAGE

CA

NA

DA

GRANDE PRAIRIE MUSEUM Main entrance on 102 St. and 102 Ave.Muskoseepi Park780-830-7090 OPEN DAILY, YEAR-ROUNDcityofgp.com/gpmuseum

• Rodacker/Campbell Gallery showcases exhibits and artefacts from the GP area• Feature exhibit: “The Wedding Dream”, wedding history from the 1800s-Present• Local on-site Gift Shop

HERITAGE VILLAGEOPEN MAY-SEPT• Features 14 historic buildings, heritage gardens and beautifully restored agricultural equipment

HERITAGE DISCOVERY CENTRE 11330-106 St (Lower Level Centre 2000)780-532-5790 OPEN DAILY, YEAR-ROUND

• Interpretive Museum featuring Natural History, Interactive Games and Mini Theatre• Life size, Pachyrhinosaurus animatronic dinosaur!• The Kin Art Gallery

FORBES HOMESTEADPROVINCIAL HISTORIC SITE10424-96 St. OPEN IN SUMMERContact the GP Museum for more information

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/muskopark

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/g.p.museum

37

THE GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL HOSPITAL, UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR 2017 OPENING | WILLIAM VAVREK

Hea l th Serv ices D i recto ry

Health Facilities

QUEEN ELIZABETH II HOSPITAL | WILLIAM VAVREK

HEALTH SER VICES37

ORGANIZATION ADDRESS PHONE

Alberta Health Services www.albertahealthservices.ca 866.408.5465

Bioclin Health Care Inc. www.bioclinhealthcare.com/Clinic_Loc/AL_Grande Prairie.html

780.532.2585

Canadian Mental Health Association www.cmha.ca 780.539.4681

Canadian National Institute for the Blind www.cnib.ca 780.539.4719

College & Community Health Centre www.gprc.ab.ca/community/health_centre 780.814.5800

Grande Prairie Public Health Centre 780.513.7500

HIV North Society www.hivnorth.org 780.538.3388

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital 780.538.7100


Art Gallery of Grande Prairie The Art Gallery of Grande Prairie has expanded! The gallery’s previ-ous home of 22 years, the historic 1929 Grande Prairie High School which partially collapsed in 2007, is now fully restored and connect-ed to its location in the Montrose Cultural Centre. The Art Gallery has free admission, dedicated to assisting you in your enjoyment of visual arts. Several art exhibitions are on view each year which showcase the diversity found in art with various mediums from local, national, and international artists.

Eastlink CentreOpened in December 2011, the Eastlink Centre is an exciting ad-dition to the City of Grande Prairie. One of the largest adventure and fitness aquatic venues in Canada, the Eastlink Centre boasts an Olympic-size 54m competition pool, diving towers, a surfing simulator, water slides and play area, indoor basketball, volleyball, badminton and squash courts, as well as an indoor track. The facility also has a variety of vendors and health and wellness merchants. Visit this great facility to stay fit and have fun!

Coca-Cola CentreOpened in September 2003, the Coca-Cola Centre has two ice sur-faces. Seven-hundred and fifty Grande Prairie Minor Hockey players practice and play at the centre. The facility is also well used by Grande Prairie’s figure skaters. The Coca-Cola Centre hosts old-timer and recreational hockey leagues and is available for private bookings and public events. The north surface has seating for 1,000 with room for an additional 600 seats. The south surface can accommodate 350.

Crystal Centre and Bowes Family Crystal GardensThe Crystal Centre is the premiere entertainment and sport venue of the northwest. It houses the Canada Games Arena and the Bowes Family Crystal Garden, a large hall for events and concerts. The Crystal Centre hosts sports, concerts, shows and entertainment for the whole family and is the home of our Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

Crystal Lake Waterfowl RefugeLocated in the northeastern corner of the City, Crystal Lake is a sanctuary for nature in the midst of the community. Many species of waterfowl, including Grande Prairie’s signature trumpeter swans, call Crystal Lake home. It is a great place to walk the dog, hike, or simply relax and watch nature’s beauty unfold.

Dave Barr Community CentreDave Barr Community Centre offers hockey and skating in the winter months, and lacrosse and ball hockey in the summer. The Kid’s Place, a City-run playschool, is also housed in this building.

Grande Prairie MuseumThe Grande Prairie Museum is situated in Muskoseepi Park. Built in the early 1970s, the Museum is the heart of the Culture and Heritage Department. Here, educational programs are developed, tours are organized and interpretive displays and temporary exhibits are designed and offered to Museum visitors. The goal of the Grande Prairie Museum is to pursue excellence in the collection and protec-tion of objects that tell the story of Grande Prairie’s heritage.

BRIDGE TO THE GRANDE PRAIRIE MUSEUM | JANICE KRETZER-PRYSUNKA

Parks & Fac i l i t i es


39

THE ART GALLERY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

Grande Prairie Public LibrarySituated in the modern and sleek Montrose Cultural Centre, opened June 2009, the Grande Prairie Public Library is a community focal point. It offers Grande Prairie residents a fully equipped computer training area, expanded computer stations, space to study and rooms for meetings and programs, as well as a wide array of books, magazines, multimedia and Internet resources. The Grande Prairie Public Library is a centre of learning for children and adults alike. It is a resource for information and recreation, and a gathering point for those who want to partake in learning and community building.

Heritage Discovery CentreThe Heritage Discovery Centre, located in the lower level of Centre 2000, is a family-friendly hands-on museum depicting the history of the Peace River Country from the Ice Age to the present day. Its featured attraction is a life size animatronic dinosaur named Piper. It has the Rotary Learning Centre which is used for school programs and birthday parties. The Kin Gallery always has an exciting travel-ling exhibit showing and the many interactive computer games and hands-on displays are a delight to children of all ages.

Muskoseepi ParkGrande Prairie has an abundance of neighbourhood parks. Mus-koseepi Park is the jewel of the community, running through the centre of the City. Along with both paved and natural trails through the urban forest for walking, biking and cross-country skiing, park facilities also include an outdoor pool, large playground, all-season pond for fishing and skating, outdoor basketball, tennis and lawn bowling courts, mini-golf, bird watching facilities, and quiet places to just sit and enjoy the solitude.

Muskoseepi Park is the place to be for entertainment during the summer. Grande Prairie’s Canada Day, Heritage Day and Municipal Government Day celebrations are held in the Park. The outdoor Am-phitheatre, with its hillside seating, provides the stage for concerts, dance performances, and other shows throughout the season. The Park also offers fun and educational programs for schools, youth groups, adults and children of all ages.

PARKS & FACILIT IES39


Art Gallery of Grande Prairie aggp.ca 780.532.8111

Eastlink Centre www.eastlinkcentre.ca 780.830.5000

Coca-Cola Centre ccc.cityofgp.com 780.513.5252

Crystal Centre www.cityofgp.com/crystalcentre 780.538.0387

Dave Barr Community Centre www.cityofgp.com/davebarr 780.538.0469

Grande Prairie Museum www.cityofgp.com/gpmuseum 780.532.5482

Grande Prairie Public Library www.gppl.ab.ca 780.532.3580

Heritage Discovery Centre www.cityofgp.com/heritage 780.532.5719

Muskoseepi Park www.cityofgp.com/muskoseepi 780.538.0451

WWW.AGGP.CA

Located in the Montrose Cultural Centre

#103, 9839 – 103 Avenue

Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 6M7

PHONE: 780-532-8111 | EMAIL: [email protected]

the ultimate spa experience for men & women

P 780 513 0300

HOLIDAY INN, GRANDE PRAIRIE

MIRAGEHOLISTICSPA.CA

OR VIS IT US ON FACEBOOK

780.532.6353 • [email protected] • ImageDesignPros.com/GPNOW

Grande Prairie’s online lifestyle magazine.

Showcasing Lifestyle. Pro�ling Personalities.GPNOW celebrates and expands community connections for

residents in our diverse and active community. See the drive and

inspiration that make Grande Prairie the dynamic region it is.

Check out ImageDesignPros.com/GPNOW

publishers of GPNOW

NETWORKING FORTHE VISUAL ARTIST

artofthepeace.ca

A PUBLICATION FOR THE VISUAL ARTIST

FALL 2013 ISSUE 21

Marjorie

TaylorBUILDING UP

AOTP SYMPOSIUM 2013

REEL SHORTS FESTIVAL

IMPRESSIONS OF ISTANBUL

Art of the Peace - Fall 2013.indd 1

20/09/2013 3:40:04 PM

MOVING?

500 units25 - 630 sq.ft.Regular and heated unitsIndoor RV storage

Store your household, business documents or stockMoving suppliesReusable Gogo boxes

[email protected] We are Grande Prairie’s Self-Storage Specialists

Whether you’re moving, looking for a home storage solution or need storage for your business, Maxim is here to help meet your storage needs!

780-538-3288 7701 Resources Road

Help support the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in Wembley, AB

Now managing the former airport “car condos”.Call for information!

