Grande Prairie News 2006 - ARCHIVED
DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com features some of the news that changed Grande Prairie during the year 2006. This was the year that Giant Tiger store came to Grande Prairie along with the Brick and construction was taking place on the new Inverness Estates (apartment complex). UFA moved to a brand new building and so did the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
MORE: Grande Prairie NEWS - 2001 To Present VIEW
GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2006
January 2006: 6 more hotels are to built in Grande Prairie that should open in 2006 including Hotel 6 at the 4 Mile Corner (north Grande Prairie). - A new Boston Pizza location is to be built west of the Home Depot on the the west side of the city.
January 2006: A record 1,092 housing starts were recorded in 2005 in Grande Prairie. New apartment style condo projects are being constructed north of The Home Depot and behind the Corral at 102 Street and 124 Avenue.
January 2006: The Federal Election is set for January 23. - In 2004 Charlie Penson, Conservative had 28,158 votes, with Lyle Carlstrom, Liberal with 8,200 votes. Susan Thompson, NDP had 4,804 votes and Benjamin Pettit, Green Party had 2,073 votes. In the last election 53,73% of the people turned up to vote.
January 2006: Swanberg Air will be starting up a direct to Vancouver flight that will run 3 times a week.
January 2006: Out of 24 Canadian cities a survey showed that Grande Prairie had the highest electricity bills. Toronto was the second most expensive.
January 2006: Chamber of Commerce 2006 Business Citizen of the year award went to Bob Pomeroy of Pomeroy Enterprises Ltd. Michael Ouellette of Curry's Jewelers won the Clem Collins Award for outstanding volunteer contributions. Sun FM/CFGP, won the Dan H. Minchin Award for its long term business and community achievements. Long term employee (25 years) Murray Driver accepted that award on behalf of the radio station. Also Jackie Clayton was welcomed to the position of Chair for the Board of Directors-2006. She is only the 2nd woman in the chamber's 91 year history to be appointed.
January 2006: The 6th Annual Sam Awards were also held and the Home Builder of the Year was awarded to Dueck Brothers Construction. (Tera and Rod Dueck accepted the award)
January 2006: Chris Warkentin of the Conservatives won the Peace River Riding in the Federal Election. He topped the vote with 27,775. Next was Independent Bill Given with 10,232, followed by NDP Candidate Susan Thompson with 5,569. Tanya Kappo of the Liberals had 4,573 votes and Zane Lewis of the Green Party had 1,096. Total votes were 49,245 with about 56% voter turnout.
February 2006: Another Little Caesars' will be opening up in march next to the Subway along the Highway Bypass.
February 2006: House prices continue to rise in Grande Prairie. From December to January, one new home builder has increased all their homes listed in the mid $250,000 to $300,000 by another $10,000. This increase was due to higher labor costs.
February 2006: Many signs up through-out the city looking for workers. Tim Hortons has a sign advertising for help starting at $15.50 per hour.
February 2006: Peace Farm Power (John Deere Dealer) has plans on building at a new location opening later this year at the 4 mile corner.
February 2006: Pizza Hut has opened a 2nd location at Patterson Village Mall (owner Justin Munroe)
March 2006: The UFA Regional Farm and Ranch Supply Centre opened its doors at their new location at the 4 Mile Corner (south Grande Prairie), 15602- 100 Street.
March 2006: Construction continues on the New Brick next to Home Depot on the west side of Grande Prairie that also promises a new Boston Pizza.
March 2006: Peace Windows has moved into the old GP Chrysler location across from Safeway north location along 100 Street Grande Prairie.
March 2006: Another Car Wash is under construction south of Rogers Video on 100 Street. Once open it will have 11 bays.
March 2006: Ford World Women's Curling Championships were a success and 3 silver salvers were awarded to 3 local people who helped contribute to its success. Jane Cada-Sharp, Crystal Centre general manager, Ken Truhn, chairman of the host committee and Kevin Chrenek, executive chairman of the event.
March 2006: Other recent awards were presented to Bethe Goldie, Paulette McGinnis, Dorren Latham, Linda Smith, Mari Cyr, and Donelda Laing, honored as part of regional celebration of International Women's Day, recognized for their contributions to the community.
