Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs)

What is an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF)?

An Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) is a document between two (2) or more municipalities that share borders that are intended to fulfil the following objectives: 

• Providing for integrated and strategic planning, delivery, and funding of intermunicipal services
• Ensuring limited available resources are used effectively and efficiently to provide services to residents; and
• Ensuring that municipalities contribute reasonable funding to those services that are beneficial to their residents.

Essentially, an ICF is a tool to facilitate cooperation between neighbouring municipalities to ensure municipal services are provided to residents efficiently and cost effectively.

When is a Municipality Required to Have an ICF?

ICFs are mandated by the provincial government between municipalities that share a common boundary, unless they are members of the same growth management board. However, municipalities that do not share common boundaries can still be included within an ICF. 

All ICFs must be completed by April 1, 2021, and must, at a minimum, meet the following general requirements:

• Describe any services provided that benefit residents in more than one (1) of the municipalities;
• Identify which municipality is responsible for providing these services;
• Outline how those services will be provided and funded; and
• Outline a dispute resolution process for any disputes that occur between the municipalities while the ICF is in effect.

Which Municipalities does the County of Wetaskiwin Have an ICF with?

The County of Wetaskiwin has adopted ICFs with all of our neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Wetaskiwin, the Town of Millet, the Summer Villages around Pigeon Lake, and the rural municipalities that surround the County (Brazeau County, Camrose County, Clearwater County, Leduc County, and Ponoka County). 

What Types of Services/Agreements are Included in ICFs?

ICFs can include a wide range of joint services and agreements between municipalities. Some of the more common agreements that the County has with our neighbours include mutual aid agreements, Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs), road use agreements, and agreements related to recreational facilities. These agreements may or may not include funding commitments, depending on the situation. 

For complete lists of agreements included within each ICF that the County has adopted, please use the links below.