COVID-19 response: Municipal council meetings
To support municipalities during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they focus on addressing the pressing needs of their residents, the province is extending timelines for completion of Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) and Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs). Municipalities who need more time to negotiate or approve ICFs or IDPs have until April 21, 2021 to complete them, instead of April 1, 2020.
For more information, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.
Overview
Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) must align with the requirements outlined in Part 17.2 of the Municipal Government Act.
Frameworks are intended to:
- provide for integrated and strategic planning, delivery and funding of intermunicipal services
- allocate scarce resources efficiently in the providing local services
- ensure municipalities contribute funding to services that benefit their residents
ICF requirements
Municipalities that share a common boundary must create an ICF with each other, unless they are members of the same growth management board.
Municipalities that are members of the same growth management board may create a framework with other members on matters not addressed in the growth plan or servicing plan.
Municipalities that do not have a common boundary may be parties to a framework.
Municipalities that are parties to a framework may invite an Indian band or Metis settlement to participate in the delivery and funding of services to be provided under the framework.
Each framework must:
- describe the services that benefit residents in more than one of the municipalities
- identify which municipality is responsible for providing these services
- outline how the services will be delivered and funded
- include a process for resolving disputes that occur while the framework is in effect
During ICF discussions, municipalities are encouraged to use mediation services to address any disputes.
Deadlines to complete ICFs have been extended to April 21, 2021 instead of April 1, 2020.
An extension to April 1, 2021 is available for ICFs between:
- municipal and improvement districts
- growth management board members
- a municipal growth management board member and a municipality within its boundary where both parties agree by resolution
Municipalities will be required to review their ICFs every 5 years after the creation of the framework, or within a shorter period of time if provided for in the framework.
Municipalities are required to notify the Minister when they have completed an ICF. Notification should be made by email to: icf@gov.ab.ca.
Arbitration process
Municipalities that are unable to create the framework by the required date must refer matters of disagreement to an arbitrator.
The arbitrator must be chosen by the municipalities by April 1, 2021. The arbitrator must make an award that resolves the issues in dispute by April 1, 2022.
Resource
ICF Workbook: Resource Guide for Municipalities (PDF, 12.5 MB)
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association were funded by Alberta Municipal Affairs to develop the initial guide and the subsequent update on ICF.
This workbook was developed to help municipalities develop ICF with other municipalities. It provides tools and information-based resources to better inform municipal processes, decision-making and implementation related to the development of ICF.
Contact us
Connect with the Intermunicipal Relations team at Municipal Affairs:
Phone: 780-427-2225
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: mdrs@gov.ab.ca