In Case You Missed It: Galahad and Strome dissolve into hamlets

As of Jan. 1, both Strome and Galahad became hamlets. Cabinet approved the dissolution of both villages on Nov. 17 of 2015, after public votes in both villages were overwhelmingly in favour of becoming hamlets.

The Galahad public vote was held on Sept. 15, and 49 out of 50 received votes were in favour of dissolution.

The Strome vote was held on Sept. 29, and 89 of 95 received votes were in favour of dissolution.

Upon dissolution, several changes have been made to the communities. Both Village Councils were dissolved, and all decisions regarding the hamlets will now be handled by Flagstaff County Council.

The Village Office is also now closed in both communities, and residents must now contact the County Office with any issues.

The residents of the hamlets are now represented by the County Councillor in their division, and interested residents can run for County Council in the next election.

Bylaw enforcement, along with other municipal services, will be administered from the County Office as well.

The County was transferred all grants previously allocated to the villages, and the funds must now be used for projects in their respective hamlets. The rights to revenues for each community also now go to the County.

Flagstaff County is also responsible for determining which assets are required for use in the hamlet, and which will be sold. The proceeds from the sales may be used to offset expenses in the hamlets.

Property taxes for hamlet residents must now be paid to Flagstaff County, who is able to levy additional taxes or local improvement levies in order to supplement revenues received from the hamlets.

Megan Lockhart
Associate Editor