On behalf of City Council, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all the many lives that have been touched by former City Councillor Helen Rice as the community mourns her passing.

Helen Rice is well known as being a remarkable community leader throughout her time in Grande Prairie, including a nearly 40-year tenure on City Council. Throughout this time, Rice made an indelible impact on all levels of government, including through appointments to the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Alberta Urban Municipalities Association.

During her 12 terms on Council, she had the honour of representing the City at events for the Duke and Duchess of York, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher and the Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

For her longstanding work and achievements, she has been honoured with several awards and recognitions including the Canada 150 Anniversary Medal of Honour, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, a Woman of Influence Award in 2018, and was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Alberta by Venture Magazine in 2012 and 2014.

More than that, Helen was known for her strong spirit, wit, and sense of humour. Her personality shone with equal parts grit and grace, and it was her commitment to building personal connections, fostering relationships, and mentoring new leaders that allowed her to have the great impact that she did.

Helen was a dedicated and determined community advocate, and her legacy lives on in many ways across the community. From Muskoseepi Park to the Street Performers Festival to our local recycling programs and countless other initiatives and services in between, Grande Prairie has grown into the regional hub it is today because of her hard work and belief in the vision of the city.

We are thankful for the unique and outstanding leadership Helen Rice brought to Grande Prairie and Alberta. We cherish the indominable spirit she has left behind and look forward to continuing to honour it through the many lives she has touched and stories she has passed down. 

Flags will be lowered at City facilities in her honour the day of the memorial service once details are confirmed.

Information provided by Mayor Jackie Clayton/City of Grande Prairie