March 2006: Grand Opening of the the 19,000 square foot Grande Bingo and Entertainment Centre took place March 14 located on the west of the College. It is now open 7 evenings a week. enlarge photo
March 2006: Esso is planning to build a new gas station along Wapiti Road and 76 Avenue with hopes of opening in June. It will also feature a liquor store.
April 2006: Jeffery's Cafe will be adding another location, this time on the west side, next to the World Gym. - GP Carland will be building a new location east of Midwest Countrywide store. KIA will then expand its part in the current GP Carland location. - The 2005-2006 NPHL Champions were the Spirit River Rangers defeating the Grande Prairie Athletics in the final game. A week later saw the Grande Prairie Athletics winning the Senior Men's A Provincials beating the Spirit River Rangers. - Trenton Perrott, Prairie Art Gallery's executive director announced he will become the new executive director of the Grande Prairie Museum as of May 1st.
April 2006: Giant Tiger, opened its new store in Grande Prairie at 110 Avenue and 100 Street, just east of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in the old Peavey Mart location. (Centre 100) Giant Tiger is a Family Discount Retailer with casual clothing and footwear for the entire family as well as groceries, confectionery, pet food, cleaning supplies, housewares, stationery, toys, health & beauty products. (enlarge photo)
April 2006: The grand opening of Esquires Coffee House second location took place April 21, 2006. Michelle Brick is also the owner of the new Ivy Lake location, located on the east side of Grande Prairie.
April 2006: Paving of the 4-lane Highway between Grande Prairie and Edmonton will continue this year. There is only 97 km left that is not 4-lane. (35 km west of Valleyview, 23 km south of Valleyview, 21 km around Little Smoky, and 18 km around Mayerthorpe.)
April 2006: Canadian Tire in Grande Prairie is planning an Official Grand Opening in early May to promote their newly expanded store.
May 2006: City of Grande Prairie alderman, Gladys Blackmore is now the new president of the United Way of Grande Prairie and Region. Pat Reid has retired after 20 years.
May 2006: A new campground opens May 17 at Nitehawk Ski Area, 16 km south of Grande Prairie along the Wapiti River called the Wilderness RV Park, with 35 Sites, 22 full service and 13 just with power. (780) 532-6637. - The Dream Home opens May 5th, part of the Foundation Dream Home Lottery. Located at 9105 Lakeshore Drive until June 28, open Monday to Friday 5-9pm, weekends and holidays noon-5pm.
May 2006: New Dunes golf pro, Dennis Bradley (who spent his last three summers in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) takes over for Bobby Martins, who recently moved to the GP Golf and Country Club.
May 2006: discoverthepeacecountry.com has officially become a corporation. Ken Connors (Chernuka) is now the CEO of Discover The Peace Country LTD.
May 2006: Canadian Hydro had its Grand Opening of the Grande Prairie Eco Power Centre (Fri May 12). The facility generates enough power to supply 21,000 households each year, located south of Canfor.
May 2006:Dan Pearcy has been named the new CEO of the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce. (he was the former owner of Holroyd Drugs)
June 2006: RCMP in Grande Prairie are scheduled to move to their new building on 99 Street sometimes in July. Sharks Billiards & Sports Lounge on 99 Avenue and 101 Street will be undergoing some major renovations and when it re-opens will also have a new name which will be "Better than Freds"..
June 2006: The Neil family won the QEII Foundation Dream Home. Rob Neil sat as committee chairman of the foundation in 2002.
J
une 2006: The location for the new Grande Prairie Hospital has been announced, 132 Avenue and 108 Street. It would be 4 years before it opens and at that time the current Hospital will still be kept open for Emergency Service.
June 2006: In the last month there have been noticeably more homes listed on the market for sale in Grande Prairie. There have also been more investors who had been renting their property and are now selling as many feel the market has peaked. (note: location changed later to a different site)
June 2006: Midnight Friday June 30 will be the Canada Day Fireworks, over the reservoir in Grande Prairie.
June 2006: Harry Sandhu is president of City Furniture in Grande Prairie, and recently became another president. He is now the president of the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie taking over from Kevin Hilgers.
