Coming Up: November 19
Council meets tonight. The agenda includes a lane closure, a park naming, and advocacy for provincial daytime shelter funding. We’ll also be hearing from a delegation speaking to a Veterans Memorial Garden project.
As always, any mistakes or opinions belong to me and me alone, not to Council or City staff.
If you would like to watch the meeting or read any of its supporting material for yourself, you can do so by clicking here.
Delegation- Veterans Memorial Gardens
At the beginning of all City Council meetings, the community is invited to address Council. People are welcome to just show up, but we always appreciate a notice that they are coming.
One delegation we will receive tonight will be presenting on a Veterans Memorial Garden. The group presenting is hoping to build an outdoor garden and program building at the site of the Afghanistan War Monument. This facility will serve to provide remembrance, education, and a place for solace and comfort for silver cross families and veterans. The group is also hoping to move the Cenotaph here from Jubilee Park in order to have a better venue for outdoor ceremonies.
You can find out more at www.veteransmemorialgardens.com.
I look forward to learning more about his project.
Lane Closure
Management is proposing that Council authorize closing a lane adjacent to 132nd Ave. It is not needed to service existing land or future growth. I need to learn a little bit more about what happens to a lane after it closes, but I see no reason not to support this recommendation.
Bill Adam Park Naming Nomination
Council received a request to honor Bill Adam by naming a park after him. Bill Adam was a major builder of minor hockey in Grande Prairie. He was also involved on City Council, the City Planning Commission, the Police Commission, the Hospital Board, the Co-op Board, Kinsmen Club, and Knights of Columbus.
The request is to re-name the park and authorize a bronze sign similar to the signage installed for the City’s 100th Anniversary.
I support this recommendation- it is important for us to recognize and remember those who gave a lot to building our community.
Advocacy for Daytime Shelter Services
Daytime shelter services are important as communities respond to homelessness and the opioid crises. They provide a place for people to get out of the elements and access services. They also provide basic necessities such as washroom facilities. There are groups in Grande Prairie advocating for provincial investment in these services.
It has been recommended that Council direct the Mayor to write a letter in support of funding for daytime shelter services.
I support this recommendation. Shelter services are important for the health and dignity of those who access them. Having more positive places for people to hangout and use restrooms makes our community more pleasant for everyone. And services like this often save the taxpayer in the long run as they decrease interactions with the health and justice systems.
That’s what is on our agenda for tonight. I’d love to hear from you.
You can comment below. Or, you can contact me at dbressey@cityofgp.com or 780-402-4166. I'm happy to talk online or over the phone. I'm also always willing to setup a time to meet for coffee.
Thanks for reading!
-Dylan