CANADACity of Grande Prairie

Community Social Development10030 102 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7P: 780.538.0380 | www.cityofgp.com

NEWCOMERS GUIDEGrande Prairie’s

Table of ConTenTs5 Welcome to Grande Prairie

7 Living in Grande Prairie Newcomer Services Housing Education Working in Grande Prairie Social Insurance Numbers Finding Work Self Employed Health and Medical Services Emergencies Grande Prairie RCMP Service Individual and Family Services Child Care Seniors’ Services Legal System and Human Rights Places of Faith Recycling

27 Getting Around Grande Prairie Driving Public Transportation

31 Community Safety Crime Stoppers Fire Department Services Grande Prairie RCMP Victim Services Women’s Shelter

33 Municipal Government City Council Civic Elections Civic Boards and Agencies Other Levels of Government

35 Enjoying Grande Prairie Arts and Culture Culture and Community Groups Grande Prairie Favourites Festivals Parks Shopping Sports and Recreation Volunteering

Winter in Grande Prairie - Lloyd Dykstra

4 5

Thank you for choosing Grande Prairie as your new home. We have developed this guide to ease your settlement and enjoyment of your new city. Within this publication, you will find information on everything you need to live, work, and play in Grande Prairie.

Grande Prairie began as a Hudson’s Bay trading post in 1880, which traded with the local aboriginal population.

In 1914, Grande Prairie became a village and in 1916 with the arrival of the railroad, it began to grow into a town.

Today, Grande Prairie is a booming city, in the middle of Northwestern Alberta, with a population of over 55,000.

Grande Prairie offers a variety of activities, including many sports organizations and facilities. Known as the City of Volunteers, Grande Prairie offers a fantastic range of coaches, leaders, and support staff for many organized leagues, service and social based clubs.

A few facts about Grande Prairie: • A sunny city (314 days on average/year) with up to 17 hours of sunshine a day

at the peak of summer• A young city demographically, the average age of a resident is 30.3 years (the

national average is 39 years)• A dynamic place to live, work, invest in and enjoy• It has a diverse population, representing more than 80 ethnic and cultural

groups• Grande Prairie is the regional centre for the retail, entertainment, hospitality,

and service industries, as well as education and health services• With four seasons, Grande Prairie offers its own unique experiences and

opportunities • The area’s natural resources are natural gas, oil, forestry, and agriculture.

Welcome to Grande Prairie

Balloons over Muskoseepi Park - Lloyd Dykstra

6

Living in Grande Prairie

ACFAL’Association De Tous Les Francophones De L’Alberta#101, 9927 97 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0N2P: 780.532.6335www.acfa.ab.ca/grandeprairie Provides assistance to newcomers in the areas of reception, orientation/information, referral, translation, em-ployment in French.

Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers (GPCN)#201, 10014 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 3N4 P: 780.538.4452E: info@gpcn.ca www.gpcn.ca GPCN is the only settlement agency in Northwest Alberta. All of the services

are free and confidential. Provides assistance to newcomers in the areas of reception, orientation/information, referral, translation and supportive counselling. Services are offered in both French and English.

Volunteer Services Bureau#103, 9823 116 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 4B4P: 780.538.2727E: info@gpvsb.comwww.gpvsb.comProvides resources/directory for newcomers; the directory lists various churches, service groups, health, rec-reation, housing, and other community group information. Also provides vol-unteer opportunities to connect with the community.

newComers’ serviCes

Phone ServicesGrande Prairie, Peace River and Area Telephone Book Delivered to all residents of Grande Prairie each year. The City of Grande Prairie has two pages of listings for new residents which will help them to set up utilities, phone, and any other services they may require.

411P: 411www.411.caHelps to look-up businesses or people.

Yellow Pageswww.yellowpages.caProvides the ability to search by phone number, name, service provided, or address to find a local business or individual.

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Sundial at Centre 2000

Housing Landlord and Tenant Advisory BoardP: 780.496.5959www.servicealberta.gov.ab.caProvides information for tenants and landlords who can’t agree on things.