June 2006: The Neil family won the QEII Foundation Dream Home. Rob Neil sat as committee chairman of the foundation in 2002.
July 2006: A new subdivision has been approved, Northridge subdivision will be located northeast of Royal Oaks subdivision and will house about 2,200 people. (Royal Oaks is north of the Highway Bypass, north of City Furniture.)
July 2006: Grande Prairie water is now running from the taps in Sexsmith. Aquatera officially opened the new Grande Prairie to Sexsmith waterline on July 19, 2006.
July 2006: A&W located along 100 Street north closed July 21 for renovations. It could be up and running again in a couple of weeks.
July 2006: RCMP in Grande Prairie are now moved into their new building on 99 Street.
July 2006: Construction continues at the intersection around Costco on the far west side of the City of Grande Prairie.
January 2006: 6 more hotels are to built in Grande Prairie that should open in 2006 including Hotel 6 at the 4 Mile Corner (north Grande Prairie). - A new Boston Pizza location is to be built west of the Home Depot on the the west side of the city.
January 2006: A record 1,092 housing starts were recorded in 2005 in Grande Prairie. New apartment style condo projects are being constructed north of The Home Depot and behind the Corral at 102 Street and 124 Avenue.
January 2006: The Federal Election is set for January 23. - In 2004 Charlie Penson, Conservative had 28,158 votes, with Lyle Carlstrom, Liberal with 8,200 votes. Susan Thompson, NDP had 4,804 votes and Benjamin Pettit, Green Party had 2,073 votes. In the last election 53,73% of the people turned up to vote.
January 2006: Swanberg Air will be starting up a direct to Vancouver flight that will run 3 times a week.
January 2006: Out of 24 Canadian cities a survey showed that Grande Prairie had the highest electricity bills. Toronto was the second most expensive.
January 2006: Chamber of Commerce 2006 Business Citizen of the year award went to Bob Pomeroy of Pomeroy Enterprises Ltd. Michael Ouellette of Curry's Jewelers won the Clem Collins Award for outstanding volunteer contributions. Sun FM/CFGP, won the Dan H. Minchin Award for its long term business and community achievements. Long term employee (25 years) Murray Driver accepted that award on behalf of the radio station. Also Jackie Clayton was welcomed to the position of Chair for the Board of Directors-2006. She is only the 2nd woman in the chamber's 91 year history to be appointed.
January 2006: The 6th Annual Sam Awards were also held and the Home Builder of the Year was awarded to Dueck Brothers Construction. (Tera and Rod Dueck accepted the award)
January 2006: Chris Warkentin of the Conservatives won the Peace River Riding in the Federal Election. He topped the vote with 27,775. Next was Independent Bill Given with 10,232, followed by NDP Candidate Susan Thompson with 5,569. Tanya Kappo of the Liberals had 4,573 votes and Zane Lewis of the Green Party had 1,096. Total votes were 49,245 with about 56% voter turnout.
February 2006: Another Little Caesars' will be opening up in march next to the Subway along the Highway Bypass.
February 2006: House prices continue to rise in Grande Prairie. From December to January, one new home builder has increased all their homes listed in the mid $250,000 to $300,000 by another $10,000. This increase was due to higher labor costs.
February 2006: Many signs up through-out the city looking for workers. Tim Hortons has a sign advertising for help starting at $15.50 per hour.
February 2006: Peace Farm Power (John Deere Dealer) has plans on building at a new location opening later this year at the 4 mile corner.
February 2006: Pizza Hut has opened a 2nd location at Patterson Village Mall (owner Justin Munroe)
March 2006: The UFA Regional Farm and Ranch Supply Centre opened its doors at their new location at the 4 Mile Corner (south Grande Prairie), 15602- 100 Street.
March 2006: Construction continues on the New Brick next to Home Depot on the west side of Grande Prairie that also promises a new Boston Pizza.
March 2006: Peace Windows has moved into the old GP Chrysler location across from Safeway north location along 100 Street Grande Prairie.
March 2006: Another Car Wash is under construction south of Rogers Video on 100 Street. Once open it will have 11 bays.
