While the Grande Prairie Fire Department (GPFD) is seeing an increase in medical calls, its 911 service is grappling with delays in secondary call processing to other first responders organizations. “We are now seeing a trend where the fire department is being relied on more often for EMS delivery, and this reliance is starting to impact […]
The province announced $2.1 million to support women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and private non-profit housing. In Grande Prairie, the Wapiti Dorm Society is receiving $130,000 of that funding to upgrade the bathrooms on the main floor of Wapiti House.“It will go to good use and promote some cleaner, safer bathrooms,” said Kathy Lambert, Wapiti House executive […]
The Grande Spirit Foundation (GSF) says it would like to begin constructing affordable housing in the Smith neighbourhood in Grande Prairie as soon as possible.GSF is looking to build two buildings with 160 units on the Smith lands. “There are 558 approved applicants on our waiting list for some type of affordable housing,” said Judy Kokotilo-Bekkerus, […]
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike has seen federal workers in cities and towns across the country take to the picket lines and the streets, even here in the South Peace.The strike began on April 19, after PSAC and the federal government failed to reach an agreement.The protest is the biggest strike in […]
Bill Bessent is a Grande Prairie Second World War combat veteran; he saw Winston Churchill with his own eyes and even spoke to the Queen. On April 15, he received a pin from the Grande Prairie Royal Canadian Legion #54, where he has been a member for 77 years. Second World War veteran Bill Bessent was presented […]
The doors opened at the Wembley Public Library on Saturday, with residents invited to come by for Earth Day celebrations and the chance to see the completed renovations.Library Manager Anna Underwood said the open house hosted during the celebrations was to show off the library’s new layout, including upgrades to shelving.Sexsmith Mayor Kate Potter read […]
A new recreational facility in the Avondale area is being eyed by city council. After considering options in Smith and Cobblestone, council selected Avondale for the new facility.“Council made a decision on multiple factors and, at the end of the day, settled on Avondale,” said Mayor Jackie Clayton. Clayton said there is still time for the residents […]
Assessments in the Town of Wembley will see taxes go up for residents in the town’s approved 2023 budget.While the average household will see an increase of two to three per cent, Town of Wembley Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Noreen Zhang said some residents will see higher rates. Zhang told Town & Country News this […]
Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) is adding two new health care programs to its offerings.The institution will expand the Practical Nurse (PN) diploma to Fairview and develop a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) certificate expected to launch next year.The announcement comes after the province announced $193 million to create 8,000 seats in high-demand post-secondary programs across Alberta. “This expanded […]
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital (GPRH) is supporting indigenous people to stage their traditional smudging ceremonies there.Patients and families at the hospital can request the opportunity to smudge a ceremony of burning sacred plants, accompanied by a prayer. Within 20 minutes of the request, the hospital will re-route that room's air to be ventilated outdoors. […]