By Adam Ophus

Amalgamation Study

County opposes regionalization with Rocky despite study grant approval

Aug 26, 2020 | 9:38 AM

Council for Clearwater County has said ‘no’ to a regional governance structure with the Town of Rocky Mountain House and Village of Caroline.

On Aug. 25, Clearwater County Council reviewed a proposal from the Town of Rocky Mountain House for a Regional Governance Structuring Study Grant between the County, Town, and Village of Caroline.

The $200,000 grant provides funding to municipalities involved with regional governance and municipal restructuring processes such as amalgamation, dissolution or viability reviews.

It was on May 26 that the Town of Rocky sent a letter asking the Minister of Municipal Affairs to help move things forward with the grant.

County councillor Cammie Laird made the motion earlier in the year that she did want to put in for the restructuring grant, but only between themselves and Caroline, as the county had put in a letter requesting their own grant.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

A notification was received from the Minister in response to the two grant proposals dated July 28 stating, “I have carefully considered both of the regional governance study project proposals, and have made the decision to approve funding for the Town of Rocky Mountain House. As a result. I will not be approving funding for Clearwater County’s application.”

Councillor Laird expressed concerns that the proposal sent in from the Town of Rocky that was approved from the Minister of Municipal Affairs, did not have a motion of support from the County.

Rocky’s study proposal sets out a list of areas that they wish the consultant to review as a minimum to be covered in the study.

Just a few of these areas are citizen representation, costs per benefiting citizen, tax rates, and services provided by each municipality along with level of service and cost.

Councillor John Vandermeer put forward a motion that a letter be sent to the Minister regarding their opposed position to the approved grant, which was passed by unanimously by council.