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Part of Viability reviews for municipalities

Village of Empress Viability Review survey

Municipal Affairs is seeking your perspectives on the future of the Village of Empress.

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Viability reviews for municipalities
  • Village of Empress Viability Review survey

Introduction

The Minister of Municipal Affairs initiated a viability review for the Village of Empress in February 2026. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs is developing a Viability Review Report that will examine the village’s community, governance, administration, finances, infrastructure, and services, and outline options for how the community of Empress can best move forward.

The report will include information collected from the Village of Empress, Special Areas, provincial records, and the community. When completed, the ministry will distribute the report to village residents and property owners. The report will also be available on the Government of Alberta website.

Following distribution, the ministry will host a public information session to review the report before village electors vote on whether Empress should remain a village and make changes to achieve viability, or if it should dissolve and become a hamlet in Special Areas.

This survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and closes May 15, 2026. Only complete the survey once.

Survey

Background

Municipalities in Alberta are established by the province and must operate within legislated requirements. Their primary purposes include:

  • Providing effective governance
  • Supporting environmental sustainability and economic development
  • Delivering necessary and desirable programs, services and facilities
  • Maintaining safe, viable communities
  • Collaborating with neighbouring municipalities

As part of a viability review, the province assesses six key areas. The Empress Viability Review Report will provide information under the following headings:

  • Community
  • Governance
  • Administration
  • Services
  • Infrastructure
  • Finances

Please take time to consider the survey questions and record your responses on the following pages. Do not include any personal information about yourself or others.

Demographics

Where do you live?
Do you own property in the Village of Empress?
Do you operate a business in the Village of Empress?

Your Community

This section highlights the community programs and recreational opportunities that help make Empress a vibrant and dynamic village. Community identity encompasses local purpose and character, active community groups and volunteerism, recreational programs and facilities, library services, and cemeteries.

Local Governance

This section covers municipal elections, council representation, public engagement, bylaws, long-range planning, and regional collaboration.

If you had the opportunity, would you be interested in running for municipal council?
Over the last 12 months, have you felt heard and informed by the Village of Empress council?

Village Administration

This section addresses the municipality’s operational capacity and ability to implement council decisions. It includes staffing, municipal office hours, and community communication such as newsletters and social media.

Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement:
The village has the administrative capacity to manage day-to-day operations and existing municipal programs.
Over the last 12 months, do you feel you have had reasonable access to the village office and municipal staff when needed?
Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement:
The village is meeting my expectations in communicating with residents and providing opportunities to engage on important municipal decisions.

Municipal Services

This section reviews the municipality’s capacity to provide municipal services that meet public expectations and relevant regulated standards. This includes water, wastewater, solid waste utilities, snow clearing and road maintenance, and how services are provided and funded.

Which of the following are the three most important municipal services for the village to provide?
Does the village meet your expectations in providing services to the community?

Physical Infrastructure

This section provides an overview of the condition of all village-owned infrastructure and prioritizes long-range capital and operational plans for upgrades and maintenance. Key areas include roads, water and wastewater systems, and municipal facilities.

The village has been approved for provincial funding for an infrastructure audit to determine the condition of existing infrastructure in Empress.

Does the village's current infrastructure meet the needs of the community?

Finances

Now that you have thought about concepts of community, governance, administration, services, and infrastructure, this section examines the municipality’s ability to financially manage, and fund municipal operations, programs, services and infrastructure both now and in the future.

Please indicate your level of agreement with the following statement:
My property taxes and utility fees are appropriate for the levels and types of services the village provides.

Conclusion

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