Bill 8 – Enabling Data Centre Developments
RMA is evaluating Bill 8 and how it will impact rural municipalities Tabled on November 25th, 2025, Bill 8: Utilities Statutes Amendment Act, which purports to pave the way for data centres to bring their own power generation and advance the modernization of Alberta’s electricity market. If passed, Bill 8’s proposed amendments would prioritize data […]
Monthly Resolution Update – November 2025
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 […]
History of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service
RMA created a resource to help members understand the progress of the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. Through a series of legislative changes, the Government of Alberta has been making progress in establishing a new policing organization, now called the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS). RMA has been following the steps being taken towards the implementation […]
Application Period Now Open for Affordable Housing Partnership Program
The AHPP provides funding for public, non-profit, and private-sector housing providers for innovative and sustainable affordable housing projects. The Government of Alberta has opened applications for funding under the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), which aims to bring together partners from public, private, and non-profit organizations to provide more affordable housing where it is needed […]
RMA Announces New Leadership and Board of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) elects new members to its Board of Directors to advance RMA’s mission and advocate for rural communities. November 20, 2025, NISKU, AB – Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) announces its 2025-26 Board of Directors, composed of four returning members and three new representatives. Kara Westerlund, Deputy Reeve […]
Rural Priorities in Bill 7: Water Amendment Act
The Government of Alberta has introduced Bill 7: Water Amendment Act, 2025, alongside their ongoing water availability engagement. These initiatives aim to modernize Alberta’s water management system while addressing growing demand and recurring drought conditions. Bill 7 Overview Bill 7 introduces significant changes to the Water Act. RMA is continuing to evaluate the changes and their potential impacts. According to the Government of […]
Olds College Rural Planning Program Survey
Olds College has released a survey to understand how to best deliver rural planning content. Olds College is collecting feedback on how to improve the rural planning content of the Environmental Science & Technology Diploma Program to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of employers, including municipalities, and students moving forward. RMA supports education and training opportunities that have a rural focus and prepare students to live and […]
Dental Sedation for Rural Residents
Rural Albertans encounter significant access to receiving fair, safe, and affordable dental care when sedation is needed. The RMA recently met with the Alberta Dental Sedation Society (ADSS) to discuss how improving access to dental sedation could benefit rural communities. The RMA is committed to ensuring that rural residents receive the best possible health care […]
Planning Outdoor Winter Events
Plan Ahead A key factor to making your winter events successful is having a well-developed plan in place. Focus on the structure of the leadership team, vendor policies, event security, and insurance needs for the specific event. Your plans should include how to handle emergencies, including medical incidents, evacuation protocols, and procedures on how to […]
Drought and Flood Protection Program Funding
The application period is closing soon for Drought and Flood Protection Program funding The Government of Alberta’s Drought and Flood Protection Program (DFPP) is a multi-year grant program that provides funding to help municipalities, improvement districts, special areas, regional services commissions, First Nations, Tribal Councils, and Metis Settlements to improve their long-term resilience to drought […]