In what will likely be the last message residents of Caroline will hear from a mayor, John Rimmer has offered one final statement, as the municipality will be amalgamated into Clearwater County on Jan. 1.
The full, unedited statement is as follows:
The Village of Caroline is preparing for a significant transition. Beginning January 1, 2025, the village will become a hamlet within the County of Clearwater, forming part of the future electoral ward/division six.
Village Council is confident that the decision to amalgamate with the County will bring significant benefits to residents and the region. While the change may bring mixed emotions, the Amalgamation Report highlights that this move is expected to deliver “long-term sustainable benefits for both the village and the county, address infrastructure deficits, and streamline governance and service delivery.”
The amalgamation represents an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient municipality. The joint report highlights Caroline’s vital role as an “economic hub that doesn’t otherwise exist in the County,” ensuring that the village’s unique contributions will continue to benefit the broader region.
As the transition unfolds, residents can rest assured that most services will remain unchanged while the newly elected County Council conducts a comprehensive service level review in October 2025. An Interim Council, including representation from the current Caroline Council, will oversee governance during this period, and all Caroline employees will seamlessly transition to become employees of the new municipality.
Apart from amalgamation, Village Council has been very active in 2024. Council has:
* Prepared a budget with no tax increase.
* Taken steps to improve public safety by reducing speed limits at the east of the village and constructing two activated pedestrian crossings
* Continued to advocate for a new seniors’ lodge in Caroline, which has been under consideration by the Provincial Government.
* Adopted a Wastewater Concept Plan that will meet new effluent standards in the future and allow for growth and servicing of the industrial area. The plan has been approved by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas and is now in pre-design
* Adopted a comprehensive update of its Capital Infrastructure Plan, which clearly identifies the condition of the village’s infrastructure, including roads water and sewer. The plan provides an excellent blueprint for the County to consider critical maintenance and upgrades in the future.
In conclusion, as we move into a new era, Village Council wishes all residents a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New year.
The first organizational meeting for the new municipality will take place Jan. 7, 2025. At that meeting, councillors will swear in an interim council- with representation from current Clearwater County council members and Councillor Barb Gibson from Caroline.
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