RMA provides a deeper examination of key amendments and invites members to a second engagement session.
RMA has developed and released a secondary analysis of Bill 28, the Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, to provide members with a deeper understanding of several of the Bill’s most consequential amendments. This follow-up document, Bill 28: Rural Municipal Impact Analysis focuses specifically on the autonomy and financial impacts of key provisions, including those that may shift decision-making authority, alter municipal revenue stability, or introduce new provincial oversight mechanisms.
Bill 28 received Royal Assent on May 14, 2026, and introduces wide-ranging amendments across multiple areas of municipal responsibility, including planning and development, aggregate pits, seniors and social housing, regulated assessment, governance and accountability, municipal transparency, and oversight of public institutions. RMA’s further review confirms that, taken together, these changes continue a multi-year trend of reduced municipal autonomy, increased provincial intervention, and the downloading of additional costs and risks onto municipalities, residents, and businesses.
This follow-up resource builds on RMA’s initial Bill 28: RMA Analysis released in April and provides a more detailed examination of how the Bill may affect rural municipalities as the legislation moves toward implementation. Members are encouraged to review the document to better understand the implications of the proposed changes and how they may influence municipal operations, governance, and long-term planning.
Follow-Up Member Webinar
To support member understanding and gather additional feedback, RMA will host a second Bill 28 member webinar on:
June 25, 2026, from 12:00pm – 1:30pm.
The session will feature RMA President Kara Westerlund and senior RMA staff, who will walk through the impact analysis document, highlight key considerations for members, and provide an opportunity for members to ask questions and share their perspectives. This webinar is open to RMA members only. Please register using this link and ensure you register using the email address associated with your municipality so RMA can verify membership.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy Team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.