City of Grande Prairie 2026–2029
STRATEGIC PLAN
The City respectfully acknowledges the Beaver, Cree, Dene and Métis people as the original caretakers of these Lands and surrounding areas.
We are grateful to live, learn, work and play on Treaty 8 territory within Turtle Island and acknowledge these Lands have been home to diverse and sovereign First Nations and Inuit Nations since time immemorial.
MAYOR'S MESSAGE
Grande Prairie is a community defined by resilience, innovation and people who believe in building something better together. As a growing northern city and regional centre, we build opportunity by working together and embracing the strengths that make our community unique.
Following the municipal election, City Council came together to reflect on the opportunities ahead and the priorities that matter most to residents. Through discussion, planning and collaboration with Administration, this strategic plan was developed to guide Council’s work throughout this term.
Grande Prairie continues to experience strong growth and momentum. As more people choose our community and new opportunities emerge across the region, it is important that we guide that growth with care and intention. This plan reflects City Council’s commitment to thoughtful leadership, providing clear direction for how we make decisions, invest in our community and plan for the future in a complex and changing environment.
That means creating the conditions for investment and long-term prosperity while supporting safe, welcoming neighbourhoods where people feel connected and empowered to contribute. It also means stewarding infrastructure, services and public resources responsibly so our community remains resilient and prepared for the future.
Grande Prairie continues to play an essential role in the growth and success of northern Alberta. Our strong economy, entrepreneurial spirit and collaborative partnerships position our city as a place where people choose to live, work and build their future.
City Council remains committed to working alongside residents, businesses, Indigenous partners, community organizations and neighbouring municipalities to support sustainable growth and maintain the quality of life that defines Grande Prairie.
GRANDE PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor
Jackie Clayton
Councillor
Dylan Bressey
Councillor
Kevin O'Toole
Councillor
Leonard Auger
Councillor
Jena Flach
Councillor
Wade Pilat
Councillor
Grant Berg
Councillor
Mike O'Connor
Councillor
Chris Thiessen
ABOUT THE CITY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE
Grande Prairie is a city built by people who see opportunity and act on it.
Drawn by strong industries, room to grow and the chance to shape their own future, generations of residents have helped build a vibrant and confident city.
Agriculture, forestry, energy, manufacturing and emerging sectors continue to drive a diverse and resilient economy, supported by a young and growing population. Inspired by our innovative and collaborative spirit, people come to Grande Prairie to build careers and stay to build the rest of their lives.
That same spirit carries into everyday life across the city. An extensive trail system winds through neighbourhoods and along Bear Creek, connecting residents to green space and the natural beauty that surrounds Grande Prairie. Recreation, sport and year-round community events are a defining part of city life, bringing people together throughout the year. Local businesses and gathering places give neighbourhoods their character, while residents continue to support the arts, volunteerism and community organizations that keep the city active and welcoming.
City Council is proud to work alongside the community to support that momentum. Through responsible planning and continued investment in infrastructure, facilities and public spaces, the City of Grande Prairie helps create the conditions where opportunity and livability can continue to grow for everyone here. This strategic plan reflects a shared commitment to thoughtful decisions and steady progress so the city can continue moving forward with confidence.
VISION & VALUES
A thriving city known for resilience, innovation and people who empower their community. As Northwestern Alberta's vibrant centre, we build opportunity by working together and embracing the north.
Collaborative
Work collectively across roles and perspectives so decisions benefit from shared ownership and clearer alignment.
Respectful
Engage with professionalism and civility so differing views strengthen discussion rather than erode trust.
Thoughtful/Honest
Speak candidly and consider implications so issues are surfaced early and decisions are grounded in reality.
Resourceful
Use people, funding and partnerships wisely so public resources deliver maximum value for the community.
Results Focused
Direct attention toward measurable outcomes so community priorities translate into visible progress and real impact.
Evidence Informed
Rely on facts, data and experience so decisions are defensible, consistent and transparent.
Adaptable
Adjust approaches as circumstances change so governance remains responsive, practical and effective.
Innovative
Seek new approaches and better ways of working so services evolve, challenges are addressed proactively and opportunities are not missed.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
The Strategic Plan is built around four strategic priorities that bring focus and stability to the City’s direction.
In a complex and changing environment, these priorities clarify where leadership attention will remain steady, even as specific projects and tactics evolve. Together, they serve as a practical lens for evaluating decisions, managing trade-offs and sustaining progress throughout the term.
Economic Opportunity & Resilience
Community Empowerment & Livability
Infrastructure & Financial
Responsibility
Purposeful
Leadership & Governance
Economic Opportunity & Resilience
Enable economic opportunity and urban vitality by creating the optimal conditions for investment, talent attraction, and regional leadership that drive long-term prosperity.
Areas of Focus
Strategic Growth and Attraction: Create conditions for private investment, business growth and long-term talent attraction and retention.
Investment Readiness:
Position key sites, infrastructure and assets to support diversification and economic growth.
Regional Economic Leadership:
Leverage the City’s role as the service and economic hub of the Northwest to support regional collaboration, diversification and shared prosperity.
Community Empowerment & Livability
Strengthen community life by creating safe, active, welcoming places where people of all ages feel empowered to connect, contribute and put down roots.
Areas of Focus
Community Safety and Confidence:
Maintain safety while building public confidence, accountability, and shared responsibility between residents, community organizations and institutions.
Recreation, Amenities, and Community Life: Invest in public spaces, recreation and events that support daily use, cultural expression, and community connection throughout all life stages.
Community Empowerment:
Enable residents and organizations to lead, participate in, and contribute to civic life.
Infrastructure & Financial Responsibility
Build long-term capacity by stewarding infrastructure, services and finances in ways that support adaptability and preserve future options.
Areas of Focus
Infrastructure and Asset Sustainability: Plan, maintain, and renew roads, water systems, facilities and other critical assets to support safe, reliable services while managing long-term lifecycle costs and risks.
Financial and Service Responsibility:
Align revenues, costs and service levels to sustain services over time and match commitments to available resources.
Readiness, Resilience and Adaptation: Prepare systems to respond to growth, climate impacts and disruption, building resilience and maintaining future flexibility.
Purposeful Leadership & Governance
Model purposeful leadership that builds public trust through clear priorities, intentional communication and credible governance.
Areas of Focus
Credible Communication: Communicate clearly and consistently to strengthen public understanding, confidence and trust.
Advocacy: Advance regional priorities through coordinated, credible advocacy with other governments.
Council Governance and Culture: Establish and uphold clear priorities, consistent decision-making frameworks and professional standards of conduct.
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