March 2006: Ford World Women's Curling Championships were a success and 3 silver salvers were awarded to 3 local people who helped contribute to its success. Jane Cada-Sharp, Crystal Centre general manager, Ken Truhn, chairman of the host committee and Kevin Chrenek, executive chairman of the event.
March 2006: Other recent awards were presented to Bethe Goldie, Paulette McGinnis, Dorren Latham, Linda Smith, Mari Cyr, and Donelda Laing, honored as part of regional celebration of International Women's Day, recognized for their contributions to the community.
March 2006: Grand Opening of the the 19,000 square foot Grande Bingo and Entertainment Centre took place March 14 located on the west of the College. It is now open 7 evenings a week. enlarge photo
March 2006: Esso is planning to build a new gas station along Wapiti Road and 76 Avenue with hopes of opening in June. It will also feature a liquor store.
April 2006: Jeffery's Cafe will be adding another location, this time on the west side, next to the World Gym. - GP Carland will be building a new location east of Midwest Countrywide store. KIA will then expand its part in the current GP Carland location. - The 2005-2006 NPHL Champions were the Spirit River Rangers defeating the Grande Prairie Athletics in the final game. A week later saw the Grande Prairie Athletics winning the Senior Men's A Provincials beating the Spirit River Rangers. - Trenton Perrott, Prairie Art Gallery's executive director announced he will become the new executive director of the Grande Prairie Museum as of May 1st.
April 2006: Giant Tiger, opened its new store in Grande Prairie at 110 Avenue and 100 Street, just east of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in the old Peavey Mart location. (Centre 100) Giant Tiger is a Family Discount Retailer with casual clothing and footwear for the entire family as well as groceries, confectionery, pet food, cleaning supplies, housewares, stationery, toys, health & beauty products. (enlarge photo)
April 2006: The grand opening of Esquires Coffee House second location took place April 21, 2006. Michelle Brick is also the owner of the new Ivy Lake location, located on the east side of Grande Prairie.
April 2006: Paving of the 4-lane Highway between Grande Prairie and Edmonton will continue this year. There is only 97 km left that is not 4-lane. (35 km west of Valleyview, 23 km south of Valleyview, 21 km around Little Smoky, and 18 km around Mayerthorpe.)
April 2006: Canadian Tire in Grande Prairie is planning an Official Grand Opening in early May to promote their newly expanded store.
May 2006: City of Grande Prairie alderman, Gladys Blackmore is now the new president of the United Way of Grande Prairie and Region. Pat Reid has retired after 20 years.
May 2006: A new campground opens May 17 at Nitehawk Ski Area, 16 km south of Grande Prairie along the Wapiti River called the Wilderness RV Park, with 35 Sites, 22 full service and 13 just with power. (780) 532-6637. - The Dream Home opens May 5th, part of the Foundation Dream Home Lottery. Located at 9105 Lakeshore Drive until June 28, open Monday to Friday 5-9pm, weekends and holidays noon-5pm.
May 2006: New Dunes golf pro, Dennis Bradley (who spent his last three summers in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) takes over for Bobby Martins, who recently moved to the GP Golf and Country Club.
May 2006: discoverthepeacecountry.com has officially become a corporation. Ken Connors (Chernuka) is now the CEO of Discover The Peace Country LTD.
May 2006: Canadian Hydro had its Grand Opening of the Grande Prairie Eco Power Centre (Fri May 12). The facility generates enough power to supply 21,000 households each year, located south of Canfor.
May 2006:Dan Pearcy has been named the new CEO of the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce. (he was the former owner of Holroyd Drugs)
June 2006: RCMP in Grande Prairie are scheduled to move to their new building on 99 Street sometimes in July. Sharks Billiards & Sports Lounge on 99 Avenue and 101 Street will be undergoing some major renovations and when it re-opens will also have a new name which will be "Better than Freds"..
June 2006: The Neil family won the QEII Foundation Dream Home. Rob Neil sat as committee chairman of the foundation in 2002.
June 2006: The location for the new Grande Prairie Hospital has been announced, 132 Avenue and 108 Street. It would be 4 years before it opens and at that time the current Hospital will still be kept open for Emergency Service.
