To improve reporting on resolution advocacy, the RMA is releasing a monthly bulletin highlighting recent actions undertaken on select active resolutions
The Monthly Resolution Update Bulletin is a way of routinely highlighting a selection of the over 70 currently active resolutions, offering members a more detailed insight into the work being carried out on their behalf. For the latest formal statuses and reactions to all resolutions, view the RMA’s Resolutions Database.
The September 2026 edition of the Monthly Resolution Update Bulletin features the following resolutions:
Resolution 5-24S: Legislation Consultation with Municipalities
Resolution 5-24S addresses growing concerns regarding provincial downloading of responsibilities and costs onto municipalities through legislation, regulation, and administrative decisions that may not adequately consider municipal concerns, may conflict with existing municipal plans and bylaws, and may create additional financial obligations without adequate compensation or fiscal capacity from the Government of Alberta (GOA).
Bill 28 received Royal Assent in May of this year and introduced significant changes affecting municipal authority and responsibilities. Among other provisions, provincial approval of gravel pits take primacy over municipal plans, bylaws, permits, and approvals, with municipalities potentially required to amend these documents to align with provincial approvals. RMA understands that the GOA does not intend to amend the provincial approval process to fully incorporate municipal plans or landowner perspectives. Bill 28 also establishes a framework for community design codes that would also take precedence over municipal planning priorities. This imposes significant impingements on the ability of municipal governments to affect effective municipal planning.
An Impact Analysis outlining the major anticipated impacts of Bill 28 on municipalities was released by RMA; RMA has been involved in ongoing discussions with the respective Provincial Ministries regarding these matters since. These potential impacts remain a significant concern, particularly where provincial decisions may increase municipal expenditures, reduce municipal revenues, or require municipalities to amend existing plans and regulatory documents. Compensation – and the fiscal capacity required to implement provincially directed programs and requirements – continues to be an area of growing interest. Discussions continue regarding the impacts on municipalities and the broader coordination of municipal and provincial development.
RMA will continue to advocate for the principles expressed in Resolution 5-24S, including meaningful municipal consultation, consideration of existing municipal plans and priorities, advance notification of changes that may affect municipal revenues or expenditures, and appropriate fiscal support where provincial decisions create new municipal responsibilities. RMA will also continue to monitor and engage with the GOA on regulations and administrative processes arising from Bill 28, including those related to provincial pit approvals and the councillor accountability framework, to ensure municipal perspectives and impacts are appropriately considered.
Resolution 13-26S: Controlling Grizzly Bears to Ensure Community Safety
Resolution 13-26S highlights the recent increase in the severity and frequency of Grizzly Bear incidents in the eastern slopes and beyond. These incidents pose significant risks to human safety, livestock and property, particularly with limited regulatory provisions to address the issue. Resolution 13-26S proposes the implementation of a Grizzly Bear Management Plan, a dedicated funding program and the establishment of a regulated grizzly bear hunt. These measures are expected to preserve wildlife conservation initiatives while empowering rural residents to address Grizzly Bear incidents through balanced and regulated approaches.
Recent advocacy work includes media statements and correspondence with Alberta Beef Producers to support advocacy efforts through information sharing and exploring possible approaches of strategic alignment towards mitigating risks to livestock resulting from increased and violent bear incidents. RMA will continue advocating for solutions and policy changes that align with resolution 13-26S and support the safety and security of rural communities and agricultural producers.
8-23S: Provincial Review of Agribusiness and Agritourism
Earlier this year, RMA struck a working group to advise on the development of a provincial agritourism strategy. The group was established in response to Resolution 8-23S and sought to support the development of a provincial strategy to grow, promote, and improve the regulation of agritourism in Alberta. The working group was composed of stakeholders from Alberta Tourism and Sport, the Alberta Agritourism Association, and several RMA members.
Agritourism is a growing industry in rural Alberta with significant potential to support vibrancy and economic sustainability of rural areas and family farms. Agritourism presents an opportunity for economic diversification and an avenue to share agricultural goods, education, and farm experiences with the public.
To inform recommendations that address the complex barriers faced by agritourism operators, the working group heard presentations from delegates covering a variety of topics, including options for liability insurance, food safety regulations, promising practices from Indigenous Tourism Alberta, legislative interventions from Ontario, and building code considerations for agritourism operators. Despite likely benefits associated with growth, the agritourism sector faces barriers that limit expansion. Barriers to growth range from a general lack of awareness and promotion of agritourism businesses to a need for legislation to enable agritourism operators to obtain liability insurance. The final report of the agritourism working group is set to be released shortly and provides six recommendations that, if implemented, will further the success and support the growth of the agritourism sector in Alberta.
Stay tuned for future editions of the Monthly Resolution Update Bulletin, where we will continue to feature updates on selected resolutions.