RMA seeking to support members with a new ICF cost-calculation resource grounded in member input
RMA is developing a new ICF Cost-Calculation Model (CCM) resource to support members in navigating legislative changes introduced through the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 50). ICF-related amendments introduced new CCM provisions to the ICF process, permitting municipalities negotiating an ICF to establish a CCM if mutually agreed to, and include requirements for municipalities to share data and assumptions used in CCM development. As stated in RMA’s Bill 50 Analysis, RMA supports the amendments in principle, as they signal a step toward more transparent, data-informed ICF processes; however, the legislation does not define what a CCM is or how it should be applied, leaving municipalities without clear guidance on methodology, use, or how to proceed when partners disagree.
In addition to the ambiguous legislation, rural municipalities face unique challenges related to cost-sharing. To help members prepare for potential future CCM discussions within the ICF process, RMA is creating a rural-focused resource to complement the updated ICF Workbook currently being revised by RMA, ABmunis, and the Government of Alberta.
The updated ICF Workbook and the new RMA CCM resource are expected to be released in Fall 2026.
What the New Resource Will Provide
The resource will support understanding of how CCMs fit within the ICF development process, offering high-level approaches to data collection and analysis that reflect rural realities and administrative capacity. It will highlight rural-specific considerations, risks, and opportunities, and outline potential methodologies that municipalities may consider when exploring CCM development. The resource will also include rural-focused examples and scenarios illustrating how CCM concepts may be used in different contexts. Overall, it is intended to help members prepare for CCM-related discussions with their neighbours and consider whether CCMs may be an option to support positive negotiations and data-informed agreements.
Member Survey Coming Soon
To ensure the resource properly supports rural municipalities, RMA will distribute a member survey in the coming weeks. The survey will seek input on how rural municipalities currently approach cost attribution, considerations and challenges with data availability and methodology, and their experiences with cross-boundary service usage and cost-sharing. Member participation will be essential to this work.
We strongly encourage and thank all members in advance for taking the time to complete the survey when it is distributed. Your input will help ensure rural perspectives are represented in ICF guidance and CCM discussions with municipal neighbours.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy Team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.