The City of Edmonton submitted an application to the province Thursday to annex 8,857 hectares from Leduc County and the Town of Beaumont.
This latest step comes after work that started in 2013 when Edmonton first announced its intent to annex land from both regions.
The formal application includes land in Leduc County agreed to in the Annexation Agreement signed on June 30, 2017 and nine quarter sections of Beaumont.
READ MORE: Edmonton and Leduc County sign annexation agreement
For Edmonton, this submission marks a significant milestone.
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“We want to recognize and thank the landowners who took time to engage with the city and provide valuable feedback,” city manager Linda Cochrane said.
“Being able to go to the Municipal Government Board (MGB) with an annexation application supported by Leduc County represents many years of hard work and dedication from the negotiating committees and administrations from both the city and county. It demonstrates a collaborative planning approach is possible and necessary for the good of the whole region.”
READ MORE: Edmonton, Leduc County come to agreement on land annexation
The process leading up to this step included three years of collecting feedback from landowners and stakeholders, including information sessions, meetings, and dedicated email and phone lines to answer questions.
“The next part of the annexation process is a formal review by the MGB,” Lindsey Butterfield, director of Regional Development, said. “Hearings will be held where affected members of the public will have the opportunity to voice their support or opposition. Following the hearings, the MGB makes a recommendation to the province and a final decision is signed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.”
The recommendation is expected to be made by the end of 2018.
Landowners in the annexation area will receive notices about public hearings from the MGB.
The city and Leduc County have requested an annexation effective date of Jan. 1, 2019.
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