Clearwater County and Village of Caroline councils have selected the consulting firm Strategic Steps Inc. to conduct an amalgamation study.

Officials note, grant dollars from Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) – Municipal Restructuring Study Stream program are being used to pay for this study.

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.
According to County officials this study will take approximately six to eight months to complete. Officials note during this time, the consultant will research, collect, and analyze information and data from both municipalities and prepare a final report that will include evidence-based recommendations that address the possibility of amalgamation for the County and Village.
A final decision on whether to proceed with an amalgamation will not be made until the process is complete and the data is reviewed.

Officials say public engagement and input is crucial to this study. Residents, local business owners, and community groups can expect to have many opportunities to participate in public consultations. Both councils say they will follow a communications plan to ensure that consultation efforts are effective and fulfill what is needed for a thorough study.

“We’re very excited to be working with the County and Village on this amalgamation study. The strong relationship that already exists between these two municipalities is encouraging as we help explore what’s best for them down the line. These sorts of processes are so important to ensure local and regional sustainability, so we want to make sure that public consultation is thorough, and we want to emphasize that we’re completely unbiased in undertaking this study. We’re partnering with the Village and County to drive the region forward in the best way possible — plain and simple,” says Ian McCormack, Strategic Steps Inc. President.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us and we look forward to hearing from residents and working with the Village of Caroline to determine what is best for both municipalities,” adds Clearwater County Reeve, Daryl Lougheed.

“We look forward to involving our residents in this study and exploring options with Clearwater County for moving forward in the best interest of the Village and County,” shares Village of Caroline Mayor, John Rimmer.