June 2006: In the last month there have been noticeably more homes listed on the market for sale in Grande Prairie. There have also been more investors who had been renting their property and are now selling as many feel the market has peaked. (note: location changed later to a different site)
June 2006: Midnight Friday June 30 will be the Canada Day Fireworks, over the reservoir in Grande Prairie.
June 2006: Harry Sandhu is president of City Furniture in Grande Prairie, and recently became another president. He is now the president of the Rotary Club of Grande Prairie taking over from Kevin Hilgers.
June 2006: The Neil family won the QEII Foundation Dream Home. Rob Neil sat as committee chairman of the foundation in 2002.
July 2006: A new subdivision has been approved, Northridge subdivision will be located northeast of Royal Oaks subdivision and will house about 2,200 people. (Royal Oaks is north of the Highway Bypass, north of City Furniture.)
July 2006: Grande Prairie water is now running from the taps in Sexsmith. Aquatera officially opened the new Grande Prairie to Sexsmith waterline on July 19, 2006.
July 2006: A&W located along 100 Street north closed July 21 for renovations. It could be up and running again in a couple of weeks.
July 2006: RCMP in Grande Prairie are now moved into their new building on 99 Street.
July 2006: Construction continues at the intersection around Costco on the far west side of the City of Grande Prairie.
GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2006
July 2006: The Brick opens its doors to its new location in Grande Prairie, on the west side of Grande Prairie, next to Home Depot. (near the Quality Hotel). - The Dragon Palace restaurant will close its doors after 26 years on July 20th. Owners Norman and Susan Der are retiring and have sold the building to Maddhatters Liquid Lounge.
August 2006: The Sun Rise Car Lottery Draw for the 1967 Camaro RS Convertible was made August 4th and the winner was Norm Driver of Grande Prairie. It was presented by the Daily Herald Tribune with proceeds to PARDS, Sunrise House and Rotary House.
August 2006: XS Cargo has come to Grande Prairie and opened their liquidation store at 10016-110 Avenue.
August 2006: Currently there is construction going on at the old Leisureland RV building at 12806-100 Street which will be the new home of Redline Powercraft and will be 4 times larger than the present location.
August 2006: A temporary shutdown at the QEII Hospital's intensive care unit meant patients had to be flown to Edmonton for surgery and other surgeries had been cancelled all due to the shortage of internal medicine specialists.
September 2006: Construction continues on the Inverness Estates, (apartment building) at 123 avenue and 102 Street, Grande Prairie. Under construction on the northeast corner of Grande Prairie is The Vistas at Crystal Lake, a 93 unit condominium complex. And more construction continues with the expansion of the Super 8 Hotel and also the expansion of Sean Sargent Toyota both located along the Highway Bypass.
September 2006: Burger Heaven is to open next to the new XS Cargo location.
September 2006: St John Ambulance is looking to construct a new $4.1 million training facility to be located in the Industrial Park along 108 Street on the west end of Grande Prairie.
September 2006: A new Esso Gas Station opened on the south end of Grande Prairie along Highway 40 at 79th Avenue. At the same location will be another liquor store called Wapiti Liquor Locker.
September 2006: Rainbow Automotive will be moving to a new location at 102 Street and 124 Avenue.
September 2006: The Edmonton Oilers Training Camp was in Grande Prairie held at the Coca-Cola Centre. The Joey Moss Cup Game was held September 17 at the Canada Games Arena and enjoyed by thousands of Oilers fans.
September 2006: Grande Prairie will be hosting the Western Canadian ITF Taekwondo Championships on November 18, 2006. Athletes will be coming from Manitoba and BC to compete in this event.
September 2006: Jim Henderson, President of the GPRC resigned his position which he held since April 2002.
September 2006: - One of the Grande Prairie Colleges annual events is the President's Ball held at the Crystal Centre. This year it will be held September 30th, but...this year there won't be a president on hand with the resignation of Jim Henderson a few weeks ago.
September 2006: Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys rocked the Canada Games Arena September 19 to a sold out crowd.
September 2006: The York Hotel has been sold to the Heltay family from Red Deer. (they own the Arlington Hotel in Red Deer). The York Hotel has been in the Logan family since 1948.
