Why It’s Time to Talk About Regional Amalgamation

Last night, I was incredibly encouraged watching the County of St. Paul’s all-candidates forum. For the first time, the topic of regional amalgamation was openly discussed—and not just dismissed outright. Some incumbents and new candidates alike expressed a willingness to explore the idea.

Over the past eight years, I’ve raised the possibility of applying for a provincial grant to conduct a formal study on the costs, benefits, and impacts of amalgamating our Town of St. Paul, the County of St. Paul, Elk Point, and the Summer Village into a single regional municipality. Each time I’ve brought it forward, the suggestion has been met with rejection by most. But last night, I felt the conversation finally begin to shift.

So why is a regional amalgamation study worth considering?

• One region, one community: We already live, work, and play together. Our governance should reflect that.

• Fewer elected officials: Right now, 19 elected officials represent about 14,000 people. A regional municipality would require fewer, creating efficiency and consistency.

• Reduced duplication: Today we pay for three CAOs, multiple public works shops, multiple graders, and overlapping services. A regional structure could streamline operations and reduce costs.

• Proven models: Other Alberta communities have already done this. Wabasca formed the Regional Municipality of Opportunity. Lac La Biche saw the town dissolve into the county. Even Sherwood Park exists as a hamlet under Strathcona County, and Fort McMurray is governed within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Of course, amalgamation isn’t all benefits—there are costs and potential drawbacks too. That’s exactly why we need a comprehensive, unbiased study to lay out the pros and cons. The findings should then be shared openly with every resident of our region.

With that information in hand, I believe that at the next municipal election, residents should be asked directly in a referendum whether they support moving forward with amalgamation. If the answer is yes, the newly elected councils could then work together over the following four years to carry out the decision. If the answer is no, the matter would be put to rest—at least with the clarity of an informed, democratic choice.

We are one region. We are the St. Paul–Elk Point region. We already share our communities, our workplaces, and our lives. The question is: why shouldn’t we also share one regional government?