This year has been a busy one in Grande Prairie.
Mayor Bill Given and councillors Chris Thiessen, Kevin O’Toole and Jackie Clayton secured votes to stay on during the election.
But they were also joined by councillors Blackburn, Bressey, Friesen, Minhas and Pilat.
Given said a highlight of the year was the changeover.
“It’s always a bittersweet moment when you conclude one council term … But it was a successful term for the past council,” said Given.
“The election of a new council means looking forward for the next four years.
Given was pleased to see progress on was downtown development.
“The downtown program was a highlight. Even though there were bumps along the way, I think the final product is something Grande Prairie residents can be proud of,” he said.
The new budget was approved in November, and gave the go-ahead for Phase 3 of the Downtown Rehabilitation Project.
The honouring of a former public servant also serves as a fond 2017 memory for Mayor Given.
“The naming of H.A. Rice Plaza at Revolution Place … recognizing councillor Helen Rice for her service to the community was special personally for me,” he said.
Helen Rice spent nearly four decades at city hall, before deciding not to seek re-election in 2017’s vote.