Strome residents sent a clear message to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on Tuesday, Sept. 29, when 94 per cent, or 89 out of 95 voters, chose Option 2, dissolution of the village of Strome to become a hamlet of Flagstaff County.

Because both residents, in a large majority, and village Council have voted for dissolution, the Minister must now recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council and Cabinet, that the village be dissolved, and will set a date of dissolution, probably at least six weeks away.

Flagstaff County will assume control over the village effective on that date.

Strome’s viability issues came to the forefront in April this year when the village had no one come forward to put a nomination in to fill a vacant Council seat.

The village was already undergoing the viability review process, and Council questioned the wisdom of holding extended nominations while the viability of the village was being examined, asking the Minister for a delay in holding another nomination day.

The Strome Comprehensive Viability Report was scheduled to be completed towards the end of May, and the village benefitted from a somewhat fast-tracked version of the review, a more streamlined process new to Municipal Affairs. While the reviews started months apart, the votes for Galahad and Strome occurred just weeks apart.

“I was excited, relieved, and gratified to see that an overwhelming majority of the residents of Strome had voted in favour of political change,” says Deputy Mayor Brian McGaffigan.

“As we all know change is never easy, but the residents of Strome have recognized the need and embraced it by being willing to move forward into the future in this new and positive way.”

Strome has been under contract to Flagstaff County for the provision of both administrative and public works services for the village. Residents voiced comments at the Viability Public Information meeting that they do not anticipate a big change, partly due to that fact.

Flagstaff County Reeve Gerald Kuefler commented that many people were under the impression that either Galahad or Strome were already hamlets of Flagstaff County, however, these two municipalities would be the first hamlets in Flagstaff County.