Sec 17.2 of the Municipal Government Act outlines requirements for municipalities that share a common boundary to have an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) that:
- provide for integrated and strategic planning, delivery and funding of intermunicipal services*
- allocate scarce resources efficiently in providing local services*
- ensure municipalities contribute funding to services that benefit their residents*
* https://www.alberta.ca/intermunicipal-collaboration-framework.aspx
Woodlands County has completed ICF agreements with the following municipal partners:
Big Lakes County
County of Barrhead
Lac Ste. Anne County
Municipal District of Greenview
Municipal District of Less Slave River
Westlock County
Yellowhead County
Town of Whitecourt ICF Agreement
Woodlands County and the Town of Whitecourt began reviewing components of the ICF agreements in 2018. The complex negotiations have yet to be finalized and in November 2020, the County and Town agreed to enter into voluntary arbitration to complete the process.
Municipal Affairs has outlined that arbitration is to be concluded by April 1, 2022.
Joint Press Release - Town of Whitecourt & Woodlands County Proceed to arbitration to finalize Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (November 12 2020)
ICF Arbitration
Below are the witness and reply statements Woodlands County and the Town of Whitecourt have submitted for arbitration.
A livestream of the arbitration hearing will be available on the County's Youtube page. Cross-examination of witnesses are scheduled for August 16 to 20, August 23, August 27, September 2, September 7, and September 16, 2021.
Final arguments for arbitration is scheduled for September 27 to September 29, 2021.
Media Release - Arbitrator Makes Decision on Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework between Woodlands County and Town of Whitecourt
On February 4, 2022, Woodlands County received the decision from the arbitrator regarding the ICF between the County and the Town of Whitecourt. The 172-page document is currently being reviewed by County administration and Council.