Grande Spirit Foundation Family Housing 9505 102 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7G9 P: 780.532.3276E: info@grandespirit.orgwww.grandespirit.org Provides rent subsidies to low income families and assistance in finding affordable housing.

City of Grande Prairie, Community Homeless Initiatives (CHI)10030 102 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7P: 780.538.0380E: fcssgp@cityofgp.comAdministers housing initiatives through a support program for the chronically homeless.

Rotary House10101 97A StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0X3P: 780.539.6777www.rotaryhouse.ca Provides emergency, transitional, and permanent shelter for homeless individuals.

Grande Prairie has a variety of housing from single family homes to apartments, condominiums, and townhouses.

Buying a HomeIf you are thinking about buying a home, you may want to call a real estate agent.

Grande Prairie Real Estate Board10106 102 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V7P: 780.532.4508 | www.gpreb.com

RentingTo find rental properties, check the classified ads in the local newspaper, The Daily Herald-Tribune, check online at www.grandeprairie.kijiji.ca or watch for For Rent signs as you travel about the city.

When you find a place to rent, you will have to pay a security deposit. Get a receipt for your security deposit. After you pay this deposit, the landlord cannot rent that house or apartment to anyone else. Pay your rent on time and get a receipt. If you do not pay your rent on time, you could be evicted.

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eduCaTionLearning EnglishThe primary places in Grande Prairie where you can learn English or upgrade your current English language skills are:

Public EducationElementary and secondary education in Alberta is free (though some fees are applicable) from age 5 until age 20. Every child under the age of 16 years must go to school. You have a choice of schools and districts.

Christian Schools Grande Prairie and DistrictP: 780.539.4566 www.gppsd.ab.ca

École Nouvelle Frontière (French School) P: 780.814.7945www.csno.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Public School District #2357P: 780.532.4491www.gppsd.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Catholic School District #28P: 780.532.3013www.gpcsd.ca

Hillcrest Christian SchoolP: 780.539.9161office@hcsgp.ca

Little Sprouts MontessoriP: 780.830.5559E: littlesproutsmontessori@gmail.com

The Montessori OptionP: 780.830.3361E: gpmontessori@hotmail.com

Peace Wapiti School District #33 (County)P: 780.532.8133www.pwsd.ab.ca

Athabasca UniversityTF: 1.800.788.9041 (Canada/US)www2.athabascau.ca

Grande Prairie Regional College 10726 106 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 4C4P: 780.539.2911www.gprc.ab.ca

Mayfair Business College#305, 9804 100 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0T8 P: 780.539.5090www.mayfaircareers.com

Northern Lakes CollegeP: 780.882.6600TF: 1.866.652.3456www.northernlakescollege.ca

Northern Lights Academy of Cosmetology Ltd.10009A 100 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0V2 P: 780.402.8887www.northernlightsacademy.com

Post Secondary EducationGrande Prairie is home to five listed institutions. The Grande Prairie Regional College building was designed in 1969 by renowned architect, Douglas Cardi-nal. It is recognized worldwide as both a work of art and an architectural marvel.

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ESL LINC/Norquest College 11449 92 Street – class locationGrande Prairie, AB T8X 1P4P: 1.866.534.7218www.norquest.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Council for Lifelong Learning9625 Prairie Road Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6G5P: 780.539.6077E: lifelong@gppsd.ab.cawww.gpcll.com

Grande Prairie Kumon Math and Reading Centre9839 106 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 7K2P: 780.505.1155www.kumon.ca

Oxford Learning10055 120 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 8H8P: 780.830.0570www.oxfordlearning.com

Reading Network9625 Prairie RoadGrande Prairie, AB T8V 4C4P: 780.538.4363E: trn@gppsd.ab.ca

Sylvan Learning Centre (Math and Reading)9917 112 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 1V5P: 780.539.1990www.sylvanlearning.com

Grande Prairie Public Library101, 9839 103 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6M7P: 780.532.3580www.gppl.ab.ca Offers a couple of different programs for learning English.

