M.D. supports annexation of lands on western boundary of Claresholm

By Rob Vogt – Local Press Writer
The Municipal District of Willow Creek will support issuing a notice of intent to annex lands on the western boundary of the Town of Claresholm.
The M.D. will also seek more information on consultation with adjacent land owners to the proposed lands to be annexed; the impact on the boundary of the intermunicipal development plan between the town and M.D.; the minimum setback distance to any confined feeding operations; taxation on the undeveloped land; and financial compensation for lost tax revenue.
The decision came at the Dec. 14 meeting of the M.D. council after they heard a report from administration.
Chief Administrative Officer Derrick Krizsan said the town and M.D. intermunicipal development plan committee met to discuss this proposal for annexation, which was initiated by the land owner.
Claresholm town council discussed the proposal and has indicated it will proceed with the annexation process for the lands at NE-22-12-27-4, NE-27-12-27-4 and SE-27-12-27-4 for residential development by issuing a notice of intent to annex to the Municipal Government Board.
A report from administration stated M.D. council has several options – support the issuing of a notice of intent to annex; oppose it; request additional information; or provide alternative direction.
It was also noted the loss of property tax revenue that will result from this annexation is approximately $5,651.35 annually based upon 2022 property tax rates and assessment for residential, farmland and non-residential properties located on the lands described within the notice of intent.
Reeve Maryanne Sandberg asked if the boundary of the intermunicipal development plan would move when the boundary of the Town of Claresholm moved.
Krizsan said the intermunicipal development plan would have to be amended, but there would be no impact until development occurs.
She said that, given the land owner requested the annexation, she supported the issuing of the notice of intent to annex.
Coun. Glen Alm agreed, adding the town as well as the land owner supports it.
However, council did want more information on how the land owners adjacent to the proposed annexation would be consulted about it.
They also wanted additional information on the impact on the intermunicipal development; the minimum distance setbacks for confined feeding operations; and the taxation, including compensation for lost tax revenue.
Council then agreed to support the issuing of a notice of intent to annex, and requested this additional information.
The steps to annexation are:
The municipality proposing the annexation (“the initiating municipality”) submits a Notice of Intent to Annex to the province and to the municipality from where the lands are being annexed (“the responding municipality”). This Notice of Intent to Annex must include a description of the lands to be annexed and a proposal for public consultation.
The initiating municipality commences negotiations in good faith with the responding municipality and consults with the landowner, agencies, stakeholders, and the general public concerning the annexation proposal.
If the initiating municipality and the responding municipality reach a complete agreement and there is support from the landowner, the annexation is considered uncontested.
A report, including the outcomes of public consultation and negotiation, is then prepared by the initiating municipality and formal application is made to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. The Oldman River Regional Services Commission will finalize the application for submission on behalf of the Town of Claresholm.
After a public hearing, which is only held if contested, a recommendation report is provided to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for consideration. If the annexation is recommended for approval or approval in-part, the report will advise the minister to proceed to the Alberta Cabinet with an order-in-council to gain approval from his/her cabinet colleagues.
The Alberta Cabinet considers the report. If the annexation is approved or approved in-part, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta signs the order-in-council.