All Grande Prairie Articles
Discover all 40 articles about Grande Prairie, the Peace Country.
Twilight Drilling Faces 8 Charges After Worker Seriously Injured Near Beaverlodge, West of Grande Prairie Alberta
Two workers were beneath a drilling rig near Beaverlodge in July 2024, each assigned a different job. One activated a machinery control and the other was caught in a support chain and seriously injured. Alberta OHS has laid eight charges against Nisku-based Twilight Drilling Ltd. None has been proven in court.
Alberta Government to Host AI Data Centre Town Halls in Ponoka, Sturgeon County and Grande Prairie
Technology Minister Nate Glubish is holding in-person town halls in Ponoka on August 19, Sturgeon County on August 20 and Grande Prairie on September 11. Premier Danielle Smith joins a virtual session on August 27. The Sturgeon County meeting lands 18 days after dozens of people protested Meta's $13 billion campus there.
Two Grande Prairie Asian Buffets Are Closing Within a Week of Each Other
Soleilki Asian Buffet served its last customers on August 2 after its lease ended. Panda Garden closes Sunday, August 9. Both announced within hours of each other, and both were all-you-can-eat buffets. Panda Garden's owners are carrying on with the Kusina Asia food truck.
Grande Prairie Educational Assistant Sentenced to 34 Months for Sexually Exploiting a Student
Brooke Richer was 21 days into a job with the Grande Prairie and District Catholic School District when she invited a 16-year-old student to her home. She pleaded guilty to sexual interference in a position of trust and has been sentenced to 34 months, less than either the Crown or the defence proposed.
Things to Do in Grande Prairie This Long Weekend: July 31–August 3, 2026 (Regional Airshow & More)
The Regional Airshow takes over the airport Saturday and Sunday with flying from noon to 4 p.m. and free shuttles from three schools. The city's free Heritage Day runs the same Saturday at Heritage Village, alongside Chariot Fest and a Friday night dive-in movie.
Heritage Day 2026 in Grande Prairie: What's Closed Monday and Why the City Event Is Saturday
Grande Prairie's Heritage Day celebration runs Saturday, August 1 at the Heritage Village, noon to 5 p.m. Heritage Day itself is Monday, August 3, when City Hall, the Eastlink Centre, Bonnetts Energy Centre and the Montrose Cultural Centre are all closed. Heritage Day also isn't a statutory holiday in Alberta, so your employer can schedule you to work it. Here is the full breakdown.
Grande Prairie Construction Zone Blitz: Nearly Two Dozen Tickets in One Hour as Alberta Fines Climb
Grande Prairie peace officers issued nearly two dozen construction zone tickets in a single hour at 116 Avenue and 96 Street. With Alberta's fines up since March and penalties doubling when workers are present, the real cost of one of those tickets, including what it does to your insurance, is higher than most drivers think.
Things to Do in Grande Prairie This Weekend: July 24–26, 2026 (Disc Golf Nationals & More)
Ribfest has wrapped, but Grande Prairie lands a genuine first this weekend: the Canadian National Disc Golf Championships bring about 450 of the country's best players to three city courses. Around it, the Currie Dinosaur Museum, the Saturday market and Muskoseepi Park's free spray park make an easy weekend. Here's everything worth getting off the couch for.
TC Energy's $500 Million Valhalla North Pipeline Near Grande Prairie Is Now in Service. Here's What It Means for the Region
TC Energy's Valhalla North pipeline, 33 kilometres of 48-inch pipe northwest of Grande Prairie, is officially in service, part of a $500 Million project the company says supported 775 jobs at peak construction and directed more than $24 Million to Indigenous businesses. Here's what got built, why it matters for the region's gas patch, and where the gas goes.
