A community in central Alberta is facing a significant decision that will shape its future – whether to remain as a village or merge into the adjacent county. Donalda, situated approximately 110 kilometers east of Red Deer, is renowned for hosting the world’s largest oil lamp, a towering 12-meter replica overlooking the Prairie Badlands. However, with a population of around 220 residents, the community has garnered attention due to an Alberta government-mandated viability review prompted by a series of events leading to byelections in May 2024 and January 2025, where two out of three councillors resigned each time.
Mayor Shaleah Fox of Donalda views the government-ordered review as an opportunity for growth, stating that declining business-to-resident ratios and challenges in recruiting council members are hindering the sustainability of villages like Donalda. Emphasizing the importance of governance stability for growth, Fox believes that maintaining village status allows for local autonomy and shared responsibility.
The community is currently engaged in discussions and surveys, with an impending infrastructure audit expected to provide crucial insights into Donalda’s condition. While some residents, like Jody Solar, advocate for becoming a hamlet under Stettler County, citing potential benefits in managing infrastructure and accessing services, others, such as Gwen Wood, are awaiting detailed financial information to make informed decisions.
Longtime resident Frank Raymond Sutton, reflecting on the village’s past vibrancy, contemplates a shift towards becoming a hamlet for renewed growth opportunities. Donalda’s situation mirrors broader rural challenges in central Alberta, with several communities undergoing viability reviews, such as Ma-Me-O Beach and Halkirk, with varying outcomes. Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, highlights the complexities of dissolution, cautioning that it is not a quick fix for community challenges.
The province, through Alberta’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs, supports municipalities considering restructuring due to financial constraints or service delivery issues. Ultimately, the fate of Donalda remains uncertain, with residents hopeful for a resurgence of community spirit and vitality regardless of the outcome.