The County of Grande Prairie received notification that the Province decided on the City of Grande Prairie's application for annexation on December 21, 2015. On January 1, 2016, 15,607 acres (6,316 hectares) of land was annexed from the County to the City. View the Municipal Government Board's official annexation decision document and the annexation boundary map for more details.

What is annexation and what is the process?

Annexation is the process of transferring land from one municipality to another. The provincial Municipal Government Board provides further information about annexation proceedings.

What area has the Province of Alberta determined will be annexed?

The Government of Alberta has made the decision to annex 15,607 acres (6,316 hectares). For more information view the Government of Alberta Order in Council.

What was the position that the County of Grande Prairie submitted to the Municipal Government Board (MGB)?

In 2014, the County of Grande Prairie submitted to the Municipal Government Board (MGB) their response that reflects the results of an independent report on future population and land consumption needs based on the City of Grande Prairie's annexation request.

The City's annexation application was the second largest annexation in Alberta's recent history which makes it a special and unique application that may set the course for future, similar initiatives and have long-lasting implications for the landowners affected.

View more about the County's position on the annexation in the Municipal Government Board's board order. 

Throughout the process, the County had concerns that some of the conditions set out in the City's application were not in the best interests of landowners. What is the Province's decision on these conditions?

Taxation transition for non-farmland properties

Non-farm property will be taxed at the County of Grande Prairie mill rate for 20 years (followed by a 5-year phase-in period).

Taxation transition for farm properties

Farm property will be taxed at the County of Grande Prairie mill rate for 30 years (followed by a 5-year phase in period).

Lifestyle

The Municipal Government Board understands that the City agreed to conduct a review of its bylaws and make amendments to these bylaws (i.e. hunting, OHV use, ATV use, burning, RV parking, firearm use and animals) to ensure that landowners in the annexed area can continue their existing rural lifestyles. The County can appreciate the value landowners place on preserving this lifestyle, and is hopeful that the City will follow through on its commitment to landowners.

Infrastructure

The City of Grande Prairie is to assess the condition of all its roads within the Short Term Annexation Area and take action when deemed appropriate by the City.

Service Delivery

The Municipal Government Board accepted the City's commitment to providing the same level of services in the annexed area offered by the County prior to January 1, 2016. This includes plowing, senior snow plowing, graveling, grading, sanding, salting, dust control, weed control, mowing, and problem wildlife.

If there is a fire in the annexed area, who will respond?

The County of Grande Prairie is committed to the safety of residents and businesses, and ensuring that a seamless transition of services from the County Regional Fire Service to the City of Grande Prairie Fire Department takes place. If a fire occurs in the annexed area during the transition phase of the newly annexed land to the City, the City Fire Department may call upon the County Regional Fire Service to provide support. The County Regional Fire Service has specialized resources to combat fires in a rural setting.

Landfill

Residents in the annexed area will be able to continue to use the Clairmont Centre for Recycling & Waste Management free of charge until further notice. The County and City are currently negotiating the terms.

Business License

The City shall waive business license fees (for businesses existing at the time of annexation) for a period of 5 years. All new businesses applying for a business license after December 31, 2015 will be subject to the City's regulations and permits.

Triggering Events

Landowners will lose tax protection if they subdivide, rezone or connect to sewer and water. Exceptions to this are:

  • first lot out of an un-subdivided quarter-section
  • landowner installs or remains connected to private water or sewer services

Compensation to the County

To compensate for lost tax revenue, the City of Grande Prairie shall pay to the County of Grande Prairie $4.4 million over the next 5 years for lost tax revenue. The City will assume the remaining debenture payments for infrastructure in the annexation area.