Municipal Status - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Beaumont elected officials are seeking input from residents on whether we should change to city status.
Please read the FAQs and then answer the survey questions online at www.beaumont.ab.ca/cityortown.
Beaumont is currently the 5th fastest growing community in Canada and the fastest growing community in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. The projections indicate that we will continue to grow by approximately 5 per cent per year in the near future. Every day, Beaumont gains two to three new residents. Our population is predicted to top 40,000 by 2040. Now is a good time to have the discussion about whether to change to city status or remain a town.
If you have questions that are not listed here, please contact us at engagement@beaumont.ab.ca. We will add your question and the answer to the online FAQs.
FAQs: Changing Municipal Status - City vs Town Why should Beaumont become a city? Many other communities have changed to city status because the perception for some investors is that cities are more likely to attract new businesses. When we attract more businesses, the tax burden will be more evenly distributed among the residential and non-residential tax base. The goal is to achieve an 80:20 ratio of residential to non-residential taxes. Why should Beaumont remain a town? It’s a matter of perception and preference. Many residents value the distinction of having a small town feel (see below); however, all projections indicate that Beaumont and the Edmonton region are high-priority growth areas. People will continue to move here for the very reasons that we value whether we are a town or a city. What about my property taxes? Will they increase if we become a city? Property taxes will not increase as a direct result of becoming a city. One way to balance the tax burden on residents is to attract more businesses. With so many people moving to Beaumont (over 950 according to our 2016 municipal census), our tax ratio of 94 per cent residential to 6 per cent non-residential remains consistent because of the strong residential growth. This is why it is essential to attract new businesses. Being Alberta’s newest city would be one marketing tool that might help attract new commercial ventures and interest. Have other communities seen an increase in economic development when they became a city? Yes. For example, Chestermere reported an increase in interest from investors and developers when they became a city. Will Beaumont receive more or less grant funding if we become a city? Grant funding is not dependent on municipal status. The grants are designed so that municipal status does not affect our ability to receive grant money, nor the amount we are entitled to receive. The majority of grants are based on municipal population numbers.
What about safety? Beaumont continues to be among the safest communities in Alberta. This is due to the people who live here being vigilant and being watchful, and the targeted approach of the local RCMP and Municipal Enforcement staff. I like Beaumont’s small town feel. Will that change? Beaumont’s small town feel is a direct result of the kindness and caring exhibited by the people who live here. It stems from the little things that, together, show our better side. It’s being on the lookout for your neighbours. It’s the numerous thank-you posts online. It’s buying a coffee for the person behind you at the local coffee shop. It’s about being involved in the community. It is driven by our French Village Design guidelines and a focus on building a community identity. It is not a result of city or town status and there is no reason to believe that Beaumont’s charm will change if we become a city. How does the recent annexation affect Beaumont’s municipal status? Beaumont’s corporate limits more than doubled on January 1, 2017, and developers are already seeking opportunities to create commercial and residential space. Before annexation, Beaumont was running out of non-residential land. The successful annexation does not require us to become a city; however, it does present some great opportunities for economic development. What about Edmonton? Will they annex the land north of TWP510? Edmonton has filed a letter of intent stating that they plan to annex the land north of TWP510. We believe that we have proven our ability to service the land for future development. The provincial government agrees based on the recommendations from the Municipal Government Board or they wouldn’t have approved our annexation proposal in the first place.
How will becoming a city affect transportation? Beaumont continues to plan ahead regarding transportation. We are currently in the process of developing a Transportation Master Plan (TMP). When we twinned 50 Street we took responsibility for maintaining the roadway. This is something that many communities must face when they change status but Beaumont is already doing it.
What about becoming a specialized municipality like Strathcona County or Wood Buffalo? These communities chose this special status in order to bring in taxes from heavy industry into their communities. Beaumont is not directly surrounded by heavy industry and for this reason, this option is not being pursued.
With the introduction of the commuter transit service in September 2017, Beaumont is well positioned to be a partner of a regional transit strategy and will likely be a key member in any future discussions that may occur.
When will Beaumont become a city? Depending on Council’s decision, Beaumont could become a city once Council has made a decision to change to city status and that the status change has been approved by the Province.
It seems like becoming a city is a matter of perception. To a great extent, this is true; however, other communities have reported positive economic development opportunities as a result of the change in status.
How much will it cost to become a city? There are no costs associated with becoming a city. It simply requires a resolution from Council.
What about rebranding? Will that cost money? Beaumont needs to rebrand regardless of municipal status, and the rebranding project will proceed as soon as residents’ preference for city or town status is determined. Our last significant rebranding was undertaken more than 25 years ago. We have budgeted $25,000 for the rebranding project this year. We will consult residents during the rebranding project. Why does Beaumont need to rebrand? Beaumont is long overdue for a re-brand and we will consult residents on the re-branding project in 2017 once residents’ preference for city or town status is known. We need a new design that aligns with the community we have become. The brand should tell the world who we are and what we are about. It includes the logo, tag line, signage, letterhead and more. Our last significant re-branding was undertaken more than 25 years ago, before the Internet was widely available. We have budgeted $25,000 for the re-branding project this year and we will consult and dialogue with residents as part of the re-branding exercise. Beaumont needs to re-brand regardless of municipal status. Even smaller communities in the region like Devon and Calmar have rebranded to maintain a fresh and modern appearance. It is time for Beaumont to update our look and feel. Further, Beaumont can brand itself as simply “Beaumont” without using the town or city prefix.
What about policing costs? Will they rise if we become a city? No. Policing costs are based on population, not on municipal status. How will changing to city status improve economic development opportunities? As part of Edmonton’s International Region, Beaumont is currently marketed nationally and internationally as part of the Leduc Nisku Economic Development Association. Having city status might draw additional interest from regional, provincial, national and international businesses. The only other city in the Leduc region is the City of Leduc. Beaumont could market itself as Alberta’s newest city, a tactic that is currently being used successfully by Chestermere. We are poised to develop a business/industrial park in our newly annexed areas south of 625, and this announcement should draw further interest to Beaumont. Being a city, combined with our recent successful annexation and the fact that we are Canada’s 5th fastest growing community, will attract more non-residential and residential development. Non-residential development will bring in proportionally more taxes to help pay for the amenities residents want and need while not causing undue pressures on residential taxes. Remaining a town will not inhibit growth. People will continue to move here because it is their right to do so if they wish. Besides, who wouldn’t want to move to Beaumont? Projections indicate our population will exceed 40,000 people by 2040.