Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs) and Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs) are provincially required agreements between neighbouring municipalities. They ensure coordinated, efficient and responsible planning in shared areas. The Government of Alberta requires municipalities in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region to finalize these agreements by November 30, 2027.

What is an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework?

An Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework is a provincially required agreement between neighbouring municipalities that sets out how they will work together to deliver any shared services.

ICFs support coordination of services that benefit residents across municipal boundaries and are required to include:

  • Transportation
  • Emergency
  • Recreation
  • Water and wastewater systems
  • Solid waste

ICFs clearly define how services will be delivered and funded and establish processes for resolving disputes. They also include mechanisms for reviewing and updating the agreement over time.

By setting shared expectations and clear service arrangements, ICFs provide clarity, predictability and long-term intermunicipal cooperation.

Information about finalized agreements will be shared publicly once they are complete.

 

What is an Intermunicipal Development Plan?

An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a high-level statutory plan adopted jointly by neighbouring municipalities to guide growth and development in areas around their shared boundaries.

IDPs promote cooperative decision-making and support the long-term interests of the municipalities involved.

IDPs address key issues that affect how communities grow and function together, including:

  • Land use planning and compatibility
  • Growth coordination
  • Transportation connections
  • Infrastructure and servicing coordination
  • Environmental protection in boundary areas
  • Processes for resolving disagreements
  • Procedures for monitoring and updating the plan

IDPs do not approve specific development projects. Instead, they provide high-level policy direction that helps municipalities make coordinated decisions near municipal boundaries. By establishing shared expectations and clear processes, IDPs improve coordination and provide greater certainty for municipalities, landowners, businesses and the public.

Under the Municipal Government Act, municipalities must take appropriate measures to involve the public before adopting an IDP. Each IDP will include engagement opportunities and a formal public hearing prior to being finalized.

Information about current projects and engagement opportunities will be shared as it becomes available.

Why These Agreements Matter

Municipal boundaries do not limit how communities grow and function. Homes, businesses, roads and services often connect across municipal boundaries.

ICFs and IDPs ensure that:

  • Planning decisions are coordinated
  • Infrastructure investments are aligned
  • Public resources are used efficiently
  • Services are delivered effectively
  • Growth is orderly and compatible
  • Residents, landowners and businesses have greater certainty

Together, these agreements support collaborative, long-term planning for Edmonton and the region.