Title
Resolution to Opt-Out of an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework with Sturgeon County
Proposed Motion
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 Sturgeon County, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To formally acknowledge that Parkland County and Sturgeon County have mutually determined and agreed not to create an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) between them.
Summary
Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipalities are required to establish 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. Following a review of all existing agreements between Parkland County and Sturgeon County, both municipalities have mutually determined that an ICF is not required at this time. The shared boundary between Sturgeon County and Parkland County is limited, and 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 14 ICFs (including Sturgeon County) to develop, opt-out, or renew.
• On March 31, 2025, the Government of Alberta repealed the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) Regulation (Alberta Regulation 189/2027), effectively dissolving the growth management board.
• Parkland County is now required to consider an ICF with former EMRB members.
• 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.
• Sturgeon County Administration has notified Parkland County Administration that their Council passed a resolution to this effect on August 25, 2026.
• This exemption does not extend to ICFs with non-rural municipalities, and those remain required under the MGA.
• Upon adoption of this resolution, notification will be sent to the Minister, and the information will be posted to Parkland County’s website.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
• 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. Alberta Regulation 189/2017, repealed March 31, 2025
Financial Impact:
Cost: n/a
Source of Funding: n/a