The next Riverview Town Council could see increased salaries.
A compensation review for elected officials was done in 2025 by a committee appointed by Riverview Mayor Andrew Leblanc.
It was made up of community members with diverse expertise and commitment to public service.
JMC Consulting led a study that compared 21 municipalities across Canada.
There were significant variations across municipalities, with mayoral salaries ranging from $21,000 to $78,000 depending on population, tax base, and responsibilities.
The findings also revealed that Riverview’s compensation levels lag behind the market median by 24 per cent for the Mayor, nine per cent for the Deputy Mayor, and 19 per cent for Councillors.
The committee recommended adjusting salaries, effective in 2026, by increasing the Mayor’s salary from $45,642 to $56,632, representing a 24 percent increase. The Deputy Mayor’s salary would jump six per cent from $23,999 to $25,500, and Councillors would see their annual pay cheque rise from $19,348 to $23,000, which is a nineteen per cent spike.
Council Compensation Committee Chairperson Beverly Somers says that with a municipal election planned for 2026, recommended hikes would impact those who win a seat.
They would not apply to the current council.
Additional recommendations included a two per cent annual increase for four years, in addition to CPI indexing, the introduction of health and dental benefits for council members to start in 2027, community/wellness allowances and another compensation review in the summer of 2029.
“It is essential that Council compensation reflects market realities as well as the Town’s long-term vision. A competitive and fair compensation package is a vital tool to attract and retain leaders who share Riverview’s values and vision for the future. As demands on elected officials continue to grow, requiring time, accountability, and active community engagement, remuneration must support this level of commitment,” Somers added.
Riverview Town Council voted in favour of the increases in principle. The recommendation will still need to be voted on again at a future Town Council meeting. A by-law revision will also need to be made.
