Upcoming Budget 2026 Release 

The Government of Alberta plans to release the 2026 Provincial Budget on February 26.  The Government of Alberta will introduce Budget 2026 in the legislature on February 26. RMA continues its long‑standing commitment to ensuring that rural perspectives are reflected in provincial budget decisions and will be reviewing the budget to understand how upcoming fiscal […]

Spring 2026 Emergent Resolution Deadline is March 16 

As per the RMA’s Resolution Process policy, an emergent resolution is defined as a resolution submitted to the RMA after the resolution deadline – February 18, 2026 for the 2026 Spring Convention – that addresses a subject or problem that has arisen subsequent to the resolution deadline. The RMA Resolutions Committee will meet prior to the resolution session to determine whether submitted emergent resolutions meet the criteria as “emergent” to be added to the Order Paper.  To accommodate this process, emergent resolutions must be submitted prior to 12:00 pm on Monday, March […]

Hazard Risk: Snow Loading and Ice Damming on Municipal Buildings

Monitoring and Managing Snow Loading and Ice Damming on Municipal Buildings Winter conditions across Canadian municipalities can create significant structural and safety hazards for public buildings. Two of the most common and preventable risks are excessive snow loading and ice damming. Proactive monitoring and maintenance are essential to protecting municipal assets, maintaining public safety, and […]

RMA Releases Water Amendment Act Member Resource 

Late last year the Government of Alberta (GOA) introduced Bill 7 – the Water Amendment Act, 2025. Bill 7 makes multiple changes to the Water Act, based in part on the GOA’s Water Availability Engagement earlier in 2025. RMA participated in the engagement; some of the Bill 7 changes align with RMA input while others raise questions or concerns. Because Bill 7 makes widespread and significant changes to water […]

IAMA February Asset Management Workshop and AGM 

Another opportunity to learn, share, and connect with Alberta’s asset management community. On February 25, 2026, Infrastructure Asset Management Alberta (IAMA) is hosting their 2026 February Asset Management Workshop and annual general meeting at the iHotel & Conference Centre in Red Deer.  Over the past several years, RMA has collaborated with IAMA to deliver asset management training, tools, and resources that help rural municipalities plan […]

Safety in Indoor Arenas & Recreation Facilities

Safety in Indoor Arenas & Recreation FacilitiesCritical Safety Checks, Including for Propane-Powered Zambonis Indoor arenas and recreation facilities, such as ice rinks, host a variety of activities that require rigorous safety protocols to protect patrons, staff, and infrastructure. Key risks include poor indoor air quality from fuel-powered equipment, fire hazards, structural failures, and equipment malfunctions. […]

RMA Releases Week 5 of Closing the Gap Infrastructure Funding Campaign 

Over the past five weeks, RMA’s Closing the Gap advocacy campaign has drawn on the RMA’s 2024 Rural Municipal Infrastructure Deficit Project to highlight the scale and urgency of Alberta’s rural infrastructure deficit and demonstrated how chronic underinvestment is placing rural municipalities, industries, and communities at increasing risk.   Week 5 of the campaign brings together the core themes from previous weeks, including the inequitable investment gap, the economic importance of rural roads, bridges, and […]

CRTC Engagement on Mobile Coverage Reporting 

On January 15, 2026, the Canadian Radio-Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced a public consultation to develop a new, standardized methodology for reporting mobile coverage across Canada.   Through this engagement, the CRTC is aiming to improve the accuracy of mobile coverage information to better identify these gaps and support more effective policy and funding decisions. The CRTC is seeking input on several issues, such as:   Mobile connectivity and broadband coverage have long […]

Winter Sidewalk Maintenance  

Proper sidewalk maintenance during winter is essential for both public safety and risk management. Snow and ice accumulation can lead to slips, falls, and injuries — resulting in potential liability claims against property owners or municipalities. Consistent upkeep not only protects pedestrians but also demonstrates compliance with local bylaws and organizational policies.  Policy Compliance  Proper Snow and Ice Removal  Claims Mitigation  […]

RMA Releases Week 4 of Closing the Gap Infrastructure Funding Campaign 

Over the first three weeks of the Closing the Gap campaign, RMA has highlighted the widening rural infrastructure funding gap, demonstrated how rural transportation networks power Alberta’s economic engine, and underscored the urgent need to build long‑term resilience into the roads, bridges, and utilities that support Alberta’s industries and communities. Together, these themes show that Alberta’s prosperity […]