In the end, it wasn’t even close.
Last week, residents of the Village of Delia went to the polls to answer the existential question as to whether they should remain a village. The vote was spread over Wednesday, April 23, and Thursday, April 24.
In the end, 103 voters came out, and of them, 95 selected Option 1, which is that the Village of Delia remains a village and implements changes to achieve viability.
Only eight voted for Option 2 to dissolve the Village of Delia and become a hamlet in Starland County.
Mayor Jordan Elliott was happy with the results, and it wasn't a surprise.
“I was totally expecting that we would stay a village. I was more surprised by the turnout,” she said. “When I looked at other villages that have gone through this, there wasn't as much of a turnout, but this was a good turnout.”
The vote for viability was a long time coming. The Village of Delia Council made a motion in October of 2022 to apply to Municipal Affairs to have them conduct a Viability Review. This came after a public meeting on September 8 of that year, when the future of the Village was discussed. A Viability Review begins with a Ministry screening. If the minister decides a review is necessary, they will then go into information collection.
This will review the information supplied by the municipality being reviewed, as well as the receiving municipality. They will also review the municipality’s finances and infrastructure. Stakeholder involvement can include written submissions, surveys, open houses and public meetings.
This process continued until last month when the study was completed, and last week, residents went to the polls.
Upon the successful vote, the Viability report has a list of recommended actions to propel the village forward.
“We are excited, we have a lot of work to do, and I think we are ready. We have already made some steps forward in the right direction. We are just going to continue that and keep working on projects,” said Elliot.

While the snow has just disappeared in many areas, the risk of fire is increasing.
While it seems early, Wildfire Season in Alberta began on March 1.
“The key to prevention efforts is stopping wildfires before they start. It is essential that every Albertan understands their role in preventing wildfires, which is why we are increasing public awareness campaigns and promoting safe practices for outdoor activities, while also enforcing fire bans as necessary. Every small effort counts in preventing wildfires and protecting our communities and natural resources,” said Todd Lowen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.
Already, Kneehill County has issued a Fire Advisory.
Under this advisory, campfires, backyard fires and charcoal briquettes are allowed. New burn permits can be issued on a case-by-case basis. If conditions worsen, a Fire Restriction or a Fire Ban may be instated.
Drumheller also implemented a Fire Advisory on March 26.
“During a Fire Advisory, there are no restrictions on outside burning other than those specified within the Town of Drumheller Fire Bylaw and the Fireworks Bylaw,” it notes.
Clean wood or charcoal can be burned in conforming fire pits. Garbage, yard waste including leaves and grass clippings, or any other smudge fires are forbidden.
Special Areas has also issued a Fire advisory. It notes that town, villages, and provincial parks within Special Areas handles their own restrictions.
The Hand Hills Ecological Reserve is under a fire ban.
For more information and to see a breakdown of conditions throughout the province, go to:
www.albertafirebans.ca