Alberta’s ministry of Municipal Affairs has formally ordered the amalgamation of the Village of Caroline into Clearwater County.
The amalgamation will come into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
The order from Minister Ric McIver is the culmination of around two decades of talks— both formal and informal.
The newly amalgamated municipality will be called Clearwater County. While some changes will take time, others will come into effect at the time of amalgamation, say officials.
On Jan. 1, residents of the village will become residents of Clearwater County.
Caroline will become a hamlet within the county, located in Division 6.
Village of Caroline Councillor Barbara Gibson will join an interim council that will remain in place until the municipal election in October 2025. Alongside Councillor Gibson, six Clearwater County councillors will make up the interim council.
The remaining Village of Caroline council’s terms will be concluded at amalgamation.
Village of Caroline staff will continue working in their municipal roles, joining the Clearwater County administrative team.
Municipal service delivery will continue without any interruptions for Caroline residents.
“I believe our goal is to maintain service levels with both the county and the village,” said Clearwater County Reeve Michelle Swanson. “The impact for our residents, I think the goal is to be no different. The county will find some efficiencies.”
A transitional period is expected to follow amalgamation. Officials say administration and the interim council will be overseeing many tasks to ensure a smooth transition.
Other orders from municipal affairs saw the Town of Bentley be approved for annexing a parcel of land from Lacombe County, and the dissolution of the Village of Halkirk in east central Alberta.
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READ MORE:
- Caroline amalgamation on track following councillor resignation
- Clearwater County, Village of Caroline council approve amalgamation report
- Caroline organization proposed 3.25 km of paved trail surrounding village
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