Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreements have been signed between Lethbridge County, the Town of Coaldale, and Village of Barons bringing all three municipalities together in the
spirit of cooperation and collaboration.
ICF agreements are mandated by the provincial government for all municipalities in Alberta who share a common border. They are high level documents that outline how each municipality can work with the others to recognize and share their unique visions and priorities, with the goal of providing effective and efficient service levels to citizens.
The ICFs identify shared services, commit each municipality to consultation and cooperation, identify the roles and responsibilities of councils and provide a conflict resolution protocol. Each Council is encouraged to consider the region as a whole when making decisions, and there is a focus on cooperation instead of competition.
A required portion of the ICFs are recreation funding agreements, which will see Lethbridge County
contribute a set amount of funds to Coaldale and Barons each year for the next five years.
Since 2018, administration from Lethbridge County and the five urban municipalities within the County have put significant time and effort into the creation of these agreements. The final ICF documents were finalized by Coaldale on March 9, 2020, Barons on March 10, 2020, and Lethbridge County on April 16, 2020.
“Lethbridge County is proud to sign these historic agreements with our urban neighbours,” says Reeve Lorne Hickey. “We are fortunate to have such strong relationships with the Town of Coaldale and the Village of Barons. Collaboration with our neighbouring municipalities is essential in strengthening our region. We each have something unique to offer one another and these agreements solidify our commitment to working together for the benefit of all our citizens.”
"The Town of Coaldale is pleased to announce that we have concluded discussions with Lethbridge
County on a newly formed Intermunicipal Collaboration Agreement (ICF),” says Coaldale Mayor Kim
Craig. “We view this as the culmination of our ability to come together to create efficiencies and
partnerships to deliver the best possible services and amenities to our region. We sincerely appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into finalizing this agreement- a testament to our longstanding regional relationship. We look forward to channeling the recreation funding provided by the County to the construction of our Multi-Use Recreation Centre, a facility that will host a diversity of amenities that we intend to be enjoyed by both Town and County residents alike."
“The long-standing relationship we have with Lethbridge County has consistently been a positive one,” says Barons Mayor Ed Weistra. “Collaboration between the County and the Village is nothing new. Our municipalities have had sharing agreements in place that have benefitted both of our respective communities. With signing the new ICF, we see better communication between our communities and we will continue to address services such as transportation, waste and wastewater, solid waste, emergency services, and recreation to ensure that both municipalities are providing effective and efficient services.”