Community Futures Boosts Financial Relief for Local Businesses

Grande Prairie, Alberta – May 25, 2020. Small businesses in the Grande Prairie region impacted by COVID-19 pandemic can now access additional financial relief and recovery support. Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region will begin offering tailored small business loans as part of the Government of Canada’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. These partially forgivable loans ensure that rural businesses, that do not qualify for other federal business support programs, receive help and support as a result of this crisis.

“As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to mount, more and more local businesses are falling through the cracks,” said Holly Sorgen, Executive Director of Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region. “These urgent calls for support have reached across the province and our Western network, and we are pleased that the voices of local businesses have been heard.”

The funding is part of an announced $95.7 million for the Community Futures Pan West Network, for rural and remote businesses in Western Canada that do not qualify for other federal business support programs such as the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP).

Small- and medium-sized businesses can apply for loans of up to $40,000 with terms that include:

No interest accrual or principal payments through December 31, 2022.
If 75% of the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, the remainder of the loan is forgiven.
Blended principal and interest payments beginning January 1, 2023 and loans must be repaid by December 31, 2025.
No prepayment penalties.

For more information visit:

Relief and Recovery Fund for Small Business– Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region: http://grandeprairie.albertacf.com/rrrf-grande-prairie or Connect on Social Media

Media contact:
Name: Holly Sorgen
Phone: 780.518.3586
Email: holly.sorgen@albertacf.com

About Community Futures in Alberta

Alberta’s 27 Community Futures organizations are independent, locally run and guided by volunteer boards. Each Community Futures office provides flexible and affordable small business loans, business coaching/training services and business management tools for people wanting to start, expand, franchise or sell a rural business. Community Futures is funded by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada and has been supporting rural entrepreneurs for over 30 years.

FIRE RESTRICTION IS IN EFFECT FOR THE COUNTY OF GRANDE PRAIRIE

UPDATED 4/16/2024

Effective at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service will issue a Fire Restriction for the entire County, along with the towns of Wembley, Beaverlodge and Sexsmith.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

- GRANDE PRAIRIE FOREST AREA INFORMATION -

Grande Prairie Forest Area Update - April 15, 2024

Posted on Mon, Apr 15, 2024

The wildfire danger in the Grande Prairie Forest Area remains HIGH. Strong and gusty winds continue. Sparks from rocks hitting heavy machinery, dragging chains and welding operations, shooting guns at targets, sparks hitting dry grass are all high-risk activities.

This past weekend Alberta Wildfire has responded to wildfires caused by winter burning holdovers. These wildfires are preventable, you must check for heat and ensure they are fully extinguished. Go back to your burn sites and feel the ashes for heat and use hand tools and water to ensure that there is no fire burning underneath the top soil.

Report wildfires by calling 310-FIRE (3473).

Wildfire information

Since January 1, 2024, there has been 18 wildfires reported in the Grande Prairie Forest Area burning nearly 78 hectares. Of the 18 wildfires, 13 have been extinguished, three are listed as turned over to the responsible parties and two are under control.

There are currently five carryover fires from the 2023 wildfire season. All carryover wildfires are listed as under control and are being monitored by firefighters.

A fire restriction is in effect in northwestern Alberta in the Forest Protection Area surrounding the communities of Valleyview and Grande Prairie and west of the Peace River.

Under this restriction:

- Existing fire permits are restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

- Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds are allowed.

Prohibited on public lands, including backcountry and random camping areas:

- All outdoor wood fires.

- Fires fueled exclusively by charcoal briquettes.

- The use of fireworks and exploding targets.

Allowed in designated campgrounds on private and public land, designated day use areas and on privately owned land:

- Safe wood campfires.

- Backyard fire pits, charcoal briquette barbeques.

- Propane/ natural gas-powered appliances CSA approved or UL certified.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

A fire advisory remains effect for the south parts of the Grande Prairie Forest Area due to dry fuel conditions.

Under this advisory:

Permits will be issued on a case by case basis

No heavy fuel fire permits will be issued

Prohibited:

Any burning without a valid fire permit, other than a campfire

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.

Stay informed of fire restrictions and fire bans in your area by checking Alberta Firebans.ca

If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE (3473)

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve

If you live in Alberta, you have a role to play in making your home and neighbourhood safer and more resilient to wildfires. An estimated 90% of homes damaged or destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers. By taking proactive FireSmart measures around your house and yard, you can increase your properties’ resistance to wildfire. Check out firesmartalberta.ca for more information.

Fire permits

Before you burn it, get a fire permit. Fire permits help us to track what is burning on the landscape. If you're burning without a fire permit or outside fire permit conditions, your fire is considered a wildfire. Anyone living outside the FPA can contact their municipality for information about local fire permit requirements.

Albertans living or working in the Forest Protection Area of the province can request a free fire permit by contacting your local forestry office or using the new, convenient online Fire Permit Portal.

County West / Grovedale - (780) 814-1648

Spirit River - (780) 814-1983

Valleyview - (780) 524-6576

View a video fire permits about by clicking here

Wildfire compliance and enforcement

Alberta Wildfire relies on legislation, education and enforcement to help prevent wildfires and protect the safety of Albertans. The Forest and Prairie Protection Act is the primary legislation which enables the protection of the forests and prairies of Alberta from wildfire.

For more information contact:

Kelly Burke | Wildfire Information Officer

(780) 832-7235

kelly.burke@gov.ab.ca

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Community Futures Boosts Financial Relief for Local Businesses

Community Futures Boosts Financial Relief for Local Businesses