Mayor Jackie Clayton and the Grande Prairie City Council are highlighting community growth and upcoming priorities following the annual State of the City event held on March 31, 2026, at the Bonnetts Energy Centre.
The event, which featured a panel discussion moderated by the mayor, focused on the city’s future direction and the implementation of the new 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. This plan, officially adopted by Council on March 30, 2026, focuses on four main goals: economic opportunity and resilience, community empowerment and livability, infrastructure and financial sustainability, and purposeful leadership and governance.
During the event, local leaders discussed ongoing collaborations, including a successful partnership between the city and Northwestern Polytechnic. President Dr. Vanessa Sheane participated in the panel to discuss regional skills training and the success of hosting a medical program in partnership with the University of Alberta.
The city is also preparing for a significant milestone in local public safety. The Grande Prairie Police Service is set to assume full policing jurisdiction on October 21, 2026. This move completes the transition to a municipal police force two years ahead of the original timeline.
As the city moves forward, residents are balancing these developments with new financial measures. The 2026 budget includes a total tax increase of 4.34 percent, which covers both municipal operations and the levy for the new police service. This change amounts to approximately $12.00 per month for an average single-family home.
In addition to these strategic initiatives, Council is addressing urgent social service challenges. Following the loss of over $1.4 million in provincial funding for the Wapiti Community Support Association, Council has directed the mayor to request a 60-day extension from the province to help the agency manage the transition.
