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GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2005
January 2005: Esquires is almost ready to open on the west side of Grande Prairie, 10635-West Side Drive. Michelle Brick is the new owner.
January 2005: Joeys Only Seafood Restaurant has moved. Now open daily 11-9 across from the Co-op Gas Bar near Royal Oaks. (along the Highway by-pass).
January 2005: The Wedding Show will be at the Bowes Family Crystal Gardens Sunday January 30. Many exhibits again this year. Doors open 10am, Fashion Show at 11:30am and 2:30pm. The Grande Prairie Home Show takes place March 11,12,13 at Crystal Gardens. It is "One Big Show Under One Big Roof". Also the Agri-Show is scheduled for March 10, 11,12 to be held at Evergreen Park. This will be the 20th Anniversary of this show.
February 2005: A Special page called "Events of the Peace Country" has been added to DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com. It includes a listing of events and concerts of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie, plus northwestern part of Alberta (Fairview, Peace River etc) and the northeast part of BC (Dawson Creek, Fort St John etc.) Events of the Peace Country
February 2005: The ATB bank will be opening the doors to their new location at West Side Plaza on March 14.
February 2005: The Commonwealth Credit Union is now open in their new building at the corner of 100 Street and 99 Avenue.
February 2005: The Grande Prairie Auto Show will be held March 4 to 6 at the Canada Games Arena and Crystal Centre featuring 13 dealers.
February 2005:- The Rotary Club of Grande Prairie keeps you posted on the progress of an 8 day road trip to Mazatlan, Mexico delivering 3 donated firetrucks and a school bus. The donation was made by the Grande Prairie Rotary and Swan City Rotary Clubs. 5 Grande Prairie businessmen, 2 Edson businessmen plus one Grande Prairie Firefighter will make the journey starting February 19. Pictures posted on www.gprotary.com.
February 2005: Additional website information: Each week, a special feature on Parks and Lakes of the Peace Country have been appearing in the Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune newspaper each Friday, as well as the Peace Country Sun newspaper each Friday. (total of 20 features in each newspaper) The features were written by Ken Connors with information from DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com.
March 2005: Ainsworth Lumber announced it will be expanding its Grande Prairie plant. It will become the world's largest producer of OSB and creating up to 300 more full-time jobs. The $200 Million Expansion will increase annual production capacity by approximately 600 million square feet. The expansion will include the construction of a hardwood sawmill in Valleyview. The project is hoped to be completed by early 2007.
March 2005: The new CreekSide Manufactured Home Subdivision is now selling homes and lots at their east-end location, 92 Ave & 92 St. Also on the east side, another new subdivision will start up this year called Crystal Landing. (East of Ivy Lake). Two new developments in the north and two more in the northeast corner of the city will also come on board this year.
March 2005: The Grande Prairie Home Builders Association will be hosting a Fall Home Improvement Show (besides the Spring Home Show) and is slated for Oct 21-23, 2005.
March 2005: Thousands attended the Grande Prairie Agri-Show at Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie March 10,11,& 12, 2005. There were many interesting displays including the colorful Peace Country SUN newspaper booth. (pictured left are Sharlyn Carter and Ken Connors representing the Peace Country SUN which is published at the Daily Herald Tribune.) (enlarge picture)
March 2005: The new St Joes Catholic Church is now under construction along 102 Street and 104 Avenue (banks onto Bear Creek). Estimated opening is set for March 2006.
March 2005: City has approved a $16.6 million new Library/Art Gallery project for the former Montrose Junior High School location at 98 Street and 103 Avenue, Grande Prairie. The Library would serve the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and the MD of Greenview.
March 2005: Also a $4.75 million upgrade to 108 Street is underway near the Canfor Site. Upgrading from a 4 lane undivided road to a 4 lane divided road which will include widening of the road that will include turning lanes.
March 2005: Construction will begin on the new Brick location as soon as the ground dries located just west of Home Depot along 100 Avenue and 113th Street, Grande Prairie. The new Brick will have a showroom of 30,000 sq ft when completed.
