Annexation: What It Means for Parkland County and How We Can Protect Ourselves
- Robert Pellerin
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Annexation is one of the most significant long-term threats facing Parkland County. It’s the legal process where a city—like Edmonton—expands its boundaries by taking land from neighboring municipalities such as counties, towns, or villages. While this process requires provincial approval, it can fundamentally change the future of our communities, our services, and our tax base.
How Annexation Works
In Alberta, annexation follows a formal process:
Initiation – A city claims it needs more land for growth (usually for housing, industry, or commercial development).
Negotiation – The city and county negotiate land boundaries, tax revenue compensation, and service transitions.
Public Engagement – Landowners and residents are consulted, often through open houses or public hearings.
Provincial Review – The Municipal Government Board (MGB) examines the case and provides recommendations.
Provincial Approval – The Alberta Cabinet has the final say.
Transition – Annexed land becomes part of the city, often with phased-in tax changes and service adjustments.
This means no city can simply “take” land—it must be justified, reviewed, and approved. Still, history shows that large annexations have happened, and the risk is always present.
Why Annexation Threatens Parkland County
For Parkland County, annexation is not just about land—it’s about our future:
Loss of Tax Revenue – Areas like Acheson are vital to our tax base. If annexed, Edmonton would collect that revenue instead of the County.
Reduced Local Control – Land use, planning, and development decisions would shift away from our residents and council.
Higher Taxes for Residents – City tax rates are often much higher than county rates. Annexation can eventually mean increased costs for families and businesses.
Community Identity at Risk – Annexation can change the character of rural and small-town communities, replacing them with urban priorities.
What Parkland County Can Do to Protect Itself
While no municipality can permanently “lock the door” against annexation, we can make ourselves stronger and less vulnerable:
Strong Land Use Planning – By showing that we can responsibly manage growth in places like Acheson and in bordering communities, we reduce the argument that Edmonton must “step in.”
Intermunicipal Agreements – Well-negotiated frameworks with Edmonton and other neighbors can set clear boundaries and reduce annexation pressure.
Economic Strength – Maintaining a strong, diversified tax base makes us less of a target.
Provincial Advocacy – Since annexations are approved by Cabinet, strong provincial relationships are key to protecting Parkland’s interests.
Resident Engagement – A united community voice opposing unnecessary annexation carries weight in MGB hearings.
Where I Stand
If elected, I will work tirelessly to defend Parkland County’s borders and ensure that our residents and businesses are protected from the negative impacts of annexation. Specifically, I will:
Strengthen Parkland’s growth plans to show we can handle our own residential and industrial development.
Advocate for “no annexation” commitments in intermunicipal agreements.
Build strong provincial relationships to ensure our voice is heard when annexation requests are reviewed.
Stand up for taxpayers so that our residents are not forced into higher urban tax rates without consent.
Engage openly with residents so you are informed and included in any discussions that affect your land and your future.
The Bottom Line
Annexation is not just a technical process—it’s about protecting our community, our autonomy, and our economic future. With strong leadership, Parkland County can push back against unnecessary annexation and secure a better path forward for our residents.
On October 20, 2025, you have a choice. A vote for Rob Pellerin is a vote to defend Parkland County, protect our borders, and keep our future in our own hands.
