Public Engagement

Key Contact Information

Special Areas recognizes the value of public engagement as part of the municipal decision-making process and is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful public participation in municipal decisions that directly impact the public. We’re all neighbours, and all need to have a say on issues that affect those of us who live and work in the Special Areas.

KEY CONTACT
Maeghan Chostner, Communications Officer
403-854-5611
Maeghan.chostner@specialareas.ab.ca

Current Public Engagements

Currently, there are no active public engagements.

Public Participation Policy

We recognize that good governance includes engaging with municipal stakeholders by:

creating opportunities for people who will be affected by a decision to influence the decision
promoting sustainable decisions by recognizing various stakeholder interests
providing stakeholders with the appropriate information and tools to engage in meaningful participation
facilitating public participation for matters beyond those where public input is statutorily required to enrich the municipal decision-making process

The key principles of engagement that frame public consultation in the Special Areas are:

Clarity: what is and what is not a part of the consultation process will be clearly outlined to help people understand the decision-making process
Accountability: the information gathered as part of public consultations will be used to guide the municipal decision-making process
Transparency: the information gathered as part of public consultations will be documented, reviewed, and shared with the public when appropriate
Respectful: the process will be based on respectful interactions and communications by all participants
Responsive: we are committed to being accessible and responsive to concerns

Special Areas Public Participation Policy

Special Areas Advertising Order

Special Areas Public Hearing Order

Pending Public Engagements

Rural Water Expansion Feasibility

Special Areas is investigating the potential of expanding a number of existing potable water systems based off the Henry Kroeger Regional Water Services Commission (HKRWSC).

To support this feasibility work, MPE a division of Englobe, is updating historical feasibility work based on current residences and potential users in the area. This work is focused on the following areas:

Watts area
Scapa area
Spondin area (Hanna East Water Co-op)
Cessford area
Oyen (west) area
Cappon area
Youngstown area

Open houses were hosted in May 2025 to share this information, and to request feedback from potential users in these areas. Respondents were asked to share their feedback, including level of interest and preferred service levels, through a quick survey. Feedback collected through the open houses and the survey were shared with MPE and will inform the next stage of feasibility work.

You can take a look at the initial report on public engagement here.

Other resources include frequently asked questions and maps of these areas.