Sylvan Lake is growing—and fast. What was once a small lakeside town has steadily evolved, with its population climbing from just under 16,000 in 2021 to nearly 18,000 by the end of 2025. With that growth came a familiar question for many Alberta communities: when does a town become a city? In 2022, Sylvan Lake’s Council first explored that possibility and chose to remain a town. This year, the conversation returned—armed with new data, updated financial considerations, and a

Across Canada, municipal politics is often called the most accessible level of government — the place where community voices meet real decision-making. But as we explored in Part One of “Is Harassment Getting Worse?” Series, that space is changing. Harassment is no longer occasional — for many women in municipal leadership, it’s becoming a constant backdrop to public service. In this second part of our series, we continue that conversation — going deeper into how harassment i

The numbers are sinking in. The details are being finalized. And across Alberta, municipalities are taking a closer look at how February’s provincial budget is really affecting them—beyond the headlines, beyond the announcements, and into the day-to-day reality of running a community. Because while budgets are crafted in the legislature… their impact is felt on the ground. That reality was front and center at the recent Alberta Municipalities Municipal Leaders Convention in E

Two provinces. Two budgets. Two visions for the future. In recent months, both Alberta and Saskatchewan have tabled their provincial budgets, documents filled with promises, priorities, and projections meant to guide their respective paths forward. For many, budget season signals optimism… a renewed sense of direction… maybe even a little hope for what lies ahead. But what happens when your community doesn’t fit neatly into just one of those visions? Enter Lloydminster, a pla

Across Canada, municipal politics is often described as the most accessible form of government... the level closest to the people. It’s where community meets decision-making, where local leaders step up to shape the places we call home. But increasingly, it’s also becoming a space where harassment is not just present — it’s persistent, personal, and, for many, escalating. From hostile emails and social media attacks to intimidation in public spaces, the tone of political enga

Today, we’re diving into a story that has shaken the halls of Niagara’s regional government and ignited debates across the province of Ontario, and possibly even Canada. It’s a tale of letters, leadership, and the future of local democracy. Just a few weeks ago, Niagara Region Chair Bob Gale sent a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, calling for what he described as ‘urgent municipal governance reform’ in Niagara. His proposal? Consolidat

Today, we’re diving into a program designed to strengthen the very foundation of municipal leadership: the Governance Essentials for the Municipal Sector, or GEMS, offered through the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Municipal governance is more than passing bylaws or balancing budgets—it’s about understanding the nuances of leadership, stewardship, and accountability. Whether you’re a council member, a municipal administrator, or simply passionate about your

Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams Last Thursday, I found myself in a room that has become increasingly familiar to anyone who follows the evolving relationship between Alberta’s provincial government and its municipalities. It was a press conference featuring the Hon. Dan Williams, Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, alongside Dylan Bressey, president of Alberta Municipalities. The topic at hand was the municipal code of conduct, but like so many conversations i

Today, we’re diving into a story that has sparked debate not just in the mountain town of Canmore, but across Alberta about the scope of municipal authority and the role of taxation in shaping communities. For several years, Canmore has faced a housing crunch. Sky-high real estate prices, limited rental availability, and an influx of second-home owners have put pressure on local residents and municipal services alike. In response, the town introduced what it calls the Livabil