G&P Highlights: October 7, 2024

Several organizations pitched to receive funding under the Grants to Organizations program. They included the Peace River Curling Club, which is seeking support for its Curl for a Cause MS Funspiel as well as Oktoberfest; Peace River Art Club, which is seeking support for communications and marketing; and the North Peace Performing Arts Festival Association, which is seeking support for its festival. Decisions on funding support will be made at a formal Council meeting.

Ken and Wayne Drysdale of the Maskwa Medical Center presented about the planned medical centre in Grande Prairie, which is due to break ground on construction this month. The centre aims to improve access to specialists and family physicians for the region.

The Council Remuneration Committee presented their report on Council pay and expense policy, commending Councillors on being prudent regarding the financial aspect of their position. Afterward, Council directed Administration to bring a revised policy including the recommendations to a future meeting for further discussion.

The Peace River Boating Association requested some significant maintenance work along the east side of the riverbank to remove vegetation from Heart River Bridge to the north-end boat launch. Council and Administration discussed this item, understanding the desire but recognizing the request is a large ask. This conversation will continue.

Canadian National Railway has provided the Town of Peace River with a long-term lease option for a portion of the CN-owned property adjacent to the Town property of 8700 100 Ave, formally known as the Lions Campground. Council received a legal opinion on the terms of the proposed lease and must consider whether those terms are in the best interest of the Town. This item will return to a future Council meeting for a formal decision.

APEX Security's second month report was presented. If you're interested in details about APEX's work during the pilot project, check out the agenda! There's an encampment map, statistics, and more in the report.

Following on this subject, Coun. Don Good initiated a request to Administration to seek further details on the RCMP's operations in Peace River, with the intention to get a better understanding of the organization's staffing and priorities in town.