Viability reviews are led by the Province and look at several aspects of a community, including what actions may be needed to return it to a stable financial position. They also examine what the future could look like if the community remains an independent municipality, and what it could look like if dissolution were to occur.

At the end of a viability review, a ‘Viability Report’ is drafted outlining the two options. With the assistance of the report, residents of that community are then asked to vote on whether they wish to remain independent, or dissolve and become a hamlet within the surrounding county.

According to the Province of Alberta, there is no absolute definition or formula for what makes a municipality viable (either in Alberta or in most other jurisdictions). However, in general, municipal viability concerns come down to efficiency of resources and the effectiveness of local services and infrastructure.

The Province received a request directly from Town of Gibbons Council to conduct an expedited viability review in light of its ongoing financial challenges. The Town of Gibbons requested this on January 11, 2026 (read more here).

The Government of Alberta (GoA) is responsible for leading the viability review process, in alignment with the Municipal Government Act. Both Sturgeon County and the Town of Gibbons are supporting this process by providing the province with key local information and data.

After the Town and County have submitted requested information back to the Government of Alberta, the province will write and publish a Viability Report highlight its findings.

There are two possible outcomes of a viability review—the Town of Gibbons will either remain as an independent municipality, or it will dissolve into a Sturgeon County hamlet.

Gibbons’ residents will vote on this matter, likely at the end of June. Sturgeon County residents to not get a vote.

Alberta Municipal Affairs can answer questions related to the Viability Review process.

• Phone: 780-427-2225 or toll-free dial 310-0000 first
• Email: viabilityreview@gov.ab.ca

OR

Kevin Miller Manager, Municipal Viability, Ministry of Municipal Affairs

Kevin.miller@gov.ab.ca
780-266-8509

According to the province, viability reviews typically take from one year to 18-months to complete; however, the Minister of Municipal Affairs has directed that this Town of Gibbons Viability Review be undertaken in an expedited timeline.

The Gibbons Viability Review formally started in February 2026 and is anticipated to conclude with the public vote by Gibbons' residents, no later than “late June,” 2026.

The province is writing the Viability Report based on the inputs submitted by the Town of Gibbons and Sturgeon County. Currently, Municipal Affairs has indicated they expect the Viability Report to be finalized in “late May,” 2026.

Once the Viability Report is ready, it will be available online on the Municipal Affairs website here: Viability reviews for municipalities | Alberta.ca

Sturgeon County will also be sharing the link to the Viability Report once it is ready on all its platforms and channels.

Town of Gibbons residents will receive a printed copy of the report in the mail, sent by the Province through Canada Post.

The Province will decide the exact date when Gibbons residents will vote on whether to remain independent or to dissolve. Right now, this vote is expected to take place in "late June," 2026.

Once a date is finalized, the province will provide Gibbons' residents with an official notice, which will be posted online and sent by mail through Canada Post.