CROWDS AT THE GRANDE PRAIRIE INTERNATIONAL STREET PERFORMERS FESTIVAL | WILLIAM VAVREK

GRANDE PRAIRIE

City Events


2013 ONGOING

------ Art ExhibitsCentre for Creative Arts, Grande Prairie Art Gallery of Grande Prairie

------ Farmers’ Market Downtown, Grande Prairie

------ Motor Speedway RacesHythe

------ Storm Hockey Crystal Centre, Grande Prairie

MAY 2014

7-11 Reel Shorts Film Festival Second Street Theatre, Grande Prairie

27 The Longest Table (Guiness World Record) Downtown Association, Grande Prairie

28-June 1 Grande Prairie Stompede Evergreen Park TEC Centre, Grande Prairie

APRIL 2014

4-6 Grande Prairie Sports Expo Evergreen Park TEC Centre, Grande Prairie

11 Grande Prairie Petroleum AssociationBanquet and SocialCrystal Centre, Grande Prairie

13 Annual Fiddlers’ Jamboree GPRC Douglas J. Cardinal Performing Arts Centre, Grande Prairie

19 Easter EggstravaganzaMuskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie

25-27 Monster Truck ThrowdownCrystal Centre, Grande Prairie

26-27 Swan Festival Saskatoon Island Provincial Park

MARCH 2014

14-16 Grande Prairie Home & Garden Show Grande Prairie

14-15, 20-22 &

27-29

Steel MagnoliasGrande Prairie Performing Arts GuildGrande Prairie

21-23 Grande Prairie Women’s Show –Spring EditionCrystal Centre, Grande Prairie

This is just a sample of events going on throughoutthe year in and around the City. For more, visit:gptourism.ca/events and wegonorth.com

JUNE 2014

13 Relay for Life (Canadian Cancer Society) County Sportsplex, Grande Prairie

14 Highland GamesMacklin Field, Grande Prairie

14 Sizzling Summer Sidewalk Sale Downtown, Grande Prairie

19-22 Pomeroy Guitars and Wagons WeekendEvergreen Park, Grande Prairie

26 Chamber of Commerce MixerMemory Lane Walking TourDowntown, Grande Prairie

27-29 Bud Country Fever Evergreen Park TEC Centre, Grande Prairie

30 Canada Day Fireworks Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie

SEPTEMBER 2014

6 Grande Prairie Outdoor MarketGrande Prairie, Alberta

8 Autumn Festival & Tractor RodeoSouth Peace Centennial Museum, Beaverlodge

OCTOBER 2014

3-5 Fall Home & Leisure ShowEvergreen Park, Grande Prairie

17-19 Grande Prairie Women’s Show – Fall Edition Crystal Centre, Grande Prairie

25 Halloween Spooktacular Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie

25 Halloween Foot Parade Downtown, Grande Prairie

NOVEMBER 201414 Vegas Night

Downtown, Grande Prairie

27-29 GP Farmers Market Christmas Show & Sale Crystal Centre, Grande Prairie

30 Santa ParadeDowntown, Grande Prairie

31 First Footings Celebrations Muskoseepi Park, Grande Prairie

1-31 Northern Spirit Light ShowEvergreen Park ENTREC Centre, Grande Prairie

2015 UPCOMING

January18-20

Taste of the Peace & Growing the North ConferenceEvergreen Park ENTREC Centre, Grande Prairie

February 20-22

2015 Special Olympics Winter Games

February Annual Wine Fair and Auction

February Maple Sugar Festival

February Family Day Celebration

JULY 2014

1 Canada Day CelebrationsMuskoseepi Park, Grande PrairieDowntown, Grande Prairie Grande Prairie Museum

10-13 Teepee Creek Stampede Teepee Creek Stampede Association, Sexsmith

18-20 Street Performers Festival Downtown, Grande Prairie

18-21 Pioneer DaysSouth Peace Centennial Museum, between Beaverlodge and Hythe

18-19 East Coast Garden PartyGrande Prairie

AUGUST 2014

1-3 100th Anniversary Homecoming Event Grande Prairie

7-9 Grand Opening, Philip J. Currie Dinosaur MuseumWembley

29 Dinosaur PlaysMuskoseepi Amphitheatre, Grande Prairie

CIT Y EVENTS43

Service ProvidersAlliance Disposal Alliance Disposal is a full service garbage removal and bin rental company serving Grande Prairie and area. Alliance Disposal also offers recycling services and roll off bins available for construction, agricultural and residential.

Aquatera Curb-side RecyclingAquatera offers recycling pick-up services alongside residential solid waste collection. Just clean and bag your recyclables and leave them at the curb—it’s that easy! There is also no limit to your recycling, so leave out as many bags of recyclables as you like. Visit Aquatera’s website for details.

Aquatera Grande Prairie Eco CentreOperated by Aquatera, the Eco Centre is the largest recycling depot in Grande Prairie. You can recycle everything from plastic bottles to light bulbs, from TVs and computers to propane tanks and liquid chemical waste. Staff are available at the Centre to help with your recycling needs.

