GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2013
January 2013: It is now official that GP Auto Group has purchased People's Automotive (Grande Prairie) from Kevin and Darlene Bathgate. Kevin started with People's Auto in 1980 as a mechanic, became a partner in 1995 and was full owner of the company since 2001.
January 2013: There were 92 tickets handed out in Grande Prairie in 2012, for parking in Handicapped Parking Zones. The year before there were only 26 tickets handed out. The current fine is $150 but that will be going up soon to $250.
January 2013: County of Grande Prairie SPORTSPLEX opens just west of the County Administrative Building, 7407-108 Street, Clairmont. Includes two rinks, field-house, track, lobby, fitness area, lounge, cafe and outdoor fields. Some parts are still under construction. View Photos:
Front Entrance,
Reception,
Arena-2,
Players Box,
Access to upper level,
Soccer Field house.
January 2013: The new sign of RONA now replaces the Totem sign to indicate the store has now officially changed its name in Grande Prairie.
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Tile Ideal is now open in a brand new building along the Highway Bypass Grande Prairie, just behind Mr. Mikes.
February 2013: A new A&W opened (Wed Feb 20) north of Grande Prairie across the highway from the County of Grande Prairie Offices and right next to the Redwood Inn & Suites. The Restaurant 's drive-thru will be open 24 hours.
The restaurant has a Retro look to it.
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February 2013: In only 4 hours (Feb 13) Police in Grande Prairie handed out 157 tickets in 2 check-stops. 51 of those were for distracted driving, 83 for not wearing a seat belt, 23 for speeding - no insurance - unregistered - stop sign violation.
February 2013: Peter Teichroeb (Happy Trails RV) has purchased the radio station 96.3 Shine FM in Grande Prairie. The radio station will now be an independent and the only changes that will be made is to the Shine FM name February 15th became 96.3 Reach FM.
February 2013: White Orchid Bridal Boutique as opened downtown Grande Prairie. The new Bridal Store is owned by Nadine Stewart.
February 2013: Grande Prairie Dream Home. This year the Dream Home was located in the Carriage Lane Estates. This subdivision is located east along 100 Avenue on the outskirts of the City. More information - prizes:
CLICK HERE.
March 2013: Sound Waves, music store in Grande Prairie (108 Ave, 101 St) closes after 24 years at the end of the month. Vic Mark was the owner.
March 2013:The Spirit River Rangers are now the 2012-2013 NPHL Champions. (North Peace Hockey League) They defeated the Lakeland Eagles in 4 straight games. See the NPHL highlights of the final game
CLICK HERE
March 2013: The Quality Hotel in Grande Prairie was purchased by a group of local businessmen and now it has officially changed its name to the Paradise Inn & Conference Centre. Located along 100 Avenue. There are plans on having some renovations.
Years ago this hotel was known as the Golden Inn.
March 2013: The Daily Herald Tribune celebrated 100 years this year. A special get-together took place with staff and clients.
March 2013:The County Of Grande Prairie Farm Family of the Year 2013. The Everton Family of Hythe were honored at the Agri Show, Evergreen Park Grande Prairie.
View VIDEO> (3:54min)
March 2013: The Honorable Verlyn Olson, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Officially Opened the 2013 Agri Show featuring many displays, bull sale, including Big Jim of Big Country FM. Ag Classic Video VIDEO:
View VIDEO> (2:30min)
March 2013: Byron Johnson passed away at the age of 75 years. He was the man behind BJ's Q Club which closed earlier this year after 20 years of operation.
May, 2013: Target has opened in Grande Prairie, one of 10 stores in Alberta. There will be 9 stores in BC and and it is expected that a total of 125 to 135 new locations across Canada.
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April 2013: Walter Paszkowski is retiring. He was the Economic Development Officer with the County of Grande Prairie for many years. He served as MLA from 1989-2001 and before that was Mayor of Sexsmith for 6 years.
April 2013: Recent survey shows Grande Prairie tops the list in throwing away the most recyclable beverage containers in Alberta (study of 9 landfills) 3 times more than Calgary or Lethbridge.
April 2013: Swan Festival at Saskatoon Lake Provincial Park west of Grande Prairie. Hundreds of people of all ages took part in the 15th Annual Swan Festival. Many exhibits were on hand while bus tours took groups to see swans in the surrounding lakes and fields .
View VIDEO> (4:43min)
April 2013: Sears in Grande Prairie has undergone some major renovations and it won't be that long before Target will open in the old Zellers location.
April 2013: Evergreen Park Campground has changed its name and is now officially known as McGovern's RV Campground.
May 2013: The Muskoseepi Park Pavilion is to get a face lift costing more than $700,000. The park is located in the centre of the City of Grande Prairie along 102 Street.
May 2013: Housing Starts in Grande Prairie are up with 59 starts during the month of April. So far this year, since January, there have been a total of 160 starts compared to only 87 for last year.