2021 Regional Governance Study

The Village of Caroline, Clearwater County, and the Town of Rocky Mountain House participated in a Regional Governance Study (the Study) to explore the most effective and efficient governance structure to support the region’s growth and long-term prosperity for all citizens. The Study was funded by a grant provided by the Province of Alberta. Nichols Applied Management and ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. were hired to undertake the Study on behalf of the three participating municipalities.

The Study was finalized in the fall of 2021, and presented to all three municipalities. 

Click here to view the final report.

From the Regional Governance Study website: Public engagement summary updates are listed below. Residents, landowners, and stakeholders of all three municipalities will have opportunities to review background information and what we have learned so far, as well as share their initial comments and ideas. More information on how to get involved will be shared as the details are confirmed. 

Update # 5 – September 28, 2021

The Recommendations Report has now been finalized and provided to the three municipalities. 

Update #4 – July 19, 2021 

Public engagement kicked off July 28 with several in-person Community Information Sessions and an online survey available for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the study recommendations and provide their comments on the Recommendations Report.

Two Community Information Sessions were held on July 28 and two more will be held on August 23, details as follows: 

Community Information Session #1: Caroline 

  • July 28, 2021
  • 12:00 – 2:00 PM
  • Caroline Community Hub, Caroline, AB

Community Information Session #2: Rocky Mountain House 

  • July 28, 2021
  • 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Lou Soppit Community Centre, Rocky Mountain House, AB 

Community Information Session #3: Nordegg 

  • August 23, 2021
  • 12:00 – 2:00 PM
  • Nordegg Community Hall, Nordegg, AB 

Community Information Session #4: Leslieville 

  • August 23, 2021
  • 6:00 – 8:00 PM
  • Leslieville Community Centre, Leslieville, AB 

Update #3 – April 16, 2021

The first round of public engagement wrapped up mid-March. Thank you to everyone who attended the live session, submitted feedback through the survey, emailed comments and questions, and reviewed project information. The Study team will use the feedback you provided and questions you asked to inform the analyses of the different governance options, including the status quo of maintaining the current government structure of three municipalities.

An engagement summary has been prepared which provides an overview of key themes that emerged through the feedback provided and the verbatim feedback submitted. 

The team reviewed and analyzed information to inform the preparation of the Recommendations Report, along with the feedback provided. The Recommendations Report will be presented to the Study Steering Committee and will then be shared through a second engagement phase, anticipated to occur in late May. 

Update #2 – February 18, 2021

Public engagement kicked off the week of February 15 with a virtual open house tool and online survey available for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the study process and share their perspectives on current issues, concerns, and information they would like to learn. 

A live session was held on February 17 which included a brief presentation and Q and A session.

Update #1 – February 8, 2021

The consultant, guided by the Steering Committee, gathered information related to how each municipality is governed, what services are provided, what agreements are currently in place, costs of services and governance, and looking at examples from other Alberta municipalities who have also explored or implemented different governance structures.

It is important to note that the ongoing Regional Governance Study is NOT a formal amalgamation process. Any references in the information provided below such as including information on the amalgamation provisions of the Municipal Government Act is done for information purposes only as it is one of the restructuring options that is being explored.