March 2005: Spilchen's Country Fever will take place July 1-3 at Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie. Some of the big names include Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Restless Heart, Uncle Kracker, as well as Karla Crawford, The Cruzeros, Tracy Millar, Duane Steele, The Poverty Plainsman, Corb Lund Band, George Canyon, Dr. Hook, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Tracy Millar & Duane Steele.
April 24, 2005: The Imperial Motors Esso Gas Station on 100 Avenue and 102 Street is now demolished. The gas station had been in operation for more than 50 years when it closed its doors in August of 2004. (west of 214 Place enlarge picture)
April 24, 2005: Quiznos Sub will be opening up a new location at the corner of 97 Avenue and 100 Street, next to the soon to be 2nd location of Pita Pit. Also to open at this newly constructed building is another liquor store.
April 24, 2005: Peace River MP Charlie Penson announced he would not run in the next federal election. Penson was part of the Conservative Party of Canada from 1993 to 2005. Previous to that he was a member of the Canadian Alliance (2000-2003) and Reform Party (1993-2000).
April 24, 2005: The Rotary Cleanathon is scheduled for May 7. The Rotary & Rotaract Clubs of Grande Prairie in conjunction with the Grande Prairie Downtown Association and Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Communities in Bloom each year help beautify the City of Grande Prairie. Bins will be located at all Elementary Schools within the city for residents to drop off their items on May 7th.
April 24, 2005: Warrington's Country Store, (also known as Warrington's China and Gift) located for years next to Zellers in the Prairie Mall will be closing after 34 years. Orm Schultz and wife Sylvia opened the store and then later opened Warrington's Jewellers and Jonathan's Gold and Diamonds that were also located in the Prairie Mall in Grande Prairie.
April 24, 2005: Just opened is Grande Prairie Hyundai in their new building on the west entrance to Grande Prairie in the Gateway Power Centre. It won't be long til the Grande Prairie Chrysler Superstore opens it doors next to this location.
April 24, 2005: World Gym Fitness Centre is scheduled to be opening in a new building in September at 10629-Westside Drive, just south of the new ATB. (west part of city)
May 2005: Work is underway to have the Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships held in Grande Prairie on the long weekend in September. (Sept 2-5) It is hoped to have at least 20 balloons participating.
May 2005: End of the Roll, opened its new store in Royal Oaks Plaza, north of City Furniture along the Highway By-Pass, 110530-117 Avenue.
May 2005: Living Light Home Decore also opened a Grande Prairie location at 9901-116 Avenue, just south of the Prairie Mall.
May 2005: Long time Grande Prairie business Pats Auto Parts celebrated its 50 years in business with Dan Gorman and father and founder Pat Gorman, located at 10530-117 Avenue.
May 2005- Holroyd Drugs closed its doors after being in business since 1958. The store was located at 9923-100 Avenue. (enlarge picture) Shoppers Drug Mart has bought out the business with the inventory and prescriptions being transferred to the Aberdeen Centre location.
May 2005: Ken Truhn, general manager of Big Country along with Brian Nash of Marlin Travel have hopes on starting a new rock radio station in Grande Prairie called Bear Creek Broadcasting Ltd. This fall the CRTC will determine if this application gets approved.
May 2005: The Grande Prairie Museum had its ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1st, for its Grand Re-opening after additions and renovations.
May 2005: Ken Norman, morning man of Big Country XX has become the new station manager of that radio station.
June 2005: Northridge Village will be a new residential seniors community to open along 102 Street, west of the Prairie Mall. The 4 storey building will have one & two bedroom suites.
June 2005: The Canadian National Railways will re-open the 74 km of rail line from Hythe to Dawson Creek. This will be a great benefit to the entire Peace Country.
June 2005: GP Chrysler has moved to its new building and location on the westside of Grande Prairie at 11448-Westgate Drive.