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Grande Prairie Regional College

working in grande Prairie

Self EmployedStarting a Business in Grande PrairieConsiderations for Home Occupations:• Once a Home Occupation Permit is approved through Development Permitting

(780.538.0421), a business licence is required from Enforcement Services (780.830.5790).

• If the home occupation entails hair dressing or anything to do with the body (massage, etc), the applicant requires Alberta Health Services approvals prior to receiving a Home Occupation Permit.

• The Home Occupation Permit only needs to be applied for once unless the applicant relocates to another residential address or intensifies the level of their business. A business license is renewed annually.

• No storage of equipment on site (Bobcats, etc) is permitted. If operating a landscaping service, for example, a lawn mower can be stored in a garage

or shed.• No more than one non-resident employee is allowed to be at the residence.

Development Services, City of Grande PrairieCity Service Centre, 9505 112 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6H8P: 780.538.0421 | www.cityofgp.com/development

Business ResourcesThe Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce has about 1,200 members.

A Chamber membership helps to connect business owners and employees to opportunities for networking, education, promotion and advocacy, as well as a comprehensive list of value-added benefits – helping your business grow while saving you money.

The Chamber is governed by a 21-person Board of Directors, representing a variety of industry sectors. Together with its members, the Chamber works on connecting business and creating opportunities for business owners, employees, and the community of Grande Prairie and District.

Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce#217, Centre 2000, 11330 106 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9P: 780.532.5340 | F: 780.532.2926 | www.gpchamber.com

Social Insurance NumbersYou need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. For information on how to get a SIN number call Service Canada.

Canada/Alberta Service Centre Towne Centre Mall#100, 9845 99 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0R3Toll Free 1.800.206.7218www.servicecanada.gc.ca Employment insurance, youth pro-grams, and opportunities fund for persons with disabilities.

The Work Place#105, 9840 97 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 7K2 P: 780.539.5477www.gpworkplace.caJob seekers are provided with a cost-free one-stop connection to a wide range of career and employment-re-lated services, resources, information and work search and resume support.

Finding WorkIf you need help finding work, there are a few organizations in Grande Prairie that can help.

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Service CanadaTF: 1.800.206.7218www.servicecanada.gc.ca

For all other Service Canada inquiries call the 0-Canada line toll free at 1.800.622.6232 or go online to www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

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Emergency Services

HealTH and mediCal serviCes

Alberta Health Services Regional Office2nd Floor, Provincial Building10320 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4P: 780.538.5387TF: 1.800.732.8981www.albertahealthservices.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association 9713 100 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0T5P: 780.814.2349www.gp.cmha.ab.caPromotion of mental health and provision of low income housing.

College of Physicians and Surgeonswww.cpsa.ab.ca/PhysicianSearch/AdvancedSearch.aspx They have information pertaining to doctors taking on new patients. As well, you can search for physicians who speak languages other than English.

HealthLink AlbertaP: 1.866.408.5465myhealth.alberta.ca

Hospital - Queen Elizabeth II10409 98 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8P: 780.538.7100www.albertahealthservices.ca/facilities

Public Health Centre10320 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4P: 780.513.7500Communicable diseases, hereditary diseases, dental health, environmental health, health promotion, nutrition, speech, language, hearing services and sexual health.

Grande Prairie College and Community Health Centre10620 104 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 8J8 P: 780.532.1973www.gprc.ab.ca/community/health_centre/

Grande Prairie Medical Clinic Superstore12225 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 5Z4P: 780.533-4444

Grande Prairie Walk-In Clinic9814 97 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 8H5P: 780.539.4770

Dial 911This number should be used only if a person’s life is at risk, you need an ambulance to take a sick person to the hospital, there is a fire or an accident or to report a crime.

