Maple Ridge hires new general manager of parks, rec and culture

The City of Maple Ridge has hired a new general manager of parks recreation and culture.

The city has yet to make an announcement, with his arrival still weeks away, but media in Morinville are reporting that the Alberta town’s CAO Stephane Labonne is leaving for the new post in Maple Ridge.

Labonne will leave his current position on Feb. 25, after having been on the job for almost four years.

The town’s mayor made an announcement last week:

“The energy, enthusiasm, commitment and passion Mr. Labonne shared with not only our community, but the entire Edmonton Metro Region will certainly be missed,” said Simon Boersma. “Stephane’s impact on the organization has been profound, and he will be leaving Morinville in a measurably better position and for that we are truly thankful. His strong leadership has helped us navigate these unprecedented times…”

Labonne oversaw the construction and opening of a new $30 million Leisure Centre in the town of about 10,000 people, which is located about 35 km north of Edmonton.

Labonne began his career in municipal administration in 1996, and has past recreation experience. He worked for the City of Edmonton for a decade, with his last position being director of great neighbourhoods. He also worked for about seven years, from 1998 until 2005, with the City of Prince George, including a recreation coordinator position.

He takes over from Scott Hartman, who was promoted to the position of CAO in Maple Ridge in October. He served as general manager of parks, recreation and culture for eight months before being promoted to the top job.

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