Edmonton, AB — For the past 17 years, the EMRB has served as the growth management board for the Edmonton Metro Region. In that time, it has driven important collaboration on key regional initiatives such as land use, transportation infrastructure, housing, agriculture, municipal services, and environmental stewardship.

On November 22, 2024, the Government of Alberta informed the EMRB that its funding would not be renewed in Budget 2025. Further to that, the government announced that membership would be voluntary moving forward. This unexpected decision necessitated action by member municipalities, which have now held discussions and voted on future participation. Member municipalities have voted to not participate in a voluntary growth management board (EMRB) going forward.

“Today, the Board voted in favour of a motion to wind down the operations of the EMRB. We will be informing Minister McIver of our intent and request that the provincial government immediately suspend the Regional Evaluation Framework (REF) and repeal the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board Regulation effective April 1, 2025. Following council votes by our member municipalities, the EMRB evaluated its options and after thoughtful consideration determined today’s motion was the best path forward. I’d like to thank our member municipalities for their support and partnership during this process.”

— EMRB Vice Chair Jeff Acker, Mayor of Spruce Grove.

“The EMRB has been an important part of our Region’s story since 2008, serving as the shared engine that has powered our development through thoughtful long-term land use planning. Through our work, we have brought urban and rural communities together and generated efficiencies, savings, and opportunities for all. While today’s vote marks the end of the EMRB, our members remain committed to collaborating for the benefit of our Region. While the vehicle may change, we are resolved to move forward together. Unprecedented population growth and an evolving global economy have made collaboration more important than ever.”

— Board Chair Allan Gamble, Mayor of Parkland County

The 13 municipalities plan to meet in the coming weeks to commence talks on the future of collaboration in the Region.


Media Contact

Cindie LeBlanc
Director, Corporate & Stakeholder Relations
587-372-2999 | cleblanc@emrb.ca


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