Residents of Gibbons, Alberta, began casting ballots Wednesday in a binding referendum that will decide whether the community dissolves its town status to become a hamlet under Sturgeon County. The vote, which runs until 8 p.m. local time, asks a single question: “Are you in favour of the dissolution of the Town of Gibbons?”
What a ‘yes’ vote means
If approved, Gibbons would cease to exist as an incorporated town and become a hamlet within Sturgeon County, losing its municipal council and mayor. The change would take effect on December 31, 2026. The town’s current mayor, Jeff Watt, and councillors would be replaced by county representation, and property taxes would be amalgamated into Sturgeon County’s tax system.
The referendum was triggered by a petition signed by more than 10 per cent of Gibbons’ eligible voters, which forced the town to hold the vote under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act. The town’s population is approximately 3,200, according to the 2021 census.
Arguments for and against
Proponents of dissolution argue that Gibbons residents would benefit from lower taxes and access to a wider range of county services. “We pay higher taxes than our neighbours in the county and get fewer services,” said Gibbons resident and petition organizer Sarah Mitchell in a statement. “This is about fairness and fiscal responsibility.”
Opponents, including Mayor Watt, warn that losing local control could leave Gibbons with less say over land use, zoning, and community priorities. “We have a strong local identity and a council that works hard for residents. Becoming a hamlet means decisions are made in Morinville, not here,” Watt told CTV News Edmonton.
Voting details and turnout
Voting is being held at the Gibbons Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance polls saw a turnout of about 12 per cent of eligible voters, according to the town’s returning officer. The final result is expected shortly after polls close on Wednesday evening.
Gibbons is located about 30 kilometres northeast of Edmonton. If the dissolution passes, it would join a small number of Alberta communities that have dissolved in recent decades, including the Village of Gadsby in 2019.
