Gibbons residents weigh in on community’s future
Sturgeon County acknowledges the results of the Town of Gibbons viability vote, in which residents from that community expressed support for remaining an independent municipality.
We recognize the importance of this outcome to Gibbons. The viability review has been a significant and detailed undertaking for all parties. It involved considerable complexity and accelerated timelines added to the challenges experienced throughout the process.
The final decision regarding the future of the Town of Gibbons rests with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Government of Alberta. The province will consider the full scope of information gathered through the viability review, including technical financial context and the vote results, before determining its next steps.
Sturgeon County remains committed to supporting the long-term success and sustainability of the broader region. Regardless of the province’s final decision, we value our relationship with the Gibbons community and its residents.
“We respect the community’s decision and the importance this result holds for Gibbons’ residents,” said Mayor Alanna Hnatiw. “We recognize that this is one step in a broader provincial process, and we will continue to work collaboratively and respectfully with our neighbours and the province. No matter the outcome, the Gibbons community will always be part of our region, and we remain committed to its success and well-being.”
Sturgeon County will continue to monitor the province’s decision-making process in the coming weeks while remaining focused on fostering strong, cooperative relationships across the region. As further clarity is provided on the future of the Town of Gibbons, the County will share updates with the public.
In February 2026, the Minister of Municipal Affairs initiated an expedited viability review at the request of Town of Gibbons Council. The process examined the Town’s finances, infrastructure, service delivery, governance, and administration, culminating into a ‘Town of Gibbons Viability Report. Residents voted on June 24 and 25, 2026, on whether to remain an independent municipality or dissolve and become a hamlet within Sturgeon County. The Minister will now consider the findings of the review, along with the vote results, and make a recommendation to provincial Cabinet on the Town’s future.
