Grande Prairie city council has banned the release of pet animals like goldfish into public places, one of several decisions made at its May 25 meeting. The change to the Noise, Nuisance and Public Disturbances Bylaw makes it illegal to release, abandon, or relocate any animal on public property, after reports of goldfish being dumped in ponds at Muskoseepi Park. The city says fines can now be issued for the practice, which harms native species and park ecosystems.
Council also updated the city’s dangerous goods route to include Highway 43X, giving truckers a new path for carrying placardable quantities of hazardous materials. The province requested the Traffic Bylaw change, which also updates department names and adds a definition for placardable loads. The aim is to keep dangerous shipments moving safely while keeping city rules in line with provincial standards.
On the money side, council adjusted the 2026 Capital Budget to capture more federal dollars. City spending on machinery and equipment from local taxes was cut by $37,000, replaced by a federal grant of the same amount. Parks and Amenities saw its federal grant increased from $100,000 to $185,000, stretching more dollars into park projects without extra pressure on local ratepayers. The city’s unaudited first-quarter numbers through March 31 show a projected $270,000 shortfall, just 0.12 per cent of the overall budget. Chief Financial Officer Danielle Whiteway said there is plenty of time to bring the budget back to balance by year-end.
Council named electricity distribution costs as the top item on its 2026 Advocacy Priority List. Mayor Jackie Clayton noted that Grande Prairie households pay about three and a half times more in distribution charges than similar homes in Calgary or Edmonton, a gap that continues to widen. The rest of the list includes health care supports, economic corridors, federal advocacy, and support for Northwestern Polytechnic.
In another move, council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Grande Prairie Airport Commission and the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority. The deal focuses on improving the passenger experience, attracting more air service, and boosting economic corridors, while the city remains the sole owner of the airport.
Policing savings are helping to offset a municipal shortfall. About $1.8 million in higher snow removal costs and lower franchise fee revenue is being covered by a $1.5 million surplus in the policing budget from salary savings, the end of photo radar, and a leaner RCMP contract. More details are available from the City of Grande Prairie.