June 2005: Drag Wars Thrill Many Drag Wars was held at the Grande Prairie Airport June 10-12, 2005. Thousands of people attended the competitive bracket racing and exhibition drag racing along with the more than a 150 cars were on display for the Show n' Shine. MORE PHOTOS: Picture 1: enlarge photo - Picture 2: enlarge photo
July 2005: New updated pictures have been added to DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com to the pages of Wanham, Eaglesham, Falher, Nampa, Peace River, Grimshaw, Brownvale, Berwyn, Fairview, Hythe, Beaverlodge, Wembley, Clairmont and Sexsmith. New feature pages have and 108 Street, also been added to this website: One Island Lake, BC and the Hamlet of St. Isidore. Lesser Slave Lake has now been added as well.
January 2005: Esquires is almost ready to open on the west side of Grande Prairie, 10635-West Side Drive. Michelle Brick is the new owner.
January 2005: Joeys Only Seafood Restaurant has moved. Now open daily 11-9 across from the Co-op Gas Bar near Royal Oaks. (along the Highway by-pass).
January 2005: The Wedding Show will be at the Bowes Family Crystal Gardens Sunday January 30. Many exhibits again this year. Doors open 10am, Fashion Show at 11:30am and 2:30pm. The Grande Prairie Home Show takes place March 11,12,13 at Crystal Gardens. It is "One Big Show Under One Big Roof". Also the Agri-Show is scheduled for March 10, 11,12 to be held at Evergreen Park. This will be the 20th Anniversary of this show.
February 2005: A Special page called "Events of the Peace Country" has been added to DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com. It includes a listing of events and concerts of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie, plus northwestern part of Alberta (Fairview, Peace River etc) and the northeast part of BC (Dawson Creek, Fort St John etc.) Events of the Peace Country
February 2005: The ATB bank will be opening the doors to their new location at West Side Plaza on March 14.
February 2005: The Commonwealth Credit Union is now open in their new building at the corner of 100 Street and 99 Avenue.
February 2005: The Grande Prairie Auto Show will be held March 4 to 6 at the Canada Games Arena and Crystal Centre featuring 13 dealers.
February 2005:- The Rotary Club of Grande Prairie keeps you posted on the progress of an 8 day road trip to Mazatlan, Mexico delivering 3 donated firetrucks and a school bus. The donation was made by the Grande Prairie Rotary and Swan City Rotary Clubs. 5 Grande Prairie businessmen, 2 Edson businessmen plus one Grande Prairie Firefighter will make the journey starting February 19. Pictures posted on www.gprotary.com.
February 2005: Additional website information: Each week, a special feature on Parks and Lakes of the Peace Country have been appearing in the Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune newspaper each Friday, as well as the Peace Country Sun newspaper each Friday. (total of 20 features in each newspaper) The features were written by Ken Connors with information from DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com.
March 2005: Ainsworth Lumber announced it will be expanding its Grande Prairie plant. It will become the world's largest producer of OSB and creating up to 300 more full-time jobs. The $200 Million Expansion will increase annual production capacity by approximately 600 million square feet. The expansion will include the construction of a hardwood sawmill in Valleyview. The project is hoped to be completed by early 2007.
March 2005: The new CreekSide Manufactured Home Subdivision is now selling homes and lots at their east-end location, 92 Ave & 92 St. Also on the east side, another new subdivision will start up this year called Crystal Landing. (East of Ivy Lake). Two new developments in the north and two more in the northeast corner of the city will also come on board this year.
March 2005: The Grande Prairie Home Builders Association will be hosting a Fall Home Improvement Show (besides the Spring Home Show) and is slated for Oct 21-23, 2005.
March 2005: Thousands attended the Grande Prairie Agri-Show at Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie March 10,11,& 12, 2005. There were many interesting displays including the colorful Peace Country SUN newspaper booth. (pictured left are Sharlyn Carter and Ken Connors representing the Peace Country SUN which is published at the Daily Herald Tribune.) (enlarge picture)
March 2005: The new St Joes Catholic Church is now under construction along 102 Street and 104 Avenue (banks onto Bear Creek). Estimated opening is set for March 2006.
March 2005: City has approved a $16.6 million new Library/Art Gallery project for the former Montrose Junior High School location at 98 Street and 103 Avenue, Grande Prairie. The Library would serve the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and the MD of Greenview.