If it is not an emergency call the RCMP at the non-emergency complaint line.P: 780.830.5700

Grande Prairie RCMP10202 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB P: 780.830.5701 Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm Saturday 11am - 3pm

Health Services Health services in Grande Prairie are provided by Alberta Health Services. For 24-hour information about health care services, health topics, family doctors taking new patients and more.

AHS Mental HealthNordic Court, 10014 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 3N4P: 780.538.5160TF: 1.877.303.2642 Provincial Mental Health Help Linewww.albertahealthservices.ca

Grande Prairie Aberdeen Centre#300, 9728 Montrose AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 5B6P: 780.538.6330www.albertahealthservices.ca

Northern Addictions Centre11333 106 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6T7P: 780.538.5210www.albertahealthservices.ca

Walk-In ClinicsOffer medical services to people who do not have an appointment, or do not have a regular physician.

AHS Addictions

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital - William Vavrek

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individual and family serviCes

A Bright Beginning Child Care Centre#501, 11601 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6Z1P: 780.532.9170

Building Blocks Daycare10726 106 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 4C4P: 780.539.2855www.gprc.ab.ca/departments/bbdc

City of Grande Prairie Family Day Home Program Community Social Development 10030 102 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7 P: 780.538.0380

QEII Child Care Centre 10409 98 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E8 P: 780.538.7377

Stepping Stones Daycare and Day Home 9614 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0T2 P: 780.532.9684

Watch Me Grow Family Child Care Program 101A, 10006 101 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Y1 P: 780.814.7050 www.watchmegrow.ab.ca

YMCA Daycare 9701 Prairie Road Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6G5 P: 780.532.9656

YMCA Out-of-SchoolHoly Cross Child Care11011 90 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8X 1J7P: 780.539.4280

YMCA Out-of-School Kateri Mission Child Care7906 Mission Heights DriveGrande Prairie, AB T8W 1H3P: 780.539.4280

YMCA Out-of-School Patterson Child Care9701 Prairie RoadGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6G7P: 780.532.9656

Child CareGrande Prairie has many for-profit and not-for-profit day care centres, after- school care, and family day homes.

All child care facilities in Alberta must be licensed and supervised by trained workers, with the exception of private day homes not affiliated with an agency.

Youth ServicesGrande Prairie has many community organizations, which provide programs for young people for learning, support, recreation, and fun.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters Association #308, 9804 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0T8 P: 780.532.0620 E: bbbsgp@telus.net www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/grandeprairieProviding adult mentors and role models for children from the ages of six to sixteen.

City of Grande Prairie Community Social Development10030 102 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7P: 780.538.0380youth@cityofgp.comGet involved with the Grande Prairie Youth Council.

Cool-Aid Society(2 locations) 9667 Hillcrest DriveGrande Prairie, AB T8V 1A9 P: 780.532.9004

9645 Prairie RoadGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6V5 P: 780.357.9354A drop-in centre for children between the ages of six and seventeen provid-ing recreation, prevention, and referral services.

Youth Emergency Shelter Society Sunrise HouseBox 21288, 9309 109 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6W7P: 780.539.3287www.sunrisehouse.ca Offers a shelter/drop in program for youth ages 12 - 17.

ACFA Out-of-School Care at St Gerard School9724 88 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0B7P: 780.532.6335E: direction.grandeprairie@acfa.ab.ca Offers child care services for Francophone children.

Cool-Aid Society9667 Hillcrest Drive Grande Prairie, AB T8V 1A9 P: 780.532.9004

Glory Garden Out-of-School Program 9617 91A AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0G7P: 780.532.7429 ext. 1419

Out-of-School Care

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Alberta Seniors and Community Support, Seniors Information Service CentreProvincial Building#1501, 10320 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4P: 780.538.5300TF: 1.800.642.3853 Assists seniors and service providers in NW Alberta regarding seniors pro-grams and services.

Community Involvement and Guardianship Program10222 101 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0Y5P: 780.532.5818Assists private guardians with their application or review process for guardianship of a dependent adult.

