Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions you may have about municipal amalgamation and the Study process.
What is municipal amalgamation?
Municipal amalgamation takes place when two or more municipalities merge to form one municipality. In British Columbia, amalgamation can only occur with provincial approval based on the results of a referendum in which the proposed amalgamation earns 50% of the votes in each municipality.
What is the Amalgamation Study?
The purpose of the Amalgamation Study is to explore the governance, service and cost implications of a potential amalgamation between the City of Trail and the Village of Warfield.
The Study consists of a technical review conducted by consultants with oversight by a community Steering Committee and community engagement. The Study will provide clear, objective information to help the Councils and residents of Trail and Warfield understand what amalgamation would mean to their communities.
Who is conducting the Amalgamation Study?
The Study is being led by a consulting team made up of Allan Neilson (Neilson Strategies Inc.), Sherry Hurst (Leftside Partners Inc.) and Natasha Horsman (Horsman Strategies). This team has led numerous local government restructure studies around BC, including most recently, the 2023-2024 Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study, which resulted in a community referendum and the decision to incorporate Okanagan Falls as a municipality.