MEDIA RELEASE

Neighbourhood Ice Surface Program encourages outdoor winter fun for County residents

January , 2017

GRANDE PRAIRIE - Neighbourhood groups can now apply to install and maintain temporary outdoor ice surfaces on municipal reserve land in their subdivision upon successfully completing an application form and meeting specific requirements of the Neighbourhood Ice Surface Program.

The Neighbourhood Ice Surface Program was recently approved by County Council in a Council Meeting in December.

“The County is pleased by the initiative that community volunteers have shown to install ice surfaces in their neighbourhoods,” said Leanne Beaupre, Reeve. “We will continue to support recreational initiatives and programs that make recreation more accessible in our communities, provide more opportunities for our residents to engage in healthy and active lifestyles, and enhance overall quality of life.”

In order for the County to approve the installation of an Neighbourhood Ice Surface, the following requirements must be met include:

  • The completion of an application form
  • A minimum of four volunteers from the neighbourhood who will commit to installing, maintaining and taking down the ice surface
  • The volunteer group responsible for the ice surface must access their own water source to install and maintain the ice surface. The County will facilitate access to Aquatera water infrastructure if available at that site
  • A pre-site inspection performed and signed-off by the County to ensure the location meets the requirements outlined in application package
  • Site inspection performed by the County upon completion of ice surface installation to ensure requirements are met
  • Post-site inspection performed by the County after the surface is dismantled to ensure the area is tidy and there is no damage to the ground

The County is appreciative for this partnership with Aquatera in providing successful applicants that reside in subdivisions with water standpipes on Municipal Reserve land easy access to water to develop and maintain their neighbourhood ice surfaces.

The application form, along with more information about the program is available online t www.countygp.ab.ca/icesurfaces and at the Community Services Building located at 10808 - 100 Avenue in Clairmont during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Applications for the Neighbourhood Ice Surface Program will need to be renewed annually.

Contacts

Leanne Beaupre
Reeve
780.814.3121

Arlen Miller
Community Services Director
780.532.9727