Elder Abuse Information#102, 9905 101 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0X7P: 780.539.6255E: seniors-outreach@telus.netProvides information on elder abuse.

Grande Prairie and District Golden Age Centre10222 101 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0V5P: 780.532.5818E: gpgac@telus.netA place for seniors to have fun, social-ize and relax. Memberships are $15/yr.

Grande Prairie Public Library Homebound Services#101, 9839 103 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6M7P: 780.357.7470Provides a book delivery service to homebound clients.

Home Care 10121 97 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0N5P: 780.532.4447Provides education and support services for persons for whom curative care is no longer possible.

Seniors

Home Support, Community Social Development 10030 102 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7P: 780.538.0380Offers caring, responsible support to families and individuals experiencing disruptions to their normal family rou-tine and who are residents of Grande Prairie. Sliding fee scale.

Lifeline Program – QEIIP: 780.538.4597TF: 1.800.313.9764www.lifelinecanada.ca24-hour personal emergency response service for the frail and elderly living in their homes. Designed for people who wish to maintain their independence, with confidence.

Meals on Wheels#102, 9905 101 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0X7P: 780.539.3901Provides hot, nutritious meals to homebound clients.

Seniors Outreach#102, 9905 101 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0X7P: 780.539.6255Helps seniors find information on seniors programs, assists with federal and provincial pensions, grants, and volunteer income tax program.

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legal sysTem and Human rigHTs

Canadian Legal System People who live in Canada must know and obey the laws of this country. There are three types of law.

• Criminal Law protects all members of society and overs many offenses includ-ing murder, assault, theft, fraud, trafficking, and possession of illegal drugs, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, etc. People charged with any of these crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

• Civil Law settles private arguments or disputes about property ownership, con-tracts, child custody, etc. Individuals pay their own court costs in civil disputes.

• Grande Prairie bylaws protect the health, safety and welfare of residents as well as promote community standards. They include a variety of concerns such as smoking, snow removal, messy yards, parking, animal control, licensing and zoning regulations.

Lawyer Referral ServiceP: 1.800.661.1095

Legal Aid Society of Alberta#1301, 10320 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8C 6J4P: 780.538.5470

Provincial Court House10260 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6J4P: 780.538.5360

Human RightsThe Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act protects Alber-tans against discrimination in any manner based on race, religion, colour, gen-der, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, family status, source of income, physical disability, mental disability, or sexual orientation. If you feel you have been treated unfairly based on any of the qualities above, call:

The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship CommissionP: 780.427.7661 | TF: 310.0000 | www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca

LawyersLegal assistance is often required in daily life, such as purchasing a home, signing a contract or in other legal matters.

2120

Grande Prairie Courthouse

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PlaCes of faiTH

Abundant Life Church9932 91 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0G3P: 780.532.0649

Alliance Church15502 102 Sreet Grande Prairie, AB T8X 0J6P: 780.532.8836

Anglican Church of Canada6610 Poplar Drive Grande Prairie, AB T8W 1H1P: 780.532.2093

Believers Full Gospel Assembly10711 100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2M6P: 780.532.0444

Christian Fellowship Assembly11449 92 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8X 1P4P: 780.538.1350

Christ Community Church10106 112 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 1V7P: 780.538.9452

Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter Day Saints11212 102 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V9P: 780.532.1120

Church of Christ9602 92 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0H4P: 780.538.4211

Church of Christ(Mission Heights)8321 Mission Heights Drive Grande Prairie, AB T8W 2H4P: 780.538.2119

Faith Lutheran Church9610 108 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 1N3P: 780.532.7612

Forbes Presbyterian Church9635 76 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5B3P: 780.539.5125

Generations Church10103 99 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0S1P: 780.538.4611

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Churches

St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church - Matt McTague

Ivy Lake Baptist Church9101 104 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8X 1H5P: 780.532.0445

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness10135 128 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 1X9P: 780.532.3775

