UPDATE: The results of the vote have been counted. Out of the over 200 eligible voters, 103 cast their ballots. 95 were in favour of Delia remaining a village and 8 voted in favour of becoming a hamlet within Starland County.
With the vote, Delia will remain a village but must meet the numerous expectations set out by Municipal Affairs to continue.
———————————————————————————–
The just over 200 residents of Delia have a big decision to make today (April 24th).
A vote is currently underway to determine if the Village of Delia is to remain as a village or become a Hamlet within Starland County. Back in 2023, a viability review was initiated with the Province of Alberta, at the request of the Village Council. According to the report created by Municipal Affairs, it shared that the Village of Delia faced significant challenges submitting legislatively required audited financial statements.
If the residents decide to choose to remain a village, the Minister of Municipal Affairs has noted that the current state of the village must be improved to ensure a viable future for the community. Within the report, the village would have to meet 26 expectations set out by Municipal Affairs when it comes to bylaws, infrastructure, services, finances, and administration.
Some of the issues that has been a major discussion point on whether to stay as a village or become part of the county have been garbage collection and snow removal. If the community is to remain a village, garbage collection would continue. If the choice is to transition to a hamlet, residents would have to take their garbage to an area transfer station within the County of Starland. Snow removal would also be different as instead of the Village of Delia Public Works looking after removing snow, it would be the responsibility of Starland County and in the report it is shared that Starland County does not do complete snow removal. Snow may be left windrowed in the street or boulevards.
The vote started Wednesday, April 23rd between 4 PM and 8 PM at the Delia Community Hall. It continues Thursday, April 24th between 10 AM and 4 PM. The vote is to be counted Thursday, April 24th and is anticipated to be posted on the window of the Village of Delia office in the evening of April 24th.
We will update the story when we determine the outcome of the vote.
Comments