The Alberta government is allocating an additional $7 million to support Grande Prairie's transition from RCMP policing to a standalone municipal police service, bringing total provincial funding for the shift to $16.7 million.The announcement, made Tuesday, reaffirms the province’s commitment to supporting locally-driven policing models. Provincial officials say the funding will help the city maintain momentum as it builds the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS), which is set to become the official police of jurisdiction in 2026.“Alberta’s government will do whatever it takes to keep people safe,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “The City of Grande Prairie is pursuing a policing solution that’s right for the community and its residents, and Alberta’s government is behind them throughout the transition process.”The additional funding will help cover startup costs including salaries, benefits, recruitment, training, and equipment. The city council’s March 2023 decision to form a municipal police force marked a major shift in local public safety strategy. Since then, Grande Prairie has made progress hiring officers and civilian staff, securing equipment, and developing IT infrastructure.Mayor Jackie Clayton welcomed the announcement, noting the transition remains on budget and on schedule. “The transition has already provided a positive impact on our community safety and valuable insights on the modernizations that will be achieved with a stand-alone municipal police service model,” she said.Dwayne Lakusta, chief of the GPPS, said the additional funds will help realize a community-oriented police force tailored to local needs. “The Grande Prairie Police Service is quickly proving that a policing transition can be both effective and efficient,” he said.The total projected cost of building the GPPS is $19 million. Once the startup funding ends, the city will take on all ongoing operational expenses. According to officials, annual GPPS costs are expected to be lower than those currently associated with RCMP contract policing.Grande Prairie is one of several communities to consider alternatives to the RCMP. Through the Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant program, Alberta has provided more than $2.2 million to 35 municipalities, 23 First Nations, and eight Métis Settlements to explore changes to their policing models.Under Alberta’s Police Act, municipalities with more than 5,000 residents are responsible for their own policing and may form their own services, partner regionally, or contract with the federal government for RCMP services.