Grande Prairie Crane Operator's Body Recovered From the Wapiti River, Four Weeks After the Highway 40 Bridge Collapse
Clairmont RCMP confirmed on July 14 that they have recovered the remains of the crane operator who died when his crane went through the Wapiti River Bridge railing on June 16. He had been in the water for four weeks. The crane itself is still being pulled from the river, and RCMP are asking the public to keep boats and drones out of the area.
Grande Prairie Driver Clocked at 202 km/h on Highway 43 Near Wembley, Nearly Double the Limit
Clairmont RCMP say a 46-year-old Grande Prairie driver was caught going 202 km/h in a 110 zone on Highway 43 between Grande Prairie and Wembley late on July 6. The driver was hit with a mandatory court summons for speeding and careless driving. At that speed, a car covers the length of a football field in under two seconds.
Alberta Amber Alert Still Active for 6-Year-Old Boy Taken Near Grande Prairie: RCMP Now Searching for a Red Ford F350
The Amber Alert for six-year-old Lanakai Morrison, abducted near Grande Prairie on July 7, remains active into Thursday evening. RCMP have updated key details: the group is now believed to be in a 2006 red Ford F350, Alberta plate CXW8820, after officers found the black Toyota Tundra from the original alert. Police say the case stems from a family court order and are urging anyone who sees them to call 911, not approach.
Grande Prairie Crane Recovery Begins on Highway 40, Three Weeks After the Fatal Wapiti River Bridge Crash
Crews have started pulling the crane out of the Wapiti River south of Grande Prairie, three weeks after it went through the Highway 40 bridge railing and killed the operator inside. RCMP are asking boats to stay off the river and warning drivers to expect delays. The operator has still not been recovered, and the cause of the crash remains unknown.
Grande Prairie Fire Advisory Lifted June 30. Fire Pits, Campfires and Burn Barrels Are Permitted Again.
Effective 9 a.m. on June 30, 2026, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service lifted the fire advisory for the entire county and the towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley. The City of Grande Prairie lifted its advisory the same morning. Alberta Wildfire also lifted all restrictions in the Grande Prairie Forest Area the same day. Here is exactly what you can and cannot do now that the advisory is gone.
A Former Grande Prairie Peace Officer Avoided Jail After Pleading Guilty to Possessing 254 Images and 98 Videos of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Daniel Emond, 35, a former City of Grande Prairie peace officer, was sentenced June 29 at Edmonton Court of King's Bench to a 24-month conditional sentence served on house arrest, followed by 12 months of probation. ALERT confirmed his arrest in September 2023 after tracing an uploaded image to his device. CBC News reported investigators found 254 images and 98 videos of child sexual abuse material on a device in his home.
Canada Day 2026 in Grande Prairie: Parade Route, Fireworks Location, Entertainment Lineup, and What Is Open
Canada Day in Grande Prairie is Wednesday July 1. The parade starts at 2 p.m. downtown. Muskoseepi Park activities run from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fireworks are at a new location this year — Legion Field at 11313 105 Street — at 11:30 p.m. Oliver Dawson is the 2026 Parade Marshal. Everything is free.
A Grande Prairie Teen Raised $44,000 and Organized the City's First Youth Festival While Finishing High School
EJ Igao, a graduating student at Composite High School, raised more than $44,000 in sponsorships and organized the first-ever GP Youth Fest at Muskoseepi Park on June 25. Talent show, basketball tournament, live music, food trucks, and guest speakers — all built by a teenager who was tired of hearing people call Grande Prairie boring.
Grande Prairie's $16.9 Million Multisport Dome Is Delayed. It Now Opens in Early 2027 Instead of This Summer
The City of Grande Prairie announced June 25 that its multisport dome at Trader Ridge will not be ready for public use until early 2027. The original completion target was July 2026. The city cited remaining coordination, servicing, grading, and approval requirements as the reason for the delay. No specific cause was given. The project remains active and construction continues.
