Province announces additional $7M for Grande Prairie policing transition

The Alberta government is earmarking an additional $7 million in funding for Grande Prairie to establish its own municipal police force, bumping the province's total contribution up to nearly $17 million.

The city decided to phase out the RCMP and create its own municipal police force in 2023.

The funding announced Tuesday builds on the initial commitment from the Alberta government of $9.7 million over two years. 

"It's crucial that the community has the resources needed to sustain this momentum and continue laying the groundwork for the Grande Prairie Police Service," said Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis at the announcement in Grande Prairie Tuesday. 

The total estimated cost for the transition is about $19 million, which is expected to take five years.

The funding will help with projected start-up costs that include building the new service, salaries, benefits, recruitment, equipment and training. 

"By removing some of this financial pressure, we're we're helping to ensure that the Grande Prairie Police Service is well positioned to succeed as the primary police of jurisdiction for this city in 2026," said Ellis. 

Municipal police to cost less than RCMP, city says

According to an analysis presented to the city in October, the new police service is expected to cost the city less than the RCMP. 

The analysis was based on the plan to have 110 officers serving in its own city police force by 2028. The RCMP contract projections were for 100 officers. 

The anticipated cost savings for the GPPS between 2024 and 2028 range from $742,380 in 2026 to $2,739,819 in 2027. In total, the anticipated cost savings are more than $8 million, though that number includes millions in provincial grant money.

Once provincial funding through the Grande Prairie Police Service grant agreement ends, the city will absorb all operational costs.

The transition remains on budget and on schedule, officials said. 

"These funds are a key component of our continued progress and success for the transition," said Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton.

"Through our multi-year funding formula, we're able to ensure one-time circuit costs are funded, remain on budget, and set up for success while demonstrating action and accountability for this transition."

According to the Grande Prairie Police Service, it has hired 50 officers in the 21 months since the transition began. 

The full transition away from the RCMP will be in place by 2028.