September 2006: A new Catholic school will be built on the southeast part of Grande Prairie north of 68 Avenue. (CountrySide North) The kindergarten to Grade 9 school will have a capacity of 425 students and is expected to open in 2008.
September 2006: A $14.7 school is scheduled to be built in Crystal Lake area (NE part of Grande Prairie). This public school hopes to be completed for September 2008 (kindergarten to Grade 6, and 450 students)
October 2006: Grande Prairie will be hosting the Western Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships from October 6-9.
October 2006: Bumper to Bumper has opened in a new building along Highway 40, in the Richmond Industrial Park.
October 2006: New RCMP building is now home of the RCMP. Located next to the Provincial Building along 99 Street. (enlarge photo)
October 2006: The Trumpeter Hotel & Meeting Centre, located at 12102-100 St. Grande Prairie is now under new ownership. The hotel had been owned and operated by the Chomik family for many years.
October 2006: St Gerard school celebrated its grand re-opening after 16 months of major renovations and expansion.
October 2006: The Annual Small Business Awards held by the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce saw Digital Blues winning the Business of the Year award for less than 10 employees. Lee's Sheet Metal won Business of the Year for more than 10 employees. Sportswear Plus won the Extreme Business Makeover award, Davco Solutions won the Best Practice Award, and the Employee of the Year was won by Jae Jay Dorscheid, manager of Keddie's Tack and Western Wear.
October 2006: Horangi Taekwondo has moved to a new location at 11032-100 Street. There are 150 students taking classes, ages from 4 years to adult.
October 2006: Kelly Hrudey, Hockey Night in Canada analyst and former NHL goaltender, was the keynote speaker at the Grande Prairie Public School District Education Foundation fund-raising banquet held at the Grande Prairie Inn.
November 2006: Between October 27 and November 12 Grande Prairie received 61.2 centimetres of snow (over 24"). At the same time last year there wasn't a bit of snow on the ground.
November 2006: The CRTC approves 3 new radio stations for Grande Prairie. Bear Creek Broadcasting Ltd, providing Classic Rock/Classic Hits, Vista Radio Ltd which will have a classic rock format and also a Christian Music radio station. (read more)
November 2006: The 2006 Sam Awards were held Friday Nov 24 in Grande Prairie, with the Home Builder of the Year Award going to Cardon Homes. The Award of Honour also went to Gordon McLevin of Cardon Homes, Service Excellence award winner was Kay, McVey, Smith & Carlstrom, Outstanding Supplier-Construction Materials was won by Home Hardware. Outstanding Supplier-Specialty Materials was won by Artistic Stair, Distinguished Trade-Specialty was Overhead Door. Distinguished Trade-Certified winner was Builders Electric. Single Family under 1100 sq ft with garage winner was Gordey Construction, Single Family under 1100 sq ft without garage winner was Daytona Homes. Single Family 1100-1300 sq ft with garage was Elaborate Homes. Single Family over 1100 sq ft without garage was won by Dirham Homes. Single Family 1301-1500 sq ft with garage was won by Dueck Brothers and Single Family 1501-1800 sq ft with garage was won by Qualico Developments West, Cardon Homes won the Single Family 1801-22100 sq ft with garage award. Urban Escapes won the Single Family over 2100 sq ft with garage award and the Customer Choice Small Volume award was also won by Cardon Homes. The e Customer Choice Large Volume was won by Dirham Homes.
November 2006: Taxes in Grande Prairie are on the rise. Council approved at 6.5% tax hike for property owners in 2007.
December 2006: Wok N' Grill Restaurant and Lounge has opened a new restaurant in the old Don Cherry's location in the Sears Plaza. The owners also own a restaurant in Rycroft. (enlarge picture)
December 2006: Coldwell Banker Real Estate has moved to a location south of the Daily Herald Tribune, 10514-100 Street. It was the previous location of a Tatoo Parlor, and previous to that Canterra Real Estate.
December 2006: Tom Bedore, long time radio station manager of Sun FM Radio has moved to Edmonton to take over as regional manager of the radio stations owned by OK Radio.
December 2006: Vince Vaverek is now the new chairman of the the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce.
