Grande Prairie will receive an additional $7 million in provincial funding to support its shift from RCMP to a standalone municipal police force, the Alberta government announced May 27.

The new funding builds on an earlier two-year commitment of $9.7 million made in 2023, following city council’s decision to create the Grande Prairie Police Service (GPPS). The transition is expected to be complete by 2026, with the GPPS becoming the city’s primary law enforcement agency.

“This new funding reinforces and builds on our commitment to help Grande Prairie meet its public safety goals with a homegrown policing solution,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “We’re standing behind communities pursuing the policing model that works best for them.”

According to the province, the $7 million will go toward startup costs including salaries, benefits, recruitment, training, equipment and IT infrastructure. The government noted that once the provincial funding ends, the city will take on the operational costs, which are projected to be lower than the current expenses of RCMP-contracted services.

Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton called the support essential, emphasizing that the transition remains on time and on budget.

“This transition has already shown a positive impact on community safety and is guiding us toward a more modern, responsive policing model,” Clayton said.

Grande Prairie Police Service Chief Dwayne Lakusta added, “We are creating a modern, community-oriented police service that reflects the unique needs of Grande Prairie.”

The province estimates the total cost of establishing the GPPS at $19 million. Under Alberta law, municipalities with more than 5,000 residents are responsible for arranging their own policing—either by forming a local service, joining a regional one, or contracting with the federal government for RCMP services.

More information is available at alberta.ca.