County Disposal 2000 Ltd. County Disposal provides waste and recycling services in Grande Prairie and surrounding areas, as well as into isolated businesses and oil field operations. County Disposal offers waste collection, paper shredding and recycling, cardboard recycling, and also collects hard-to-dispose material such as dead animals, batteries, and paint.

Prairie Disposal Ltd.Prairie Disposal provides solid waste collection services across the Peace Region, with customers from a single residential home to large industrial customers. Prairie Disposal also provides recycling services and is the largest hauler of cardboard in the Peace region.

Recycle PlusYou can recycle cardboard, mixed paper, glass, plastic and cans at these recycling depots conveniently located at stores, schools, and other spots near your neighbourhood. Recycle Plus offers office pa-per pick-up and large-volume recycling for commercial customers.

Waste Management CanadaWaste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste services across North America. Waste Management operates 20 recycling recovery facilities and 18 landfills in Canada, serving 4.5 million residential customers and 170,000 industrial and commer-cial customers.

SUNSET ACROSS THE GRANDE PRAIRIE RESERVOIR | LLOYD DYSTRA

Env i ronment


45

City Environmental InitiativesAnnual Tree PlantingSince 2005, community groups have partnered with the City to plant trees in our urban parks. The goal is to plant 2,000 trees in one day so community groups need to guarantee a minimum 25 volunteers aged 15 years and older, with their own shovels to get involved. Participation in the Tree Planting is a great opportunity for community groups to fundraise and collect pledges towards their causes. Groups are eligible to receive a $1,000 honorarium from the City.

Community GardenThe City has started a pilot community garden at the corner of 101 Avenue and 98 Street with the support of Grande Prairie Garden Club and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. If residents are interested in starting their own community garden in their neighbourhood:• They can work with their community association, if it exists, to see how much interest there is and/or• Spend a summer volunteering at the community garden off of 98 St.

City ScrubThe annual City Scrub program started in the spring of 2005. Schools, businesses, residents and community groups volunteer 20 minutes of their time to pick up garbage in and around the City. City Scrub occurs in the second week of May, and has more than 5,000 participants helping to make our City a cleaner place.

Rotary Green-a-thonEvery year, for the past 40 years, the City’s Rotary Clubs organize a clean-up! Today, around 100 volunteers and 350 Grade 4-6 students go out, typically on the first Saturday in May. So watch for them on the City’s boulevards, ditches, and green areas. Rotary Green-a-thon and City Scrub coincide and help rid Grande Prairie of its winter grime!

Yard Makeover ContestThe contest started in 2010, offering City residents an opportunity to win a green yard makeover. Winners receive products and services such as landscape design, materials, and labour. The goals of this ini-tiative are to increase awareness of alternative landscaping methods, promote unconventional ground covers, the use of native and zone appropriate plant species, to decrease the dependence on grass as a single or primary landscape cover, and lower water consumption.

PARK PAVILLION IN THE SUMMER | ANGIE PATTERSON

EVERY YEAR, FOR THE PAST 40 YEARS,THE CITY’S ROTARY CLUBS ORGANIZE A CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP.

ENVIRONMENT45


Alliance Disposal www.alliancedisposal.com 780.567.2467

Aquatera www.aquatera.ca 780.538.0452

County Disposal 2000 Ltd. www.countydisposal.ca 780.532.3086

Prairie Disposal Ltd www.prairiedisposal.com 780.539.5950

Terra Nova 780.831.0270

Waste Management www.wm.com 877.784.7336


MyChamberApp is a FREE Download for Androids & iPhones

Putting Grande Prairie Businessesin the Palm of Your Hand!

For More Information on Chamber Membership:

call 780-532-5340or visit GrandePrairieChamber.com

FINDMember Businesses,

Chamber Events,and Local Discounts

all from your phone


WWW.Q99LIVE.COM

TODAY'S HITS – YESTERDAY'S FAVORITES

Contest Line 780-830-7980 | Office 780-882-6612 | Find Q99Live on Facebook

98.9 on your radio dial


On average, bottled water costs 2500x more than tap waterThe cost of tap water is $0.001 per litre where bottled water costs $2.78 per litre

Rethink what you drink!

Find us on:

BOTTLED TAP WATER VSTested for e.coli

Required to provide source

Required to produce quality reports

Can still be distributed when tapwater standards are not met

The average Canadian purchases 43 BOTTLES of water per year. Meaning over 2.3 million bottles of water are consumed in Grande Prairie each year.

40% of all bottled water is taken from municipal water sources.2 of the 3 most popular brands in North America come from tap water.

On average, 88% of plastic bottles end in a land�ll.Over 2 million water bottles will end up in Grande Prairie’s land�ll each year.With a 500ml bottle weighing 20.3g that means over 40,000kg.

Tap it! CLEAN, SAFE, LOCAL WATER

Relocation guide 2014

Documents

Transcript of Relocation guide 2014