Annual General Meeting and Awards Presentation

February 27, 2026

The Grande Prairie DownTown Association wishes to thank all members and dignitaries who attended the organization’s Annual General Meeting on February 26th, 2026. The event included an overview of the Association’s 2025 activities, achievements and financial performance over the past year. It was also an opportunity to celebrate small business excellence with the presentation of our annual awards, and of course, set the stage for continued leadership with the election of the Board of Directors.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Art Ouellette Memorial Award, Al’s News. Presented in partnership with Curry’s Jewellers, this distinguished award has been recognizing excellence since 1997. It honours a business that demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, pride in property, and outstanding customer service—qualities that elevate the entire downtown district. In 2025, Al’s News celebrated its 65th anniversary in downtown Grande Prairie and has been recognized for its exemplary upkeep, creative window displays, and commitment to an exceptional customer experience. Owner Jim Goldsack was honoured to receive the award and recognized his family and staff for all their work in making Al’s News successful.

Jim Goldsack of Al's News is presented with the Art Ouellette Memorial Award.

We would also like to congratulate the other nominees for this award:

  • Milano for Men
  • The Path Plant Based Metaphysical Café
  • Ember and Stone
  • Elaine’s Unique Plants & Designs and Elaine’s Flower Pot
  • Center 100 Holdings

We are also pleased to congratulate the 2025 Downtowner of the Year, The Royal Canadian Legion. Established in 1984, this award honours a member whose collaboration, entrepreneurial spirit, and community leadership have made a lasting impact on the downtown core. The Legion was selected in recognition of its major investment in facility renovations and its ongoing efforts to foster connection and belonging in our downtown community. Branch President Dean Langston spoke about the extensive interior renovations of the building that has created a modern family friendly space that serves the community with countless happenings throughout the year. As a proud business of the downtown committed to beautification, the Legion has also commissioned a mural on their exterior west wall for completion this summer by well known local artist Tim Heimdal.

Dean Langston of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #54 is presented the Downtowner of the Year Award.

We would also like to congratulate the other nominees for this award:

  • The Path Plant Based Metaphysical Café
  • Second Chance Reads
  • Victoria’s Attic
  • Mission Thrift Store
  • Daphna Homecare and Supports Inc.

After the awards presentation, Tanya Edmunds from MNP presented the audited financial statements. She remarked that the statements were without qualification, showed a surplus from operations, and overall a healthy financial position.

In the final piece of business, we are delighted to welcome our newly elected Board Members, Andre Ouellette (Curry’s Jewellers), Nicole Simoneau (Grande Peace Law), and Emilia Spelrem (Grande Prairie Memorials), who were elected by acclamation at the meeting. Returning to the Board are Bobbi-Jo Matheson (Cree8iv Ink) and Liza Doll (Eclipse LLP). We extend our sincere appreciation to our departing Board Members, Dianne Laurin, Catherine Ridgeway and Kristina MacNeil for their dedicated service and contributions to the Downtown Association.

New Board members for the Grande Prairie DownTown Association

Our thanks also go to the Royal Canadian Legion for hosting this year’s AGM. We look forward to an exciting year ahead as we continue advancing our 2026 strategic plan.