City of Grande Prairie recognized with Age-Friendly Alberta Recognition Award

(Grande Prairie, Alta. - June 1, 2026) The Government of Alberta formally recognized the City of Grande Prairie with the Age-Friendly Alberta Recognition Award today during the Aging Well Together: Seniors' Week Celebration at The Bowes.

The award was presented by MLA Nolan Dyck and MLA Ron Wiebe and recognizes Grande Prairie's commitment to creating a community where older adults can remain connected, supported and engaged as they age. It reflects years of collaboration between residents, community groups, service providers and local partners who helped shape the City's Aging Well Together initiative.

The initiative began with a simple but important question posed to older adults in Grande Prairie: what does aging well look like in this community?

Through community conversations and engagement opportunities, seniors shared experiences and ideas that helped guide the City's priorities. Those conversations shaped a community-driven plan focused on improving accessibility, strengthening social connection and helping residents stay active and involved in community life.

"Today's recognition belongs to the entire community," said City of Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. "It reflects the voices of seniors who shared their experiences and the many people and organizations working together to make Grande Prairie a place where people can continue aging with confidence and a strong sense of belonging."

Since launching Aging Well Together, the City and community partners have continued building on that work through programs and initiatives designed to reduce barriers and strengthen connection for older adults.

Projects and programs such as Social Prescribing, Yard Gnomes, the Bridging Generations pen-pal program, transit education sessions and accessibility improvements at public facilities have helped create more opportunities for older adults to stay engaged in the community. The work has been supported by local seniors-serving organizations, health and social service agencies, recreation and community partners, and residents who continue helping shape what aging well looks like in Grande Prairie.

The Age-Friendly Alberta Recognition Award acknowledges municipalities that demonstrate a long-term commitment to improving quality of life for older adults through community engagement, planning and action.

"Seniors' Week is a time to recognize the lasting impact that seniors have on our families and communities - and to thank them for all they have given and continue to give," said the Honourable Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Assisted living and Social Services. "Alberta's government is pleased to kick-off this year's Seniors' Week celebrations in Grande Prairie, and to award Grande Prairie with an Age-Friendly Alberta Recognition Award for the community's outstanding commitment to helping seniors stay connected, included and supported."

While the recognition marks an important milestone, the work is ongoing. Aging Well Together continues to guide future planning, partnerships and community development efforts aimed at ensuring Grande Prairie remains a community where residents can age well and stay connected to the people and places that matter most to them.

"Being recognized as an age-friendly community is not a finish line," said Mayor Jackie Clayton. "It's a commitment to continue listening, improving and building on the work already underway so Grande Prairie remains a community where people can age well."

Learn more about Aging Well Together at cityofgp.com/agingwelltogether.