Title
Bylaw 2026-34 - Rescinding Bylaw 2018-15 - Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Between Parkland County and Lac Ste. Anne County and Resolution to Opt Out of Intermunicipal Framework with Lac Ste. Anne County
Proposed Motions
1. That Bylaw 2026-34 receive first reading.
2. That Bylaw 2026-34 receive second reading.
3. That Bylaw 2026-34 be presented at this meeting for third reading.
4. That Bylaw 2026-34 receive third and final reading.
5. That Parkland County, pursuant to section 708.28 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), agrees to opt-out of forming an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) with Lac Ste. Anne County.
Body
Recommendation by Administration
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
To repeal Bylaw 2018-15 dissolving the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) between Parkland County and Lac Ste. Anne County, and to formally acknowledge that both municipalities have agreed not to establish a future ICF between them.
Summary
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipalities are required to establish Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) with neighboring municipalities to coordinate the delivery and funding of shared services and infrastructure. However, amendments made to the MGA in 2025 allow rural municipalities to opt out of these requirements where intermunicipal services are being effectively addressed through other means. This exemption does not extend to ICFs with non-rural municipalities, and those remain required under the MGA.
Following a review of all existing agreements between Parkland County and Lac Ste. Anne County, both municipalities have mutually determined that an ICF is not required at this time. There are few services provided jointly between the municipalities. Resident needs are adequately met through existing service delivery arrangements and no additional shared service agreements are required at this time.
Background:
- Parkland County has 13 ICFs (including Lac Ste. Anne County) to develop, opt-out, or renew.
- Opting out of an ICF does not affect existing service or mutual aid agreements, nor does it limit ongoing communication or future collaboration between municipalities.
- Should either municipality wish to establish an ICF in the future, both parties would be required to engage in discussions and form an ICF within a year.
- If both parties agree to an opt-out, each must pass a resolution to that effect, notify the Minister of Municipal Affairs, and publicly post the rationale for opting out.
- Parkland County has an existing ICF (Bylaw 2018-15) with Lac Ste. Anne County which needs to be repealed prior to opting out of an ICF.
- Lac Ste. Anne County has advised Parkland County Administration that their Council passed a resolution rescinding Bylaw 15-2018 Parkland County & Lac Ste. Anne Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework.
- Upon adoption of this resolution, notification will be sent to the Minister, and posted to Parkland County’s website.
Legal Considerations:
− Municipal Government Act s. 708.28(1) states that municipalities with common boundaries must create a framework with each other unless they are members of the same growth management board.
− Municipal Government Act s. 708.28(1.1) permits municipal districts with common boundaries to determine and agree they do not require a framework.
− Municipal Government Act s. 708.28(1.2) states that a municipal district may revoke its agreement at any time by giving written notice to the other municipal district or municipal districts, and where that notice is given, the municipal districts must create a framework within one year from the date of the notice.
− Municipal Government Act s. 708.28(1.3) states that municipal districts must review all existing agreements between them prior to determining and agreeing that a framework is not required.
− Municipal Government Act s. 708.28(1.4) states that municipal districts that do not enter into a framework must:
a) adopt a resolution that intermunicipal services have been and will continue to be adequately provided by other means,
b) notify the Minister of its decision not to enter into a framework by sending a copy of the resolution to the Minister, and
c) publish, on the municipal district’s website, the reasons for not having a framework.
Strategic Plan:
Strategic Driver A. Responsive Services - We continuously improve service delivery to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Goal 1: Continue to improve customer experience by reviewing and modernizing municipal service levels (e.g. road maintenance) to ensure responsive and reliable support for residents and businesses.
Desired Outcome: Residents and businesses experience reliable and responsive municipal services, supported by clearly defined service levels that improve satisfaction and trust.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $0
Source of Funding: Not applicable