Grande Prairie Man Charged with 17 Sex Crimes After Being Released from Custody Three Times in Two Months
Joseph Kidd, 32, of Grande Prairie faces 17 charges from four RCMP investigations between April 17 and June 18. Alleged victims range in age from 12 to 18. Kidd was released from custody three times during the investigation period and allegedly offended again each time. Some offences are alleged to have occurred while he was under court-imposed conditions. He is in custody with a court date of July 2
EB Horsman and Son Is Opening a Grande Prairie Branch on August 1. It Is Bringing Product Lines Not Currently Available in the Region
EB Horsman and Son, a 126-year-old Western Canadian electrical distributor, is opening its fourth Alberta location in Grande Prairie with a soft opening targeted for August 1, 2026. The full-line branch will stock electrical, lighting, data communications, and Siemens automation products not currently available locally. The company is hiring now for five positions including branch manager, inside sales, and counter sales.
Afternoon Tea Is Back at the Reverend Forbes Homestead in Grande Prairie This Summer. Tickets Are $10 and Booking Is Required
The Reverend Forbes Homestead at 10424 96 Street is hosting afternoon teas every Tuesday and Wednesday in July and August 2026 at 2 p.m. Tea, scones, jam, and a guided tour of the homestead are included for $10 per person. Advance booking is required through the Grande Prairie Museum at 780-830-7090.
Grande Prairie Just Rezoned VLA and Montrose to Allow Semi-Detached Homes. What Bylaw C-1228C Means for the Neighbourhood.
Grande Prairie City Council gave three readings to Bylaw C-1228C on June 8, 2026, amending the VLA/Montrose Area Redevelopment Plan to allow semi-detached dwellings on properties in the neighbourhood. The change aligns with the neighbourhood plan's long-standing objective of supporting modest housing growth within existing residential areas.
A Worker Is Dead After a 300-Ton Crane Crashed Through the Wapiti River Bridge Railing and Plunged Into the River South of Grande Prairie
A crane truck crashed through the railing of the Wapiti River Bridge on Highway 40 south of Grande Prairie on June 16 and fell into the Wapiti River below. The worker inside is dead. The crane is still on the river bottom. Divers cannot enter —the current is too strong. RCMP plan to use sonar next week to locate the vehicle.
Grande Prairie Fire Advisory in Effect. Your Backyard Fire Pit Is Still Allowed. Your Burn Barrel Probably Is Not
A fire advisory took effect for the City of Grande Prairie and the County of Grande Prairie at 3 p.m. on June 5. Conditions improved enough to downgrade from a fire restriction, but the area remains dry. Backyard fire pits with screens are allowed. Open burning, burn barrels, and fireworks without written authorization are not. Wind over 15 km/h means no burning at all.
Grande Prairie's $35 Million Maskwa Medical Centre Is Being Built Next to the Hospital. The City and County Are Being Asked to Back the Loan
The Maskwa Medical Centre is a 100,000 square foot non-profit facility under construction next to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital. Teaching clinic, specialist offices, pharmacy, medical supply store, daycare, restaurant, and parkade. The city and county are each being asked to guarantee portions of a $23.35 million ATB construction loan. No patient user fees. Public engagement on the county's guarantee closes June 28
Grande Prairie Just Made It Illegal to Release Animals Into Public Spaces. The Fine Goes Up to $2,500.
Grande Prairie City Council passed an amendment to its Noise, Nuisance and Public Disturbances Bylaw on May 25 that explicitly prohibits releasing, abandoning, relocating, or introducing any animal into a public place or on public property. First offence: $250. Repeat offence: up to $2,500. Yes, this includes goldfish in a pond.
Grande Prairie Earns Provincial Age-Friendly Recognition as More Residents Reach Retirement Age
The City of Grande Prairie has received the Age-Friendly Alberta Recognition Award, a provincial designation that recognizes communities working to make life more accessible, connected, and inclusive for older adults. The recognition highlights a growing focus on senior-friendly services as nearly one in five local residents are now aged 55 or older.