McLaurin Baptist Church10315 114 Avenue Grande Prairie, ABP: 780.532.2823

North Country Community Church of the Nazarene9613 98 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2E3P: 780.532.0704

The Oasis10118 101 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Y2P: 780.539.6179

People’s Church11850 108 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8G5P: 780.539.0572

Salvation Army9615 102 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2T8P: 780.532.3720

St. Pauls United Church10206 100 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0V6P: 780.532.2415

St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church10404 102 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2W3P: 780.532.2351

Seventh Day Adventist Church711039 RR 55 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2Z8P: 780.532.3808

Trinity Lutheran Church10407 100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2M2P: 780.532.4978

Victory on the Rock7702 100 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 5J2P: 780.532.2350

Westpointe Community Church11305 Pinnacle Blvd Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0C6P: 780.532.4296

The Worship Centre6610 Poplar Drive Grande Prairie, AB T8W 1H1P: 780.228.4639

MosquesIslamic Association of Grande Prairie and District10117 101 Avenue Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Y4 P: 780.513.6486

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Aquatera P: 780.538.0452www.aquatera.ca

Eco Centre10431 96 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 7J6P: 780.538.0452www.aquatera.ca/solid-waste/eco-centre

Recycle PlusPlus I Bottle Depot10502 96 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 5S2P: 780.539.0871

Plus II Bottle Depot7601 Resources RoadGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0N1P: 780.830.3647

reCyClingYou can recycle paper, cardboard, metals, glass and plastics at various bins around the city. Curbside pickup is now available. Household garbage is collect-ed weekly from the front of your residence. Multiple dwellings will have bins in which to place recycling.

Aquatera’s Curbside Collection

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drivingTo operate a car, truck or van, you need a driver’s license, insurance and registra-tion on your vehicle. It is against the law to use a cell phone when driving.

Drivers must know the rules of driving in Alberta. You can still get a ticket even if you do not know the law.

To obtain an Alberta Drivers License or register your vehicle you must go to one of the private registry businesses listed below.

Grande Prairie’s roadways are numbered in Avenues and Streets. The address will tell you where to look. For instance 10807 101 Street is at 108 Avenue and 101 Street. A Grande Prairie road map will be helpful to have. These may be purchased from any gas station, grocery store or convenience store.

A-1 License & Registry# 106, 8716 108 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 4C7Ph. 780.539.5009www.a1registry.ca

Alberta Motor Association (AMA)License and Registry Services11401 99 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2H6Ph. 1.866.989.6370www.ama.ab.ca

AMA Driver Education11401 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 2H6Ph. 780.538.1574

License Centre#102, 9917 116 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 3Y3 Ph. 780.532.4033E: license3@telus.netwww.thelicencecentre.ca

Getting Around Grande Prairie

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Downtown Grande Prairie

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HOSPITAL

HOSPITAL (FUTURE)

FIREHALL

POLICE STATION

AIRPOR T

GP REGIONAL COLLEGE

GP PUBLIC SCHOOL

GP CATHOLIC SCHOOL

COUNT Y SCHOOL

OTHER SCHOOL

SHOPPING DISTRIC T

PARK AND F IELDS

INFORMATION CENTRE

MUSEUM

RECYCLING DEPOT

LIBRARY

RECREATION

CAMPGROUND

GOLFCOURSE

OFF LEASH PARK

Legend

100 Ave 100 Ave

108 Ave

116 Ave

132 Ave

116 Ave

99 AveRichmond Ave

108 Ave

106 St

101 Ave

84 Ave84 Ave

68 Ave Township Road 71268 Ave

43

40

40

43

43

43

43

11

6 St

Rr 6

3R

r 63

10

8 St

Resou

rces Rd

10

0 St

10

0 St

10

0 St

10

8 St

Wap

iti Ro

ad

11

6 St

92

St9

2 St

94

St

G�nde P�irie

GRANDE

16

43

44

49

35

43

43

40

PRAIRIE

Peace RiverFairview

Valleyview

HytheBeaverlodge

WhitecourtGrande Cache

Hinton

Wembley

Edmonton

Sexsmith

2

2

2

49

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PubliC TransPorTaTionThe City of Grande Prairie runs a public transportation bus system. For information on passes, tickets, routes and schedules, call:

Transit Information (City Buses and Maps)P: 780.538.0337 www.cityofgp.com/transit

TaxisTaxis are another form of transporta-tion. All taxis charge the same rate and have meters that measure the time and distance of trips. Phone num-bers for taxi companies can be found in the phone book.

