| Summary: | Many communities in Alberta face challenges with unpredictable patterns of rapid growth and subsequent downturn. This research paper examines whether a given governance model is better for adapting to rapid growth. The study was done using a case study approach. The paper looks at four case study areas: Grande Prairie, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Edmonton and Calgary. Grande Prairie exemplifies the urban-rural segregation model. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo illustrates the specialized municipality model. Edmonton is an example of the regional planning model. Calgary demonstrates the single-tier metropolitan model. The study focuses on three areas: the history of municipal boundary changes, land development patterns and tax base distribution. Most of the literature on the subject indicates that rapid growth can have a negative impact on a community ranging from increased crime rates to an inability to keep up with infrastructure demand. Several sources recommend using impact assessment models to predict the effects of rapid growth and using this as a basis for planning. However, the same sources warn that impact assessment models are flawed in numerous ways. Various sources hint at the potential of alternative governance models, but none explore this approach in depth. The examination of municipal boundary changes indicated that the specialized municipality is the most stable model. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has not had boundary change since the 1995 amalgamation; whereas Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Calgary have each had numerous boundary changes and attempted boundary changes. The analysis of land development patterns indicate that the specialized municipality system provided for a more concentrated pattern of development. In the Edmonton-Calgary comparison, Calgary's single-tier model was slightly more successful at containing urban development. However, Calgary continuously annexes land to accommodate its sprawl. The examination of tax base distribution indicated ...
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