March 2005: Also a $4.75 million upgrade to 108 Street is underway near the Canfor Site. Upgrading from a 4 lane undivided road to a 4 lane divided road which will include widening of the road that will include turning lanes.
March 2005: Construction will begin on the new Brick location as soon as the ground dries located just west of Home Depot along 100 Avenue and 113th Street, Grande Prairie. The new Brick will have a showroom of 30,000 sq ft when completed.
March 2005: Spilchen's Country Fever will take place July 1-3 at Evergreen Park, Grande Prairie. Some of the big names include Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Restless Heart, Uncle Kracker, as well as Karla Crawford, The Cruzeros, Tracy Millar, Duane Steele, The Poverty Plainsman, Corb Lund Band, George Canyon, Dr. Hook, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Tracy Millar & Duane Steele.
April 24, 2005: The Imperial Motors Esso Gas Station on 100 Avenue and 102 Street is now demolished. The gas station had been in operation for more than 50 years when it closed its doors in August of 2004. (west of 214 Place enlarge picture)
April 24, 2005: Quiznos Sub will be opening up a new location at the corner of 97 Avenue and 100 Street, next to the soon to be 2nd location of Pita Pit. Also to open at this newly constructed building is another liquor store.
April 24, 2005: Peace River MP Charlie Penson announced he would not run in the next federal election. Penson was part of the Conservative Party of Canada from 1993 to 2005. Previous to that he was a member of the Canadian Alliance (2000-2003) and Reform Party (1993-2000).
April 24, 2005: The Rotary Cleanathon is scheduled for May 7. The Rotary & Rotaract Clubs of Grande Prairie in conjunction with the Grande Prairie Downtown Association and Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce and Communities in Bloom each year help beautify the City of Grande Prairie. Bins will be located at all Elementary Schools within the city for residents to drop off their items on May 7th.
April 24, 2005: Warrington's Country Store, (also known as Warrington's China and Gift) located for years next to Zellers in the Prairie Mall will be closing after 34 years. Orm Schultz and wife Sylvia opened the store and then later opened Warrington's Jewellers and Jonathan's Gold and Diamonds that were also located in the Prairie Mall in Grande Prairie.
April 24, 2005: Just opened is Grande Prairie Hyundai in their new building on the west entrance to Grande Prairie in the Gateway Power Centre. It won't be long til the Grande Prairie Chrysler Superstore opens it doors next to this location.
April 24, 2005: World Gym Fitness Centre is scheduled to be opening in a new building in September at 10629-Westside Drive, just south of the new ATB. (west part of city)
May 2005: Work is underway to have the Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships held in Grande Prairie on the long weekend in September. (Sept 2-5) It is hoped to have at least 20 balloons participating.
May 2005: End of the Roll, opened its new store in Royal Oaks Plaza, north of City Furniture along the Highway By-Pass, 110530-117 Avenue.
May 2005: Living Light Home Decore also opened a Grande Prairie location at 9901-116 Avenue, just south of the Prairie Mall.
May 2005: Long time Grande Prairie business Pats Auto Parts celebrated its 50 years in business with Dan Gorman and father and founder Pat Gorman, located at 10530-117 Avenue.
May 2005- Holroyd Drugs closed its doors after being in business since 1958. The store was located at 9923-100 Avenue. (enlarge picture) Shoppers Drug Mart has bought out the business with the inventory and prescriptions being transferred to the Aberdeen Centre location.
May 2005: Ken Truhn, general manager of Big Country along with Brian Nash of Marlin Travel have hopes on starting a new rock radio station in Grande Prairie called Bear Creek Broadcasting Ltd. This fall the CRTC will determine if this application gets approved.
May 2005: The Grande Prairie Museum had its ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1st, for its Grand Re-opening after additions and renovations.
May 2005: Ken Norman, morning man of Big Country XX has become the new station manager of that radio station.
June 2005: Northridge Village will be a new residential seniors community to open along 102 Street, west of the Prairie Mall. The 4 storey building will have one & two bedroom suites.
