Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, says the province is moving ahead with an expedited viability review for the Town of Gibbons as local officials grapple with mounting financial pressures.
In a statement issued following meetings with Gibbons’ mayor and council, Williams said the province has already implemented several measures to stabilize the municipality while the review is underway. These include appointing an official administrator to provide oversight and guidance, temporarily extending the town’s debt limit, and approving a $500,000 grant through the Alberta Community Partnership program.
Williams described the viability review as a structured process designed to assess whether a municipality can remain sustainable over the long term and to identify possible next steps. The minister noted that discussions with council focused on restoring financial stability, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, and maintaining delivery of essential services to residents during the review period.
According to the province, Gibbons signaled in December 2025 that it was confronting an immediate fiscal crisis. Reported challenges included operating deficits, exhausted reserves, increasing debt obligations and delays in required financial reporting. In January, the town formally sought provincial assistance, requesting both short-term financial relief and an accelerated viability assessment.
Williams emphasized that municipalities are accountable for their financial management decisions, adding that the current situation underscores the need to prioritize core community services. He said the province’s primary concern is to ensure residents continue receiving those services while the town works to determine its future course.
The minister also confirmed he has met with leadership from Sturgeon County to discuss the review process and thanked the county for its cooperation so far.
The outcome of the expedited review could determine whether Gibbons continues as an independent municipality or pursues alternative governance arrangements, depending on the findings and recommendations that emerge.
