News Releases

FEBRUARY 14, 2023: Amalgamation Study Information Sessions Start Feb 27

(Rocky Mountain House, AB) – Clearwater County and the Village of Caroline have started the process to explore the possibility of amalgamating the two municipalities with the first round of public engagement presentation information sessions starting February 27, 2023.

Process

It is important to note that no final decision has been made yet about amalgamation by either the Village Council or Clearwater County Council. Legislatively, there are two decision points that are required. The first decision point is simply to initiate the exploration of amalgamation and to provide notice to local authorities and to the Minister in charge that initiation has begun. This first decision has already been triggered by both Councils, when on February 14 at their regular Council meetings, the following resolution was passed;

“That Council consider a motion to direct Administration to jointly initiate exploring amalgamation with the Village of Caroline and Clearwater County.”

The second legislative trigger point is for Councils to either oppose or support amalgamation. This will happen after community engagement has taken place, after negotiations between municipalities has occurred, and after the amalgamation study with recommendations has been presented. The Minister in charge will then have the final approval and/or decide the best course of action to take.

Engagement

We are now at the engagement stage and are inviting residents to participate at in-person sessions scheduled for February 27, March 1, 6, 13 and virtually on March 23.

The topic of amalgamating the Village of Caroline and Clearwater County is not new to the municipalities or its citizens. Keeping two separate governance structures and systems for two municipalities with a combined population of approximately 12,500 is not efficient. The Village of Caroline and Clearwater County have numerous active partnerships together and many view the Village of Caroline and Clearwater County as relying on each other for various services making this a logical initiative.

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document about the amalgamation study is available here.

Public engagement and input is crucial to this study. Residents, local business owners, and community groups can attend the below listed presentation dates or complete a short survey that will be made available in near future.

Registration for the virtual session on March 23 is being taken through Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/541772304547

Project Background:

In January 2020, Village of Caroline Council indicated a desire to enter negotiations for

Amalgamating with Clearwater County.

Subsequently, Clearwater County, in partnership with the Village of Caroline, applied for an Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) – Municipal Restructuring Study Stream Grant.

As of June 28, 2022, both Village and County Councils authorized the Clearwater – Village Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee to undertake and oversee the amalgamation study project.

Click here to read the full release.

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