The dissolution of a municipality is a long and complicated process, according to Jerry Ward, a spokesperson for Municipal Affairs.
“If the minister were to receive a sufficient request — either by way of petition, signed by a number of town electors that equal 30 per cent of the population, or a request from council — the minister must undertake a dissolution study,” Ward said. “The form of that dissolution study is up to the minister to decide.”
The municipality sustainability strategy would look at the town and review its viability.
“That process is typically implemented rather than do the dissolution study request,” Ward said. “If the study was pursued, Municipal Affairs would put together a viability review team.”
According to Ward, the idea is to help municipalities achieve long-term sustainability through the study.
“The strategy basically includes a focus in developing new building tools for municipalities, and the process we figure will be more proactive in identifying challenges,” he said. “It involves more community engagement and more sustainable communities for residents.”
The process involves the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC).
“It is a rather involved process,” he explained. “The viability review team is not just department staff who are doing a study. We are bringing in all sorts of partners to help guide the municipality.”
The study would also include the nearest municipal body.
“I believe there is also membership of the potential receiving municipality, which would be Athabasca County,” he said. “Someone from the county would sit in on the viability review team as well.”
Ward explained that for those to sign a petition, they have to be over 18 and have been residents for six months when they sign the document.