December 2006: The Santa Claus Parade Winners for 2006 are as follows. Musical category was won by Big Country XX and Monie Desmarias School of Dance, Service-Institutional-Community Clubs winner was the County of Grande Prairie, the best Commercial Float was Atco, the best Decorated or Animal Drawn Vehicle was won by Nor-lan Chrysler, and the best Little People Category was won by the North Country Community Church.
December 2006: With Ed Stelmach becoming new Premier of Alberta, a shuffle of the Tory cabinet saw Mel Knight, MLA for GP Smoky named as the Minister of Energy. Gordon Graydon, Wapiti MLA, lost his title of Minister of Gaming.
July 2006: The Brick opens its doors to its new location in Grande Prairie, on the west side of Grande Prairie, next to Home Depot. (near the Quality Hotel). - The Dragon Palace restaurant will close its doors after 26 years on July 20th. Owners Norman and Susan Der are retiring and have sold the building to Maddhatters Liquid Lounge.
August 2006: The Sun Rise Car Lottery Draw for the 1967 Camaro RS Convertible was made August 4th and the winner was Norm Driver of Grande Prairie. It was presented by the Daily Herald Tribune with proceeds to PARDS, Sunrise House and Rotary House.
August 2006: XS Cargo has come to Grande Prairie and opened their liquidation store at 10016-110 Avenue.
August 2006: Currently there is construction going on at the old Leisureland RV building at 12806-100 Street which will be the new home of Redline Powercraft and will be 4 times larger than the present location.
August 2006: A temporary shutdown at the QEII Hospital's intensive care unit meant patients had to be flown to Edmonton for surgery and other surgeries had been cancelled all due to the shortage of internal medicine specialists.
September 2006: Construction continues on the Inverness Estates, (apartment building) at 123 avenue and 102 Street, Grande Prairie. Under construction on the northeast corner of Grande Prairie is The Vistas at Crystal Lake, a 93 unit condominium complex. And more construction continues with the expansion of the Super 8 Hotel and also the expansion of Sean Sargent Toyota both located along the Highway Bypass.
September 2006: Burger Heaven is to open next to the new XS Cargo location.
September 2006: St John Ambulance is looking to construct a new $4.1 million training facility to be located in the Industrial Park along 108 Street on the west end of Grande Prairie.
September 2006: A new Esso Gas Station opened on the south end of Grande Prairie along Highway 40 at 79th Avenue. At the same location will be another liquor store called Wapiti Liquor Locker.
September 2006: Rainbow Automotive will be moving to a new location at 102 Street and 124 Avenue.
September 2006: The Edmonton Oilers Training Camp was in Grande Prairie held at the Coca-Cola Centre. The Joey Moss Cup Game was held September 17 at the Canada Games Arena and enjoyed by thousands of Oilers fans.
September 2006: Grande Prairie will be hosting the Western Canadian ITF Taekwondo Championships on November 18, 2006. Athletes will be coming from Manitoba and BC to compete in this event.
September 2006: Jim Henderson, President of the GPRC resigned his position which he held since April 2002.
September 2006: - One of the Grande Prairie Colleges annual events is the President's Ball held at the Crystal Centre. This year it will be held September 30th, but...this year there won't be a president on hand with the resignation of Jim Henderson a few weeks ago.
September 2006: Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys rocked the Canada Games Arena September 19 to a sold out crowd.
September 2006: The York Hotel has been sold to the Heltay family from Red Deer. (they own the Arlington Hotel in Red Deer). The York Hotel has been in the Logan family since 1948.
September 2006: A new Catholic school will be built on the southeast part of Grande Prairie north of 68 Avenue. (CountrySide North) The kindergarten to Grade 9 school will have a capacity of 425 students and is expected to open in 2008.
September 2006: A $14.7 school is scheduled to be built in Crystal Lake area (NE part of Grande Prairie). This public school hopes to be completed for September 2008 (kindergarten to Grade 6, and 450 students)
October 2006: Grande Prairie will be hosting the Western Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships from October 6-9.
October 2006: Bumper to Bumper has opened in a new building along Highway 40, in the Richmond Industrial Park.
