On March 2, 2026, the City of Grande Prairie council met to discuss a major medical centre loan, approve festival funding, and review the city’s financial performance. These decisions in Grande Prairie, Alberta, will help shape local healthcare access and community events throughout the coming year.
Ken Drysdale and Rhonda Side spoke to council on behalf of the Maskwa Medical Centre to request a loan guarantee. The centre is planned as a $35-million facility that will provide specialized healthcare and diagnostic services for the region.
The council shared that the city successfully secured more than $32 million in total grant funding during 2025. This includes $28.8 million in non-competitive funding from provincial and federal programs, such as the Local Government Fiscal Framework, which helps pay for city services and projects.
Local festivals received a boost as council approved $80,000 in total sponsorships for four major events in 2026. The Bear Creek Folk Festival will receive $50,000 of that funding, while the Festival of Trees was granted $10,000.
In other business, the city officially met RCMP Chief Superintendent Adrian Marsden, the District Officer for Western Alberta, who will oversee local policing as the city continues its move toward a municipal police service. Council also approved the 2026 budget for the Downtown Business Improvement Area, which manages improvements and promotions for local shops. Additionally, Margaret Bowes was recognized as the recipient of the 2025 George Repka Outstanding Achievement Award.
