The wheels on the potential merger of Black Diamond and Turner Valley are still turning after councils voted to support the application for amalgamation Feb. 16.
Black Diamond councillors voted 4-3 to support the application for amalgamation, with councillors Daryl Lalonde, Ted Bain and Chad Vandenhoek opposed.
Councillors in Turner Valley responded to the news next door with cheers and claps.
Turner Valley council voted unanimously.
"I'm so excited right now," said Turner Valley Mayor Barry Crane after hearing Black Diamond's results. "Fantastic to hear. We're ready to move forward as one. Just fantastic."
The vote came at the request of Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver in response to the towns' application submitted last year.
The letter, which was returned to councils last month, indicated no need for changes to be made to the application package but rather a reaffirmation of support from the newly elected councils.
The request came as a surprise to newly elected members of council as most believed the minister's reply would be a firm yes or no answer to the application.
Black Diamond Coun. Lalonde said the application as is lacks critical information and public consultation.
"I do not disagree that the long-term benefits of amalgamation are possible, however the short-term will create a heavy financial burden that will either be sourced by taxes or cutting services," he said.
Coun. Bain said he's not against the principle of amalgamation but he's opposed to this application for two reasons. A plebiscite wasn't held and the current economic climate doesn't support the up-front costs of a merger.
Coun. Vandenhoek reminded councillor colleagues to remember those who elected them and ensure their votes represented the wishes of Black Diamond constituents.
Black Diamond Mayor Brendan Kelly reminded council and residents tuned into Wednesday's meeting the vote is to show the minister council is in support of the application submitted for amalgamation, not the amalgamation itself.
"The report is just one piece in the entire process," he said, noting recommendations can still be made by either council and the minister.
