Stony Plain Wins National Municipal Inspiring Workplace Award

STONY PLAIN, AB: The Town of Stony Plain has been nationally recognized by the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for its Creating an Inspiring Workplace Through Leadership Excellence Program. Stony Plain was presented with the 2025 CAMA Municipal Inspiring Workplace Award, in the Under 20,000 Population Category, during an awards ceremony at CAMA’s national conference in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, on Wednesday, May 28.

“CAMA is pleased to recognize Stony Plain for the municipal excellence demonstrated by their leadership excellence program,” says Tony Kulbisky, CAMA President, CAMA Representative for Alberta, and CAO for Westlock County. “The innovative in-house development program provides a structured process designed to help employees lead themselves, others, and the organization.”

Creating an inspiring and supportive workplace is a key priority for the Town of Stony Plain. The Town’s Senior Leadership Team has developed an in-house leadership program. It supports progressive human resources practices and policies, that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, encourages work-life balance and fosters a culture of training and professional development.

The Leadership Development (LEAD) Program provides participants the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of themselves as a leader and a learner. Developed in 2019, the program offers three streams of learning based on The Leadership Competency Model. This includes:

1. Leading Self - Foundational Leadership (Aspiring Leader)
2. Leading Others - Enhanced Leadership (Manager Level)
3. Leading the Organization - Strategic Leadership (Senior Leadership Level)

Leadership concepts are not reserved solely for the senior leadership team or management roles. The program emphasizes that leadership begins from within and cultivates a leadership mindset among staff at all levels. Through LEAD, employees are empowered to take initiative, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally.

“The LEAD program promotes good governance by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and ethical framework necessary to make informed, transparent, and accountable decisions,” says Stony Plain CAO Tom Goulden. “Good governance is rooted in principles like fairness, inclusivity, integrity, and responsiveness, all of which are cultivated throughout the LEAD program.”

“This national recognition speaks to Tom’s commitment to building a strong, people-focused organization,” says Stony Plain Mayor William Choy. “Through his leadership, the LEAD program has empowered staff across all levels to grow, lead, and contribute to a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, learning, and service.”

The Municipal Inspiring Workplace Award recognizes a CAMA member who is a forward thinking and people first employer. The municipality will have demonstrated leadership in creating an inspiring and positive work environment for its employees that enhances employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. Recipients will embrace progressive human resources practices that help build a resilient organization and demonstrate strong leadership practices that guide the municipality.

To view a video outlining the Town of Stony Plain's project, visit www.camacam.ca/awards.