The City of Grande Prairie is just months away from a historic change as its own municipal police service prepares to take over full duties on October 21, 2026, two years ahead of the original plan. The Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS) will replace the RCMP as the city’s primary police force, marking the first time a new municipal service has been created in the province since Camrose did so in 1956.
With 70 sworn officers already in place, the service is expected to grow to 91 by the transition date, working toward a target of 110 officers. “Human trafficking remains a serious and evolving issue in Grande Prairie and communities across Canada,” said GPPS Chief Dwayne Lakusta after the service announced a new partnership on June 24, 2026, with #NotInMyCity, a group started by country music star Paul Brandt to raise awareness about human trafficking.
The move is expected to save the city more than $8 million between 2024 and 2028, as operating the local service costs less than keeping the RCMP contract would have. The province has contributed almost $17 million to help cover the transition, including an extra $7 million announced in May 2025.
GPPS is using a different approach to policing that includes mental health workers, addiction specialists, and mobile outreach teams alongside regular officers. This model is designed to handle calls involving mental health crises or drug issues more effectively by sending trained support staff instead of—or together with—police.
During the transition, residents can call 780-830-5701 for non-emergency matters, while emergencies should still go through 9-1-1.
