Regional issues FAQ

How will the new Board make decisions?
The new Board will be able to approve any motion that has the support of 17 of 25 municipalities, representing at least 75 per cent of the region's population. With 71 per cent of the region's population, Edmonton has a veto and can control all decisions of the Board.

This means the Board could potentially impose a regional project (e.g. power line, landfill, rail yard) in any municipality, with the exception of Edmonton, without regard for local wishes or circumstances.

Strathcona County believes every municipality, large or small, rural or urban, should have the ability to veto regional projects proposed within its boundaries.

How does the regional Board affect Strathcona County's Municipal Development Plan?
The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a legal document that sets out guidelines for growth and development in the municipality for the next 20 years and beyond.

Currently we do not know whether or how the Board will affect Strathcona's MDP. Under the new Board, decisions about land use within municipalities will continue to be made by the individual municipality. However, land use planning that affects the region will need to be reviewed and approved by the Board.

Many important decisions hinge on the MDP, examples being how the community grows, where it grows, and how the environment is protected. Any delay in its implementation presents difficulty both to individual landowners and the County.

Strathcona's MDP was approved in May 2007 by County Council, and portions of the MDP are being appealed by the City of Edmonton, with the next hearing scheduled for March 17, 2008.

What does the regional Board mean for industry?
Among other options, the Province has identified municipal tax revenue from Alberta's Industrial Heartland as a significant source of funding for regional projects. However, detail on the funding formula has yet to be released.

The billions in investment announced for the Capital Region by industry were based on stability in governance, planning, infrastructure and utility investments, and predictable processes for addressing taxation. The present lack of detail about what possible changes may result from the Province's plan for the Capital Region, has created some measure of uncertainty.

Is Strathcona County the only municipality with questions about the Board?
No. A number of other municipalities have many of the same questions and concerns that we do. They include Sturgeon County, Leduc County, Parkland County, Lamont County and the Town of Bruderheim.

Who will chair this new Board?
Initially, the Province will appoint an interim chair for the Board; thereafter, the Board will select a chair from among the municipal representatives. Strathcona County believes the chair must be knowledgeable, independent and competent regarding municipal affairs.