When the idea of municipal amalgamation was first proposed in this region in 2003, the Village of Boyle very politely said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” At the time, Boyle was actively pursuing its own set of long-term goals, which included growing its population to over 1,000 people and achieving town status. So opting out of amalgamation discussions made perfect sense.
Now it’s eight years later, and talk of amalgamation is surfacing again. This time, before they’ve even been asked, Village of Boyle council has made it abundantly clear that they’re not interested. No way, no how, end of story.
As was the case eight years ago, Boyle still has its own set of goals. It hasn’t hit 1,000 population yet or qualified for town status, but it’s getting closer. And they have high hopes for continued growth and economic development, primarily along the backbone of the Alberta Energy Corridor (AEC). So once again, opting out of amalgamation discussions makes sense for the time being.
But village councillors should be wary before they reject the concept outright.
Boyle already works cooperatively with the Town and County of Athabasca on many fronts, including the AEC, Family & Community Support Services, and the Aspen Regional Water Commission, among others. They also turn to their municipal partners for resources at various times, including the recent renovations to the Millview Arena and Boyle Community Centre. So it could be argued that, just like with the Town and County, amalgamation would simply be an extension of existing relationships.
And what if amalgamation actually does come to pass, and Boyle’s not included? How might that affect the municipal relationships going forward?
Of course, all of this assumes a lot. They have been no new official amalgamation discussions, and there might not be. And even if some sort of proposal is concocted, it seems a long shot that the public, particularly in the Boyle area, would accept it, considering how eagerly the idea was rejected in the 2004 plebiscite.
But whatever happens, amalgamation will always remain an option, and councillors in all jurisdictions would be foolish to rule it out completely and permanently.
