The committee exploring a proposal to amalgamate Clearwater County and the Village of Caroline will be hosting three upcoming information sessions.

According to the committee’s participation plan, the process formally began 2020, and in late 2023, the committee decided to immediately move forward with negotiations. Officials say the plan requires the committee to engage with the public to establish clear and transparent communication with all stakeholders, with a focus on:

• The amalgamation process (what is happening, why, when and how);
• Topics stakeholders will have input on; and,
• How that input will/did influence associated decisions.

Michelle Swanson, reeve of Clearwater County says the process remains in the negotiation stage.

“The amalgamation process is initiated by two municipalities. In this case the County of Clearwater and the Village of Caroline to negotiate or to discuss opportunities of combining our two municipalities. It is a process that is watched and guided by municipal affairs.”

Swanson also notes, should the amalgamation be approved, residents of both municipalities should notice little change.

“I believe our goal is to maintain service levels with both the County and the Village. The impact for our residents, I think the goal is to be no different. (The County) will find some efficiencies.”

Interested parties are invited to attend an upcoming information session.

• Wednesday April 17, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Caroline Community Hub
• Thursday April 18, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Leslieville Community Hall
• Friday April 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom. Click here to register.