Council pay, possible new location for cricket pitch discussed at city hall meeting

A four person committee made up of people from the community compiled the report and studied mayor and council pay levels in other cities.

It found that the base salary for the mayor of Grande Prairie of $122,336 in 2023 was the lowest when compared to Airdrie, Medicine Hat and Red Deer, with the latter being the next closest at $125,000.

When per diems, benefits, and allowances are factored in, total pay in Grande Prairie was $169,196; higher than Airdrie and Red Deer, but lower than Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

In 2024, Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton’s base salary will be $126,678.43, while the base salary for each member of council is $67,245.35.

Council also passed motions to have city staff report back on options for parental and bereavement leave for members of council.

Cricket Pitch

Council approved having the idea of a new location for the cricket pitch referred to 2025 budget talks.

The current location is in the Head and Salmond Park in the Royal Oaks neighbourhood. The new one is proposed for the Signature Falls area in the city’s southeast.

Neighbours at the current location had brought up concerns in about noise and safety, leading to city council asking staff in June to look into relocation idea.

Council will also look at supporting the cricket club by buying equipment, with the amount capped at $150,000.

The club was looking at things like dugouts and a score clock.

Club officials say it has 85-90 members, with room to grow.

by Curtis Galbraith

Council pay, possible new location for cricket pitch discussed at city hall meeting

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