Grande Prairie City Council has set Monday, October 17, 2022, as the date for a by-election to fill a vacancy left on City Council by the unfortunate passing of Grande Prairie City Councillor, John Lehners.

The Municipal Government Act requires the City to hold a by-election within 120 days from when the vacancy began.

“Grande Prairie City Council continues to grieve the loss of our friend and colleague, John Lehners and our thoughts continue to be with his family,” said Jackie Clayton, Grande Prairie Mayor. “The by-election is a legislative requirement to fill a Council vacancy within 120 days. The City of Grande Prairie is committed to a fair and transparent election process, and to welcoming the elected individual and their unique skills and experiences to City Council.”

The person elected represents the entire community, as Grande Prairie City Council are not separated into wards or divisions.

 

Nomination Period for Candidates

Nominations for the by-election open on August 9, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. To be eligible to run for City Council a resident must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and a resident of the City of Grande Prairie since March 19, 2022.

Detailed information for candidates including nomination packages, qualifications and financial requirements is available online at cityofgp.com/byelection.

Candidates may submit nomination papers any time before 12 noon on nomination day (September 19, 2022). To submit nomination papers before this day, please book an in-person appointment by emailing elections@cityofgp.com. To submit nomination papers on September 19, 2022, drop-by City Hall in the North Conference Room between 8:30 a.m. and 12 noon.

 

2022 By-Election Key Dates

  • August 9 - Nominations Open
  • September 19 – Nomination Day
  • October 8 and 15 – Advance Voting Days
  • October 17 – By-Election Day

 

City Council appointed Leona Hanson, City Clerk as the Returning Officer and Valerie Norris-Kirk, Deputy City Clerk as the Substitute Returning Officer.

For more information on the by-election, visit cityofgp.com/byelection.

Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie