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Morinville’s CAO resigns

Taking new job in Maple Ridge, B.C.
0501 MorinCAOResign stephane sup
SEE YA, MORINVILLE — The Town of Morinville has just announced that CAO Stephane Labonne, shown here, will step down from his position as of Feb. 25, 2022. Labonne has accepted a job offer from the City of Maple Ridge, B.C. TOWN OF MORINVILLE/Photo

Morinville council is looking for a new chief administrator now that their current one has taken a job in British Columbia.

Morinville Mayor Simon Boersma announced Jan. 5 that Stephane Labonne would be stepping down as chief administrative officer as of Feb. 25.

Labonne has been Morinville’s CAO since 2018, having previously served as the CAO of Hinton and general manager of integrated growth for Sturgeon County.

Boersma said Labonne told him on Jan. 4 that he had accepted a position with the City of Maple Ridge as the community’s general manager of parks, recreation, and culture, and as such would step down as Morinville’s CAO in February.

Maple Ridge is a city of about 82,300 located some 40 kilometres east of Vancouver.

Labonne said he has wanted to live in the greater Vancouver region ever since he visited it as a teenager during Expo 86. He has applied for many jobs there over the years, and put in a bid for the Maple Ridge position just prior to last fall’s municipal election.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic to join the City of Maple Ridge,” he said.

Next steps

Boersma said council will soon appoint an interim CAO and start its search for a permanent one, with hopes to have one hired within six months.

Boersma said council has worked very well with Labonne and hopes to continue to do so until he leaves, adding he was glad to have two months to plan for the CAO’s departure.

“He’s done a great job for us, and we wish him the best in where he is going.”

Labonne said he will fondly remember his time in Morinville, during which he oversaw the opening of the Morinville Leisure Centre, the creation of a new recreation cost-sharing agreement with Sturgeon County, and the formation of new transportation, parks, and fire services master plans, all of which will position the town for an exciting future. He hopes to finish the town’s budget and its new fire services agreement with Sturgeon County before he heads off to B.C.

Labonne advised his successor to continue to pursue strong relations with the town’s business community.

“The community is ripe for opportunity and development.”


Kevin Ma

About the Author: Kevin Ma

Kevin Ma joined the St. Albert Gazette in 2006. He writes about Sturgeon County, education, the environment, agriculture, science and aboriginal affairs. He also contributes features, photographs and video.
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