Airport P: 780.539.5270www.grandeprairieairport.com Grande Prairie has an airport which is located west of the city limits on Highway 43. To book flights, you must check under airlines or travel agents in the phone book yellow pages, or go online.

legendHospital

Firehall

Police

Library

College

Parks and Fields

Shopping District

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Child Abuse HotlineP: 1.800.387.5437

Crime StoppersP: 1.800.222.8477This non-profit organization works with the police force to solve crimes through anonymous tips from the community.

Enforcement Services10202 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 2H4 P: 780.830.5790

Grande Prairie Fire DepartmentP: 780.538.0393

Odyssey House Women’s ShelterP: 780.532.2672www.odysseyhouse.ca Provides an emergency shelter and services such as family violence infor-mation, workshops, and groups for woman and children.

Peace Country Sexual Assault HelplineP: 1.888.377.3223

R.C.M.P.P: 780.830.5701

Report A Drug HouseP:780.830.7444

Report A JohnP: 780.830.7077

Seniors’ AbuseP: 780.539.6255

Victims’ Assistance Program Association10202 99 StreetGrande Prairie, AB T8V 2H4P: 780.530.5755Programs include: crisis intervention, support and referral for victims of crime, trauma, and court support.

in Grande Prairie

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Community Safety

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CiTy CounCilGrande Prairie’s Civic Government has a Mayor and eight Councillors who are elected every four years.

City Council appoints a City Manager to oversee the City of Grande Prairie Ad-ministration, ensuring it follows Council direction in the provision of services.

City Council and its committees usually meet several times each month. These meetings are open to the public.

City Hall10205 98 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6V3P: 780.538.0300 | www.cityofgp.com

Civic ElectionsTo vote in a municipal (civic) election, you must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years or older and have lived in Alberta for six months.

Civic Boards and AgenciesThe City of Grande Prairie has established a variety of departments which are included under the following headings:• Community Living • Corporate Services • Community Safety • Community Growth

City Council values the input of citizens appointed to boards involved with any of these departments. Any person interested in the present and future direction of the City can apply to serve on a board.

Other Levels of GovernmentUnder the Constitution of Canada, the Government of Canada makes laws for the entire country, while each provincial or territorial government makes laws that apply only in that province or territory.

in Grande PrairieMunicipal Government

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Grande Prairie City Hall

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Art Gallery of Grande Prairie#103, 9839 103 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6M7P: 780.532.8111www.aggp.ca

Centre for Creative Arts 10031 103 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V1B9 P: 780. 814.6080www.creativecentre.ca

City of Grande Prairie Community ConnectionsP: 780.830.7070connections@cityofgp.comA catalogue of recreation and com-munity related programs and services published four times a year and dis-tributed free locally.

Douglas Cardinal Performing Arts Centre10726 106 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 4C4P: 780.539.2911www.gprc.ab.ca

Grande Prairie Live Theatre10130 98 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 0P6P: 780. 538.1616www.gplt.ab.ca

Grande Prairie MuseumMuskoseepi Park102 Avenue and 102 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3A8P: 780.532.5482www.cityofgp.com/grandeprairiemuseum

arTs and CulTureGrande Prairie has a strong local arts community which includes the Grande Prairie Regional College Conservatory, Centre for Creative Arts, Art Gallery of Grande Prairie, and various dance studios. Grande Prairie Live Theatre (GPLT) offers all kinds of plays and performances.