June 2005: The Canadian National Railways will re-open the 74 km of rail line from Hythe to Dawson Creek. This will be a great benefit to the entire Peace Country.
June 2005: GP Chrysler has moved to its new building and location on the westside of Grande Prairie at 11448-Westgate Drive.
June 2005: Drag Wars Thrill Many Drag Wars was held at the Grande Prairie Airport June 10-12, 2005. Thousands of people attended the competitive bracket racing and exhibition drag racing along with the more than a 150 cars were on display for the Show n' Shine. MORE PHOTOS: Picture 1: enlarge photo - Picture 2: enlarge photo
July 2005: New updated pictures have been added to DiscoverThePeaceCountry.com to the pages of Wanham, Eaglesham, Falher, Nampa, Peace River, Grimshaw, Brownvale, Berwyn, Fairview, Hythe, Beaverlodge, Wembley, Clairmont and Sexsmith. New feature pages have and 108 Street, also been added to this website: One Island Lake, BC and the Hamlet of St. Isidore. Lesser Slave Lake has now been added as well.
GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2005
July 2005: Grande Prairie 2005 Airshow was held Saturday and Sunday, July 23 & 24 at the Grande Prairie Airport, with thousands attending the two day event. Some of the attraction included the Skyhawks who demonstrated their parachuting skills and of course the Snowbirds. It was enjoyed by all ages.
MORE AIRSHOW PHOTOS: The Snowbirds: View Photo - The SkyHawks: View Photo - CF-18 Hornet: View Photo - The Displays: View Photo - The Crowds: View Photo
August 2005: The newly developed Centre Place (former Bargain Centre located downtown) is now officially open after months of renovations. Roots is one of the first businesses to re-locate here after closing its Prairie Mall location.
August 2005: The Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships are set for Sept 2-5 in Grande Prairie.
August 2005: New population numbers for the City of Grande Prairie has it at 44,631 with 74% under the age of 45.
August 2005: The Canadian Motor Inn on the west side of the city along 100 Avenue and 109 Street Grande Prairie, has added a new wing with more rooms. It now has 85 rooms that are available.
August 2005: Across from the Great Northern CASINO, construction is underway for the new Bingo Hall housing both the Swan City Bingo Hall Association and the GP Bingo Association. Both bingo Associations are dissolving and creating a new society when the new bingo hall opens in the fall.
August 2005: The Brick finally breaks ground after many months of delay. The new building will be built west of Home Depot on the west side of the city.
August 2005: Taylor Estates Subdivision gets the go-ahead. The 80 home high density rural development will be located on the southeast side of the the city with lots at only 1.1 acres. It will be in the area of the recently approved 198 lot McKena Subdivision.
September 2005: The 2nd Canada Safeway location continues construction on the southside of Grande Prairie with an opening expected late October. It has been rumored that a Blockbusters Video will also open in this area.
September 2005: Des McCaffrey, acclaimed wildlife artist has opened McCaffrey's Wildlife Art Gallery downtown Grande Prairie next to Curry's Jewelers featuring at least 50 original works of art. He started his career as a professional artist in 1989.
September 2005: The Pepper Pot Restaurant has closed its doors after serving the downtown area for many years. Air Liquide recently had its Grand Re-opening of their new location in the Grande Prairie Industrial Park, 11281-89 Avenue.
September 2005: Gregg Distributors is constructing a new 60,000 square foot warehouse at 111 Street and 97 Avenue Grande Prairie (south of GPR Industries in the Industrial Park) It will still be a few more months before it is ready.
September 2005: The first phase of expanding 116 street (near Costco-west end of city) into 4 lanes has begun with the moving of the utilities and widening certain portions of the existing 2 lane road. Right across from Costco to the north will be a new Westgate Esso with an opening planned for 2006.
October 2005: Safeway officially opened its 48,500 sq ft Southview location with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday October 27, 2005. Mayor Wayne Ayling, and Doug Felker, store manager along with department managers helped cut the ribbon. The new "Lifestyle" design store is located at 8060-100 Street and employs almost 150 people.
