Clearwater County council has approved entering into negotiations with the Village of Caroline for amalgamation, effective immediately.

Both Clearwater and Village of Caroline councils accepted the May 2023 Clearwater County-Village of Caroline Amalgamation Study Report at their respective May 23, 2023, regular council meetings.

The report concluded that should it be determined that the Village becomes financially unsustainable, either now or in the near future, both amalgamation and eventual dissolution are potential outcomes.

County and Village administrators met June 8, to follow up on next steps and process. Both County and Village council agreed to recommend both councils move forward quickly and to also make inquiries with Municipal Affairs to determine whether there are options for an expedited amalgamation, such as a negotiated dissolution. Requests to meet with the Minister of Municipal Affairs to discuss possibilities were made and administrations are waiting for a response.

Officials say the items list is extensive and also includes discussion items for an operational plan, which should be discussed in tandem with mandatory items, and public consultation requirements.

Administration is proposing three options for council’s consideration to conduct negotiations, as follows:

1. Task the Clearwater-Village Intermunicipal Collaboration Committee.
2. Set up a new committee with the Village of Caroline Council, consisting of two to three representatives from each council: or,
3. Conduct negotiations with the Village of Caroline Council, as a Whole.

County officials say, at the time of writing this report, administration was unable to confirm which options are to be presented to Village of Caroline council at their meeting next Tuesday. However, it is expected that a verbal update regarding the Village’s decision will be available by the time County Council considers this agenda item.

CAO for Clearwater County, Rick Emmons says “We have had administrative meetings. Clearwater County is in the process of drafting up an agreement that could be brought forward to whatever structure council decides.”

One of the questions brought up by council was how much this is going to cost the County. Emmons said he is unaware of the cost and did not put an estimate on it, noting in his 39 years, he has never been a part of the amalgamation process.

Councillor Neil Ratcliffe said, “We’re almost two years in. This looked like a slam dunk from the beginning and progress has been minimal,” adds Ratcliffe. Looking at the options, he likes option number two, that council sets up a new committee with a few representatives and enter intensive negotiations, that way the County can move toward some discussion, whether its amalgamation or dissolution.

Councillor Michelle Swanson said, “This has been an ongoing issue for over two years, and for this village for a number of years.“

A motion by Councillor Swanson was put forward that council enter negotiations with the Village of Caroline council for amalgamation effective immediately, and that council conducts negotiations with the Village of Caroline council as a whole for amalgamation.

The motion was carried by Clearwater Council. However, the motion was not unanimously carried as Councillor Gennifer Mehlhaff and Councilor Neil Ratcliffe voted against.