Town of Blackfalds, City of Lacombe, Lacombe County approve North Blindman River Tri-Municipal Collaborative

The North Blindman River Tri-Municipal Collaborative (NBRTC) establishes a tri-party partnership focused on strategic regional discussions of shared interest.

The Chief Administrative Officers of the partnering municipalities collaboratively developed a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the regional committee after members of the Intermunicipal Development Plan and Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Committee (IDP/ICF), which both include members from all three municipalities, unanimously resolved to recommend exploring the development of a Regional Collaboration Committee to expand cooperation.

“The creation of the NBRTC is a natural next step in building on the strong partnerships that exist between the City of Lacombe, Lacombe County, and the Town of Blackfalds,” Acting City of Lacombe CAO Jordan Thompson said. “By coming together in this way, our municipalities can work more strategically on shared opportunities and challenges, ensuring that regional collaboration continues to serve the best interests of our communities. The Committee’s advisory role will help us strengthen cooperation, while respecting and supporting the important work of our existing intermunicipal committees.”

The NBRTC strengthens regional collaboration by discussing issues and opportunities of mutual interest and recommending areas for cooperation. The NBRTC does not replace existing committees, such as the ICF/IDP Committee between the City and the County. Rather, it serves as a tri-party strategic advisory committee that provides recommendations on regional initiatives to the respective Councils.

“Our municipalities have a long history of working together, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to our residents,” Lacombe County Manager Tim Timmons said. “The NBRTC builds on that strong foundation, giving us a new opportunity to deepen collaboration, explore regional opportunities, and strengthen the ties that have long connected our communities.”

The NBRTC membership includes two Council members from each municipality. Each municipality appoints an additional Council member to serve as an alternate if one of its appointed Council members cannot attend a committee meeting. The CAOs from each municipality serve the committee in an advisory, non-voting capacity.

“The Town of Blackfalds is incredibly excited to participate in this opportunity to enhance the partnership with our neighbouring communities,” Town of Blackfalds CAO Kim Isaak said. “This collaboration will not only strengthen the communication and trust between all three entities but also encourage even more opportunities for guidance and positive impact.”

A workshop is planned to prioritize an initial list of topics to guide the NBRTC’s initial work plan. Committee discussion topics may include, but are not limited to, strategic growth, infrastructure, recreation, culture, economic development, emergency services, and regional planning. Matters outside the committee’s scope include direct management of operational or administrative matters and items already governed under existing agreements or committees.