October 2005: A new hotel is under construction next to East Side Marios, along 100 Avenue and 108 Street, Grande Prairie. It will be many months before another hotel in the area, the Podollan Inn & Suites is open.
October 2005: Don McFarlane, golf pro at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club will be moving on in a few months. It is reported that he will be moving to Red Deer and getting involved with a golf course there similar to what he has been doing.
October 2005: Midwest Countrywide Home Furnishings located along the Highway By-Pass has been sold. The new owners belong to the Countrywide chain and are from Medicine Hat. Midwest has been in the Wigelsworth Family since 1956 when it opened as Midwest Electric. Don Wigelsworth says he is off to New Zealand, and eventually he hopes to work on a cruise ship. This sale does not affect Midwest Furniture Rentals, located downtown.
October 2005: The Christ Church Anglican located to the south of 214 place is planned to be moved to the museum. Owners of 214 place and owners of the property where the church stands, have given the restoration committed until December 1 to raise the money to move the 65 year old church. (enlarge photo)
October 2005: North of Wal-Mart, the new Lipons Professional Centre has started construction. Dr. Lipon is a dentist in Grande Prairie and will move his office here once construction is complete. Just north of this project, the construction continues on the Westlane 10 Pin Bowling Alley, corner of 106 Avenue and 110 Street. The walls and roof are up on the bowling alley.
October 2005: "It takes longer to travel 7km across Grande Prairie than 21 km across Edmonton", an unofficial test done by Ken Connors owner/developer of discoverthepeacecountry.com. This story makes the news on Sun FM radio October 21, also top story on Big Country XX news October 28, and story also appeared on CFRN TV... read more
October 2005: The Park Hotel, also known as the Avenue Hotel located next to 214 Place will be shut down November 1, 2005. Grande Prairie Place Enterprises, which owns 214 Place has purchased the hotel with future plans to renovate it and use it for other purposes which would include shutting down the bar.
October 2005: Woodland Castle Centre on 100 Avenue and 111 Street, Grande Prairie has changed its name to Woodland Tim-Br Mart. Greg Bartolotta, general manager says the new name is actually the same name the store had when it originally opened.
November 11, 2005: Remembrance Day Parade was held along 100th Street followed by a short service at Jubilee Park at 103rd Avenue, Grande Prairie. More photos: Pic 1: view - Pic 2: view - Pic 3: view
November 2005: Thousands of people lined the streets of Grande Prairie on Sunday November 27, 2005 for the annual Santa Claus Parade. Santa was joined by many colorful floats. (This year the parade travelled west to east on main street)
MORE SANTA PARADE PHOTOS: Wizard Of Oz: ENLARGE PICTURE - The Grande Prairie SPCA: ENLARGE PICTURE - Santa on float: ENLARGE PICTURE
November 2005: The Sargent Family Fireworks for the United Way is to take place over the reservoir near the Elks Hall, Thursday November 17 at 8pm.
November 2005: Construction continues on the new Grande Prairie UFA Farm & ranch Supply Store at the new location, north of the City at the four mile corner (along 100 Street and 156 Avenue). The opening is expected in February 2006. Motel 6 is also under construction just south of the new UFA.
November 2005:The steeple is put on the new St. Josephs Catholic Church under construction on 102 Street and 104 Avenue Grande Prairie. Once completed it will be the largest church in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan. (enlarge photo)
December 2005: Just opened is another Blockbuster next to the new Safeway on 84 Avenue and 100 Street, with the Grand Opening scheduled for January 7, 2006.
December 2005: One of the biggest stories of 2005 will continue into 2006 with more discussions on the City's proposed massive annexation 50 year plan that would include 80,000 acres of land in every direction around the city.
December 2005: After months of detours, the 100th Avenue and 116 Street intersection is now open next to Costco.
December 2005: Ainsworth Lumber celebrated 10 years of successful operations at the facility south of Grande Prairie.
December 2005: Dogs Diner & Billiards Club has opened its doors downtown Grande Prairie at 10015-100 Avenue, former location of China Lilly.