Look for upcoming events through:• Local Daily Herald-Tribune newspaper, www.dailyheraldtribune.com • Cable station (channel 7 EastLink)• Radio stations: 96.3 Reach FM, 104.7 Free FM, Big Country 93.1 XX FM, Q99

FM, Rock 97.7

Enjoying Grande Prairie

Street Performers Festival Downtown Grande Prairie

FestivalsGrande Prairie has many festivals celebrating music, theatre, dance, visual arts, street performers, ethnic food and fun. From New Year’s Eve to Heritage Days, there is always something happening.

Some of Grande Prairie residents’ favourite activities are:• Attending the local Festival of Trees to enjoy the Christmas spirit• Celebrating Canada Day on July 1st in Muskoseepi Park• Bringing in the Chinese New Year• Cheering on our local Storm Junior Hockey Team• Diwali Celebrations with the Festival of Light at the Sikh Temple• Enjoying the Harvest Dinner at the Grande Prairie Museum• Heritage Day provides cultural entertainment and diverse cultural culinary tastes• Lantern Tours in the Heritage Village at the Grande Prairie Museum in October• Professional performers from all over the world at the Crystal Centre

Heritage Discovery CentreCentre 200011330 106 Street Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9P: 780.532.5790www.cityofgp.com/heritagediscoverycentreThe Heritage Discovery Centre depicts the history of the Peace River country from the Ice Age until the present day.

Public Library Montrose Cultural Centre101 9839 103 AvenueGrande Prairie, AB T8V 6M7P: 780.532.3580www.gppl.ab.caResidents of Grande Prairie can get a library card from the local library. The library offers many programs for fami-lies. Reading, visual and audio materi-als are available in many languages.

• Shopping at the local downtown Farmer’s Market• Stompede in May• Street Performer’s Festival, a fun downtown summertime family

experience• East Coast Garden Party, an outdoor music festival and softball tournament • Reel Shorts Film Festival• Highland Games• Robbie Burns Night• Celebrate community spirit on Municipal Government Day in May• Maple Festival is a city festival taking place the last Saturday of February

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GP Museum and Bridge - Janice Kretzer-Prysunka

ParksGrande Prairie’s parks are a safe environment for active living. There’s always something fun going on in Muskoseepi Park for people of all ages. The Wapiti River valley is located just southwest of the city. O’Brien Park is a lovely tree-filled picnic spot on the banks of the river. The Wapiti Nordic Ski Trails are also southwest of Grande Prairie. The trails are a good place to enjoy nature while hiking, biking, or cross-country skiing. You’ll find many other parks located in Grande Prairie as you explore the city.

Montrose Cultural Centre - William Vavrek

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sHoPPingGrande Prairie hosts a wide variety of shops. The Grande Prairie Mall is located in the north end of the city. There are various strip malls located around the city as well as a multitude of grocery and convenience stores.

Prairie Mall11801 100 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3Y2

sPorTs and reCreaTionThe City of Grande Prairie operates many recreational indoor and outdoor programs; our recreational centres offer a variety of programs and classes. The City of Grande Prairie also offers residents use of its arenas, golf courses, pools, parks, and sports fields, along with the NiteHawk downhill ski facility, and Wapiti Nordic Ski and Walking trails located southwest of town.

City of Grande Prairie Community Recreation and Sports Development DepartmentP: 780.538.0498 | cityofgp.com/departments

volunTeeringWhat is volunteering? Volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without payment for their time and services.

Residents of Grande Prairie are active volunteers, giving freely of their time to fundraise, work at special events and serve as unpaid members of various boards or committees.

Volunteer Services Bureau#103, 9823 116 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4B4P: 780.538.2727 | www.gpvsb.com

Eastlink Centre Pool - Crystal SorkenSunset over the Reservoir - Lloyd Dykstra

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CANADACity of Grande Prairie

Community Social Development10030 102 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 0Z7P: 780.538.0380 | www.cityofgp.com

NEWCOMERS GUIDEGrande Prairie’s