Upcoming Engagement Sessions Related to Bill 28 Aggregate Approval Changes 

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) is seeking municipal input on updates to the Code of Practice for Pits (COPP). According to EPA, updates to the COPP will focus on implementing Bill 28 changes related to paramountcy of provincial approvals on aggregate pit applications, as well as recommendations from the recent provincial Sand and Gravel Task Force. On July 17, RMA circulated by email to mayors, reeves and CAOs a member resource to […]

Cost Recovery Available for Weed Control Surrounding Orphaned Wells 

On April 1, 2026, the Government of Alberta announced a new Oil and Gas Conservation Regulation that empowers the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to enact enforcement measures against oil and gas operators that fail to adequately manage and treat weeds on their wellsites.   This regulation, made under the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, makes Reasonable Care and Measures Orders (RCAM) applicable to the Responsible Energy Development Act and the Weed Control Act. The new regulation took effect on May 1, 2026.  […]

REMINDER TO REGISTER: TEC Bridge Inspection Manual & Bridge Management System Modernization Project – Member Webinar  

Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) is undertaking a multi‑year modernization of the provincial Bridge Information System and updating provincial bridge inspection standards. This work includes developing a new integrated bridge management platform, transitioning to element‑level bridge inspections, and releasing an updated version of the provincial Bridge Inspection Manual.  The modernization introduces new inspection standards and procedures […]

Bouncy Castles Beware: Mastering Safety for Inflatable Fun

Published: July 2026 | Version: 1.0 | Last updated: July 2026 Applies to: Municipalities, event organizers, and staff running community events, parks programming, festivals, and public spaces Purpose: This bulletin outlines the key risks of inflatables and practical mitigation strategies for municipalities. Following these best practices helps reduce liability, protect users, especially children, and keep […]

RMA Releases Resolution Report on Resolution 2-26S: Changes to Provincial Bridge and Culvert Classifications 

Resolutions play an important role in guiding RMA’s advocacy approach and position development. As part of RMA’s commitment to consistent member reporting on resolution advocacy, RMA is proud to provide continued updates through the Resolution Report Series.  Each report in this series offers a brief, accessible snapshot of an endorsed resolution – its context, its impact on rural municipalities, and […]

Passenger Rail Master Plan – Upcoming Provincial Information Sessions 

In April 2024, the Government of Alberta launched the development of the provincial Passenger Rail Master Plan and began outlining a long-term vision for passenger rail in Alberta. Engagement activities took place throughout 2024 and 2025, including the Passenger Rail Forum, regional technical groups, public surveys, polling, and regional and virtual open houses. A summary of previous engagements can be […]

Launch of Regulated Online iGaming Market in Alberta 

The Government of Alberta has officially launched regulations regarding online gaming in the province.  Alberta’s new regulated iGaming market launched on July 13, 2026, with 22 registered sites. This is intended to provide a safer alternative to unregulated online gambling, where an estimated 70% of online gaming activity previously occurred. 2% of gross gaming revenue will be allocated to First Nations initiatives and 1% will support social responsibility […]

Children & Youth Recreation Programs: Risk Management Check-In

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for municipal recreation programs, outdoor amenities, and community events. From day camps and youth programs to beaches, splash parks, and wading pools, municipalities play an important role in providing safe opportunities for residents – particularly children and youth – to stay active, engaged, and connected. While these services […]

Call for Convention Proposals 

RMA is seeking proposals for speaking opportunities at upcoming conventions  As part of RMA’s two annual conventions, RMA is seeking proposals from members and interested organizations for workshop presentations. These sessions are a highlight of RMA conventions, as they present an important opportunity for members to learn about and discuss key issues. RMA aims to deliver sessions that support the […]

Member Survey on Municipal Experiences with Quasi-judicial Agencies 

The survey results will help inform RMA’s work to assess government and agency progress.  RMA is revisiting the 2023 Quasi-judicial Agency Committee (QJAC) report to assess government and quasi-judicial agency progress toward better integration of rural municipal perspectives in approving provincially regulated developments under the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and Natural Resources and Conservation Board (NRCB).   On July 10, 2026, RMA sent a survey link to all […]