December 2005: Alderman Bill Given has announced he will be running as an Independent in the Federal Election to be held in January. Also running are Chris Warkentin-Conservative, Tanya Kapo-Liberal, Susan Thompson-NDP, Patrick Head-Green Party.
December 2005: Bobby Martens is leaving the Dunes Golf and Winter Club to become the general manager of the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club.
December 2005: It was announced that a 2nd Bottle Depot would be built in the new year near the South Firehall at 7601- Resourses Road, Grande Prairie.
July 2005: Grande Prairie 2005 Airshow was held Saturday and Sunday, July 23 & 24 at the Grande Prairie Airport, with thousands attending the two day event. Some of the attraction included the Skyhawks who demonstrated their parachuting skills and of course the Snowbirds. It was enjoyed by all ages.
MORE AIRSHOW PHOTOS: The Snowbirds: View Photo - The SkyHawks: View Photo - CF-18 Hornet: View Photo - The Displays: View Photo - The Crowds: View Photo
August 2005: The newly developed Centre Place (former Bargain Centre located downtown) is now officially open after months of renovations. Roots is one of the first businesses to re-locate here after closing its Prairie Mall location.
August 2005: The Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championships are set for Sept 2-5 in Grande Prairie.
August 2005: New population numbers for the City of Grande Prairie has it at 44,631 with 74% under the age of 45.
August 2005: The Canadian Motor Inn on the west side of the city along 100 Avenue and 109 Street Grande Prairie, has added a new wing with more rooms. It now has 85 rooms that are available.
August 2005: Across from the Great Northern CASINO, construction is underway for the new Bingo Hall housing both the Swan City Bingo Hall Association and the GP Bingo Association. Both bingo Associations are dissolving and creating a new society when the new bingo hall opens in the fall.
August 2005: The Brick finally breaks ground after many months of delay. The new building will be built west of Home Depot on the west side of the city.
August 2005: Taylor Estates Subdivision gets the go-ahead. The 80 home high density rural development will be located on the southeast side of the the city with lots at only 1.1 acres. It will be in the area of the recently approved 198 lot McKena Subdivision.
September 2005: The 2nd Canada Safeway location continues construction on the southside of Grande Prairie with an opening expected late October. It has been rumored that a Blockbusters Video will also open in this area.
September 2005: Des McCaffrey, acclaimed wildlife artist has opened McCaffrey's Wildlife Art Gallery downtown Grande Prairie next to Curry's Jewelers featuring at least 50 original works of art. He started his career as a professional artist in 1989.
September 2005: The Pepper Pot Restaurant has closed its doors after serving the downtown area for many years. Air Liquide recently had its Grand Re-opening of their new location in the Grande Prairie Industrial Park, 11281-89 Avenue.
September 2005: Gregg Distributors is constructing a new 60,000 square foot warehouse at 111 Street and 97 Avenue Grande Prairie (south of GPR Industries in the Industrial Park) It will still be a few more months before it is ready.
September 2005: The first phase of expanding 116 street (near Costco-west end of city) into 4 lanes has begun with the moving of the utilities and widening certain portions of the existing 2 lane road. Right across from Costco to the north will be a new Westgate Esso with an opening planned for 2006.
October 2005: Safeway officially opened its 48,500 sq ft Southview location with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday October 27, 2005. Mayor Wayne Ayling, and Doug Felker, store manager along with department managers helped cut the ribbon. The new "Lifestyle" design store is located at 8060-100 Street and employs almost 150 people.
October 2005: A new hotel is under construction next to East Side Marios, along 100 Avenue and 108 Street, Grande Prairie. It will be many months before another hotel in the area, the Podollan Inn & Suites is open.
October 2005: Don McFarlane, golf pro at the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club will be moving on in a few months. It is reported that he will be moving to Red Deer and getting involved with a golf course there similar to what he has been doing.
