Monday’s city council meeting opened with a long, silent pause in honour of Councillor John Lehners.
Lehners passed away last month.
Mayor Jackie Clayton says Lehners will be remembered in many ways.
“He was truly a community leader, a big picture thinker.”
“He was fully engaged with everything he did and led with passion, in many avenues and contributions throughout the community, whether it be through sport or Rotary, through the school board obviously.”
Lehners spent 20 years on the Grande Prairie Public School Board, nine of those as chair.
Clayton says his passing is still hard for some people at city hall.
“Some days (we are) still in (a state of) disbelief. John will be dearly missed.”
“Having a by-election is something a council and an organization never wants to have to go through and it’s just unfortunate that it’s been just a short time John was able to serve with us.”
Council has approved having a by-election on Monday, October 17. Advance polls would be open on October 8 and 15, both Saturdays. Nominations opened Tuesday with nomination day set for September 19.
Clayton says provincial legislation mandates a by-election be held.
“The Municipal Government Act, the provincial Municipal Government Act, allows us 120 days in order to constitute and execute a by-election.”
“This means that we need to have time to advertise, people need time to get their paperwork in, people need time to actually promote themselves.”
In order to run for City Council, candidates must be a Canadian citizen, 18 years of age, and a resident of the City of Grande Prairie since March 19, 2022.
Candidates have until noon on nomination day, September 19th, to submit nomination papers by dropping them off in the North Conference Room at City Hall between 8:30 a.m. and noon.
Candidates can also submit their nomination papers before September 19, by emailing elections@cityofgp.com and booking an in-person meeting.
The person elected will represent the entire community of Grande Prairie not just certain wards or divisions.
The cost for the vote is budgeted at $129,980.
For more information on the by-election as well as qualifications and financial requirements, click here.
