During Monday council, Warfield officials received a letter from the City of Trail confirming their support for a joint governance restructuring study, moving forward on discussions regarding possible amalgamation with the Village of Warfield.
In a letter dated May 29, Trail Mayor Colleen Jones wrote to Warfield Mayor Frank Marino, confirming that city council agreed to proceed with the initiative.
The decision comes after Warfield council completed a municipal sustainability study, which examined the long-term viability of the village and reviewed governance options to support a sustainable future.
“I am pleased to advise that at their regular council meeting on May 26, Trail council passed the following motion,” Mayor Jones wrote.
The carried motion resolves that Trail council respond to Warfield’s May 14 correspondence by indicating their willingness to participate and support a joint application to the ministry.
If successful, meaning the study moves ahead with provincial funding, Trail council will also participate in developing terms of reference and the establishment of a governance structure to guide the process.
Also Monday night, Mayor Marino was tasked to follow up with Minister Ravi Kahlon, of housing and municipal affairs, to determine whether the province will support the proposed joint study, including funding and technical support.
Warfield officials are seeking clarification on what additional actions may be required now that Trail has formally expressed support for proceeding with a joint application.
This follows earlier correspondence from Marino to Minister Kahlon.
In a letter dated May 14, Marino advised that Warfield had completed the sustainability study commissioned by the ministry, to assess the village’s long-term viability and explore strategic governance and service delivery opportunities.
Based on recommendations from the village’s sustainability committee and feedback gathered through community engagement, Warfield council voted to proceed with a Phase II governance restructuring study to explore the potential amalgamation with Trail.
Marino requested ministerial endorsement to proceed with the study, grant funding to retain an external consultant, and access to technical resources to assist with planning and scoping the next phase.
He noted that a majority of residents who participated in the survey supported reviewing the impacts of amalgamation.
Marino confirmed that a copy of the sustainability study had been provided to ministry staff and emphasized the village’s request for collaboration with the City of Trail.
As part of the next phase, Marino also highlighted the need to address broader and costly local issues, such as sourcing a new water supply for the village.