October 2005: Midwest Countrywide Home Furnishings located along the Highway By-Pass has been sold. The new owners belong to the Countrywide chain and are from Medicine Hat. Midwest has been in the Wigelsworth Family since 1956 when it opened as Midwest Electric. Don Wigelsworth says he is off to New Zealand, and eventually he hopes to work on a cruise ship. This sale does not affect Midwest Furniture Rentals, located downtown.
October 2005: The Christ Church Anglican located to the south of 214 place is planned to be moved to the museum. Owners of 214 place and owners of the property where the church stands, have given the restoration committed until December 1 to raise the money to move the 65 year old church. (enlarge photo)
October 2005: North of Wal-Mart, the new Lipons Professional Centre has started construction. Dr. Lipon is a dentist in Grande Prairie and will move his office here once construction is complete. Just north of this project, the construction continues on the Westlane 10 Pin Bowling Alley, corner of 106 Avenue and 110 Street. The walls and roof are up on the bowling alley.
October 2005: "It takes longer to travel 7km across Grande Prairie than 21 km across Edmonton", an unofficial test done by Ken Connors owner/developer of discoverthepeacecountry.com. This story makes the news on Sun FM radio October 21, also top story on Big Country XX news October 28, and story also appeared on CFRN TV... read more
October 2005: The Park Hotel, also known as the Avenue Hotel located next to 214 Place will be shut down November 1, 2005. Grande Prairie Place Enterprises, which owns 214 Place has purchased the hotel with future plans to renovate it and use it for other purposes which would include shutting down the bar.
October 2005: Woodland Castle Centre on 100 Avenue and 111 Street, Grande Prairie has changed its name to Woodland Tim-Br Mart. Greg Bartolotta, general manager says the new name is actually the same name the store had when it originally opened.
November 11, 2005: Remembrance Day Parade was held along 100th Street followed by a short service at Jubilee Park at 103rd Avenue, Grande Prairie. More photos: Pic 1: view - Pic 2: view - Pic 3: view
November 2005: Thousands of people lined the streets of Grande Prairie on Sunday November 27, 2005 for the annual Santa Claus Parade. Santa was joined by many colorful floats. (This year the parade travelled west to east on main street)
MORE SANTA PARADE PHOTOS: Wizard Of Oz: ENLARGE PICTURE - The Grande Prairie SPCA: ENLARGE PICTURE - Santa on float: ENLARGE PICTURE
November 2005: The Sargent Family Fireworks for the United Way is to take place over the reservoir near the Elks Hall, Thursday November 17 at 8pm.
November 2005: Construction continues on the new Grande Prairie UFA Farm & ranch Supply Store at the new location, north of the City at the four mile corner (along 100 Street and 156 Avenue). The opening is expected in February 2006. Motel 6 is also under construction just south of the new UFA.
November 2005:The steeple is put on the new St. Josephs Catholic Church under construction on 102 Street and 104 Avenue Grande Prairie. Once completed it will be the largest church in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan. (enlarge photo)
December 2005: Just opened is another Blockbuster next to the new Safeway on 84 Avenue and 100 Street, with the Grand Opening scheduled for January 7, 2006.
December 2005: One of the biggest stories of 2005 will continue into 2006 with more discussions on the City's proposed massive annexation 50 year plan that would include 80,000 acres of land in every direction around the city.
December 2005: After months of detours, the 100th Avenue and 116 Street intersection is now open next to Costco.
December 2005: Ainsworth Lumber celebrated 10 years of successful operations at the facility south of Grande Prairie.
December 2005: Dogs Diner & Billiards Club has opened its doors downtown Grande Prairie at 10015-100 Avenue, former location of China Lilly.
December 2005: Alderman Bill Given has announced he will be running as an Independent in the Federal Election to be held in January. Also running are Chris Warkentin-Conservative, Tanya Kapo-Liberal, Susan Thompson-NDP, Patrick Head-Green Party.
December 2005: Bobby Martens is leaving the Dunes Golf and Winter Club to become the general manager of the Grande Prairie Golf & Country Club.
December 2005: It was announced that a 2nd Bottle Depot would be built in the new year near the South Firehall at 7601- Resourses Road, Grande Prairie.
GRANDE PRAIRIE NEWS - 2005
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