Grande Prairie Students Can Now Train as Heavy Equipment Technicians While Still in High School
Three Grande Prairie school divisions are launching the Grande Prairie Regional Career Collegiate this fall, letting high school students begin apprenticeship training without leaving their home schools. The program is backed by Alberta Education funding and runs out of Northwestern Polytechnic's brand new trades training centre opening this fall.
Weyerhaeuser Pleads Guilty After Grande Prairie Mill Death, Pays $355K
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited pleaded guilty after a worker was killed at one of its lumber mills near Grande Prairie in 2023. A $355,000 court-ordered penalty will fund industrial safety training for new workers in northern Alberta.
Grande Prairie Firefighters Responded to Four Fires in 48 Hours. Every Single One Was Caused by a Cigarette.
A fire restriction has been in effect across Grande Prairie since May 9. Last week an out-of-control wildfire burned south of the city. Now the fire department is asking smokers to pay attention because the losses so far are already in the hundreds of thousands.
Grande Prairie Is Finally Getting a $16.9 Million Indoor Sports Dome After Years of Turning Kids Away
Since 2022, Grande Prairie's only indoor soccer club has turned away hundreds of kids every winter due to a lack of space. A $16.9 million dome breaking ground this fall is finally the answer and it's been a long time coming.
Grande Prairie Is Hiring Peace Officers and Police Officers No Experience Required for Some Positions
The Grande Prairie Police Service and Grande Prairie Enforcement Services have five open positions right now, from Peace Officers to experienced police of all ranks. Starting salaries run from $46 an hour to over $119,000 a year depending on the role and you get paid during training.
Grande Prairie Stompede 2026: Schedule, Pancake Breakfast, Rodeo and What to Know
The Grande Prairie Stompede runs May 27 to 31, 2026, at Evergreen Park. Here's the full schedule — including a free pancake breakfast, pro rodeo, chuckwagons, and concerts from David Lee Murphy and Jade Eagleson.
High Wildfire Danger Warning Issued for Grande Prairie Region Heading Into May Long Weekend
Alberta Wildfire is warning of high fire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area this long weekend due to strong winds and dry conditions — and a wildfire burning just 15 kilometres west of the Alberta border in B.C. has crews on standby.
Grande Prairie Charter Bus Rollover Leaves Four Oil and Gas Workers in Critical Condition
A charter bus carrying 17 oil and gas workers rolled off Highway 672 near Beaverlodge Wednesday morning, leaving four people in critical condition. STARS Air Ambulance flew two missions from the scene.
Alberta Wildfire Near Whitecourt Between Edmonton and Grande Prairie Forces Evacuation Order
A wildfire south of Whitecourt has forced an evacuation order for part of Woodlands County, including the West Ridge subdivision, as crews respond near Highway 43 between Edmonton and Grande Prairie.
Measles Exposure Confirmed at Grande Prairie Hospital Emergency Department
Alberta Health has issued a public alert after a confirmed measles case was linked to visits at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital's Emergency Department on April 20 and 22.
Man Charged with Manslaughter in Death of 74-Year-Old Peace River Taxi Driver Hashi Guled
Hashi Guled, 74, a taxi driver, was killed at a Peace River gas station on April 23. Daniel Michel Campion, 37, faces manslaughter charges
Grande Prairie Is Hosting Nearly 900 of Canada's Best Young Wrestlers This Weekend
The 2026 Canadian Wrestling Championships land in northern Alberta this weekend, bringing 896 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country to Grande Prairie for three days of national-level competition.
RCMP Seek Suspect After Man Found Dead at Peace River Gas Station
Alberta RCMP's Major Crimes Unit is investigating after a man was killed at a Peace River Petro-Canada on April 23 — roughly 130 km from Grande Prairie. Surveillance footage shows a suspect steal the victim's taxi and run him over. RCMP are asking anyone who saw the vehicle between 2 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day to come forward.