The Village of Caroline and Clearwater County will officially amalgamate on Jan. 1, 2025.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver’s Order in Council to combine the two municipalities was approved on Dec. 4, states a media release issued by Clearwater County.
The amalgamation will come into effect on the first day of 2025 — the newly amalgamated municipality will be called Clearwater County.
"While some changes will take time, others will come into effect at the time of amalgamation," the media release states.
On Jan. 1, residents of Caroline will become residents of Clearwater County. Caroline will become a hamlet within the county, located in Division/Ward 6. Village of Caroline Coun. Barbara Gibson will join an interim council that will remain in place until the municipal election in October 2025. The remaining Village of Caroline council’s terms will be concluded at amalgamation.
Alongside Gibson, six Clearwater County Councillors will make up the interim council. These councillors are Reeve Michelle Swanson (Division 7), Gennifer Mehlhaff (Division 1), Daryl Lougheed (Division 3), Jordon Northcott (Division 4), Neil Ratcliffe (Division 5) and Bryan Cermak (Division 6).
Village of Caroline staff will continue working in their municipal roles, joining the Clearwater County administrative team. Municipal service delivery will continue without any interruptions for Caroline residents.
A transitional period is expected to follow amalgamation. Administration and the interim council will be overseeing many tasks to ensure a smooth transition.
