Clearwater County is known for its small-community feel and friendly character which have been preserved while it has grown to be Alberta's 38th largest community.
While Clearwater County maintains a high quality of life that residents have come to enjoy for many decades, County Council and staff work to ensure growth is managed effectively. Developing lands, new roadways and a wealth of long-term planning initiatives are all signs of efforts that continue building a dynamic and diverse community.
Council is committed to building our community to meet the needs of residents and businesses. Learn more about Council's vision and strategic priorities as you navigate through the sub-pages of this site.
The Difference Between Governance and Operation
When it comes to how our County runs, it helps to think of municipal government as a team with two key roles: governance and operations. Both are essential, but they do very different things.
| County Council (governance) | Administration (operations) |
|---|---|
| County Council is made up of an elected Reeve and Councillors that residents elect. Their main job is governance - this means setting the vision, prioirities, and poliices for the community. Think of them Think of them as the board of directors of a company:
| The Administration is made up of the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) and staff. Their jon is operations - this means carrying out the decisions made by Council and managing the day-to-day running of the County. Think of them as the managers and staff of the company:
So, if Council sets the direction to improve a service, the Administration will design the upgrades, hire the contractors, and make sure the project gets done on time and on budget. |
Why This Matters?
- Council can focus on leading and making good decisions for the future.
- Administration can focus on delivering services efficiently and effectively.
- The community benefits from a well-run, accountable, and responsive local government.
