The province has indicated legislative amendments impacting Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) are likely to be tabled during the Spring 2025 Legislative Session
The Government of Alberta has informed the RMA that amendments to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) pertaining to ICFs are expected to be introduced in the spring. If introduced, changes would likely impact municipalities that are either in the process of renegotiating their agreements or are required to do so in the near future based on a specific renegotiation date agreed to in their individual ICF(s).
As per Ministerial Order No. 024/23, which was enacted in April 2023, the standard for renegotiation of ICFs was extended from five years to seven years from the date in which initial ICFs were finalized. The ministerial order expires March 31, 2027, at which point the timeline for renegotiation will revert to five years as per s. 708.32(1) of the MGA. However, if specific renegotiation timelines are stipulated in agreements, they supersede those established by the Ministerial Order.
Given that any changes to the legislation would affect the negotiation process and resulting agreements, the Government of Alberta is recommending that municipalities that have ICFs with a renegotiation date falling prior to the extended negotiation timeline of spring 2027, attempt to work with their municipal neighbours to reach agreement on delaying this process until spring 2027. This will allow municipalities a reasonable period of time to renegotiate future ICF agreements while ensuring alignment with the anticipated legislative amendments.
The RMA will keep members informed of any further developments relating to potential legislative changes affecting ICFs.
Jared Shaigec
Policy Advisor
825.319.2312
jared@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com