For years, one question has surfaced repeatedly at municipal election forums in the Village of Warfield: "Are you in favour of amalgamation?"
While the issue faded from public discussion after the 2018 forum at the Warfield Community Hall, it has now formally re-emerged.
The Village of Warfield is undertaking a Municipal Sustainability Study to evaluate its long-term viability as an independent municipality.
According to a recent press release, this study aims to "identify and explore changes within the current local government structure, addressing sustainability challenges."
One potential outcome, for instance, could be municipal amalgamation, which would involve closer collaboration or consolidation with a neighbouring municipality or the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
To guide this exploration, village council has established the Warfield Municipal Sustainability Advisory Committee.
This committee is working alongside independent local government consultants.
In late October, the committee convened in Warfield council chambers to review and endorse an interim report on the state of the village’s services, finances, and governance.
The committee is scheduled to meet again in January 2025 to assess the consultants’ findings on Warfield’s sustainability as a standalone entity.
During this meeting, they will present potential modifications to enhance sustainability within the current structure.
In March, the committee will reconvene to discuss broader restructuring options, including possible amalgamation.
If further examination of restructuring is deemed necessary, a second phase of the study will begin.
In February 2025, all Warfield households will receive a summary of the committee’s work-to-date, including assessments of the village’s current sustainability.
Later that month, a Town Hall will be held to share findings and engage residents in discussing Warfield’s path forward.
