Funding approved for amalgamation study

Two communities separated by a mere three kilometres are moving forward to the possibility of joining their populations into one.

Black Diamond and Turner Valley were approved to receive a $150,000 Alberta Community Partnership grant, allowing them to hire a consultant for a feasibility study exploring the potential of the two towns merging.

“It looks at all of the components associated with what you need to do if you are looking to amalgamate,” said Barry Williamson, Turner Valley chief administrative officer.

“There is not just opportunities, there are also concerns around applying for grants, policing - looking at a number of things that we need to review.”

Turner Valley Mayor Kelly Tuck said she is excited about the process in the coming months.

“That’s huge news for all of us,” she said. “It allows us the ability to be able to look at what amalgamation means for the communities, how do we come together, what does that look like when you are bringing two civil servants together. It’s understanding what moving forward means to both communities.”

While Tuck believes residents won’t see a huge tax savings at the beginning of a potential amalgamation, she expects a long-term savings.

The last time the two Towns considered amalgamating was a decade ago.

The idea was defeated in a plebiscite in 2007 when 493 Turner Valley residents voted in favour and 258 against amalgamation, while in Black Diamond 228 voted for and 557 against.

Among public concerns were lack of information to make an informed decision; losing each towns’ individual identifies; Turner Valley’s ongoing struggles with its 100-year oil and gas history; and a then potential $500,000 bill for police services when the proposed amalgamated communities hit a population of 5,000.

The discussion of amalgamation has resurfaced since the two Towns signed a Friendship Agreement in 2012, a partnership that’s resulted in sharing resources, services, employees and aligning bylaws.

Following the feasibility study, the public will be invited to public information sessions before the decision goes to the respective councils.

Williamson said the intent is to have the process complete before the end of councils’ current terms in October 2017.