Alberta cabinet minister attends Greenview council
Alberta’s Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Travis Toews, was part of a delegation of provincial government officials in attendance at the regular meeting of Greenview Council, Jan. 13. Travis Toews, who also serves as MLA for the Grande Prairie-Wapiti constituency, joined Tracey Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie, and Mark Jacka, chief of staff for Transportation Minister Ric McIver to take questions from councillors on a range of MD-related matters.
Council greenlights Community Grants
A total of 15 community-based organizations in communities across the MD of Greenview will share in nearly $297,000 in funding as Greenview Council voted to approve the first round of 2020 Community Grants. Recipients represented a wide range of community services areas including social programming, seniors, recreation and culture. Among those organizations receiving support through the MD’s Community Services Grant program are the DeBolt and District Pioneer Museum Society ($29,104 in operational and capital funding), Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society ($35,000), Fox Creek Curling Club ($17,500), Grande Cache Cycling Club ($14,610) and Little Smoky’s Big River View Snow Club ($15,000). The deadline for the next round of Community Grant Program applications is April 15.
The complete recipient list for the first round of 2020 Community Grants can be found here.
MD Schedule of Fees amended
Businesses within the MD of Greenview are getting a break as Council voted to lower the fee for MD business licenses and reduce the maximum amount for non-residential development permits. An amendment to the MD’s fee schedule means all established businesses will fall under the Annual Residential Business Licensing classification. Businesses previously assessed a fee of $250 for a full year and $150 for a half year, will now pay $100 for a new one year license, $50 for a half year or renewal of an existing license. The amendment also reduces the fee cap on development permits for large non-residential projects from $75,000 to $10,000.
Greenview/Woodlands collaboration agreement approved
Council gave third and final reading to Bylaw 19-834, approving the “Woodlands County/MD of Greenview Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework”. The framework identifies the services provided solely by the individual municipality and which services are provided jointly by the Woodlands and Greenview, including the Golden Triangle Snowmobile Trail System and services covered under existing mutual aid agreements. The framework also establishes an Intermunicipal Negotiating Committee to provide recommendations on how those joint services will be delivered and funded, as well as to discuss potential areas of improvements to the agreement that will support growth, attract business and residents.
Grande Cache fitness centre construction tender approved
Development of a new fitness centre at the Grande Cache Recreation Centre is moving ahead as Council has awarded the construction tender to RPC Group with the successful bid of $698,000. A total of five bid submissions were received with RPC coming in at the lowest cost and highest overall rating by the bid evaluation team.
Council sponsoring regional events
The Grande Prairie Petroleum Association, host of the 10th Annual STARS Hangar Dance fundraiser in support of STARS Air Ambulance, is getting a boost as Greenview Council has voted to sponsor the event with $2,700. The event will be held at the TARA Centre at Grande Prairie’s Evergreen Park, Feb. 1.
Council also approved $3,000 in sponsorship funding in support of the 16th Annual Northwest Regional Skills Canada Competition to be held in Fairivew, April 23 – 24. More than 150 participants will take part in the regional competition showcasing talented Albertans in the local trades and technology sectors. Winners will advance to the provincial competition with a chance to move on to the national event.
A request from Community Futures Peace Country for sponsorship of the 13th Annual Women in the North Conference was approved, with Council voting to provide $500 in funding. The conference focuses on building the capacity of women looking to build their entrepreneurial skills.
Council also voted to support sponsorship of the 2020 Curling Alberta Optimist U18 Provincial Championships with $1,000 in sponsorship funding. Sixteen qualifying junior men and women teams will compete in Sexsmith Feb. 26 – March 1.
Ward boundaries to be reviewed
As part of process for the amalgamation of Grande Cache as a hamlet within the MD of Greenview, Council is exploring options resulting from administration’s review of existing ward boundaries. With an eye to ensuring effective representation on MD Council while limiting impact to ratepayers, Council directed administration to conduct additional research to address questions stemming from the review.
Recreation area gets a new name
The day-use recreation area developed on Highway 669 east of Valleyview has a new name. Greenview Council selected the name Smoky Sunset Landing, opting on a moniker that best describes the area’s location and its accessibility by those travelling on the river. Picnic tables and firepits are available on site.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
- Committee of the Whole – Jan. 20, 2020 DeBolt Public Service Building
- Greenview Council Regular Meeting – Jan. 27, 2020, MD of Greenview Administration Building, Valleyview
Please note: The Jan. 29 Agricultural Service Board meeting has been cancelled. The next ASB meeting will be held Feb.26, 2020, MD of Greenview Administration Building, Valleyview.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Stacey Sevilla, Manager, Communications and Marketing
Stacey.Sevilla@mdgreenview.ab.ca or 780-524-7625
