On July 23, 2024, Clearwater County and Village of Caroline councils both approved the Amalgamation Report at its respective meetings.
The report is a proposal to the Minister of Municipal Affairs to amalgamate the municipalities of Clearwater County and the Village of Caroline.
Officials say next steps will involve submitting the report to Minister Ric McIver for consideration by July 31, 2024.
Pending a ministerial order in council, the amalgamation will come into effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Should the amalgamation be ultimately approved, Clearwater County Reeve, Michelle Swanson says the hope is for the transition to go as smoothly as possible.
“I believe our goal is to maintain service levels with both the County and the Village,” says Swanson. “The impact for our residents, I think the goal is to be no different. The County will find some efficiencies.”
An Interim Council of eight members will represent the newly amalgamated municipality until the next general municipal election on October 20, 2025.
The Interim Council is made up of seven Clearwater County Council members and one Village of Caroline Council member.
The Village of Caroline council selected Barb Gibson as its representative.
Next steps for the amalgamation are as follows:
• July 31: Report submitted to Minister of Municipal Affairs.
• Aug. 1 – Dec. 31: Minister recommends formation Order in Council.
• Jan. 1, 2025: Effective date of amalgamation.
More information is available on the project and can be found here.
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