October 2006: New RCMP building is now home of the RCMP. Located next to the Provincial Building along 99 Street. (enlarge photo)
October 2006: The Trumpeter Hotel & Meeting Centre, located at 12102-100 St. Grande Prairie is now under new ownership. The hotel had been owned and operated by the Chomik family for many years.
October 2006: St Gerard school celebrated its grand re-opening after 16 months of major renovations and expansion.
October 2006: The Annual Small Business Awards held by the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce saw Digital Blues winning the Business of the Year award for less than 10 employees. Lee's Sheet Metal won Business of the Year for more than 10 employees. Sportswear Plus won the Extreme Business Makeover award, Davco Solutions won the Best Practice Award, and the Employee of the Year was won by Jae Jay Dorscheid, manager of Keddie's Tack and Western Wear.
October 2006: Horangi Taekwondo has moved to a new location at 11032-100 Street. There are 150 students taking classes, ages from 4 years to adult.
October 2006: Kelly Hrudey, Hockey Night in Canada analyst and former NHL goaltender, was the keynote speaker at the Grande Prairie Public School District Education Foundation fund-raising banquet held at the Grande Prairie Inn.
November 2006: Between October 27 and November 12 Grande Prairie received 61.2 centimetres of snow (over 24"). At the same time last year there wasn't a bit of snow on the ground.
November 2006: The CRTC approves 3 new radio stations for Grande Prairie. Bear Creek Broadcasting Ltd, providing Classic Rock/Classic Hits, Vista Radio Ltd which will have a classic rock format and also a Christian Music radio station. (read more)
November 2006: The 2006 Sam Awards were held Friday Nov 24 in Grande Prairie, with the Home Builder of the Year Award going to Cardon Homes. The Award of Honour also went to Gordon McLevin of Cardon Homes, Service Excellence award winner was Kay, McVey, Smith & Carlstrom, Outstanding Supplier-Construction Materials was won by Home Hardware. Outstanding Supplier-Specialty Materials was won by Artistic Stair, Distinguished Trade-Specialty was Overhead Door. Distinguished Trade-Certified winner was Builders Electric. Single Family under 1100 sq ft with garage winner was Gordey Construction, Single Family under 1100 sq ft without garage winner was Daytona Homes. Single Family 1100-1300 sq ft with garage was Elaborate Homes. Single Family over 1100 sq ft without garage was won by Dirham Homes. Single Family 1301-1500 sq ft with garage was won by Dueck Brothers and Single Family 1501-1800 sq ft with garage was won by Qualico Developments West, Cardon Homes won the Single Family 1801-22100 sq ft with garage award. Urban Escapes won the Single Family over 2100 sq ft with garage award and the Customer Choice Small Volume award was also won by Cardon Homes. The e Customer Choice Large Volume was won by Dirham Homes.
November 2006: Taxes in Grande Prairie are on the rise. Council approved at 6.5% tax hike for property owners in 2007.
December 2006: Wok N' Grill Restaurant and Lounge has opened a new restaurant in the old Don Cherry's location in the Sears Plaza. The owners also own a restaurant in Rycroft. (enlarge picture)
December 2006: Coldwell Banker Real Estate has moved to a location south of the Daily Herald Tribune, 10514-100 Street. It was the previous location of a Tatoo Parlor, and previous to that Canterra Real Estate.
December 2006: Tom Bedore, long time radio station manager of Sun FM Radio has moved to Edmonton to take over as regional manager of the radio stations owned by OK Radio.
December 2006: Vince Vaverek is now the new chairman of the the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce.
December 2006: The Santa Claus Parade Winners for 2006 are as follows. Musical category was won by Big Country XX and Monie Desmarias School of Dance, Service-Institutional-Community Clubs winner was the County of Grande Prairie, the best Commercial Float was Atco, the best Decorated or Animal Drawn Vehicle was won by Nor-lan Chrysler, and the best Little People Category was won by the North Country Community Church.
December 2006: With Ed Stelmach becoming new Premier of Alberta, a shuffle of the Tory cabinet saw Mel Knight, MLA for GP Smoky named as the Minister of Energy. Gordon Graydon, Wapiti MLA, lost his title of Minister of Gaming.
GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2006
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