Stettler County council has been briefed on the next steps in the provincial viability review that could see the village of Donalda become a hamlet within the County of Stettler.
During its Jan. 14 meeting, council heard that Alberta Municipal Affairs is targeting June 21, 2026, for a resident vote on whether Donalda should remain a village.
The vote follows a viability review ordered by the Minister of Municipal Affairs last summer, following repeated losses of quorum on Donalda’s village council.
As part of the process, the county was required to appoint representatives to the viability review support group, a committee that provides input into the process during the review.
After a brief discussion, the council appointed James Nibourg, with Justin Stevens as an alternate representative.
The support group will analyze information gathered from the Village of Donalda, the County of Stettler & residents.
The group will also review draft reports before they are released publicly, & act as a liaison between Municipal Affairs & the participating municipalities.
Surveys have been mailed this month to Donalda’s 226 residents as part of the consultation process.
An in-person information session is also set for Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Donalda School.
If the June vote proceeds as planned, Donalda residents will be asked whether the village continues as an independent municipality or transitions to a hamlet status under the County of Stettler.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
