'I ❤️ SG' Conversation Series Topic #24- Building Regional Cooperation
- Erin Stevenson
- Sep 24
- 3 min read
Spruce Grove Councillor Erin Stevenson is proud to launch her campaign for a third term under the banner “I ❤️ SG”—a positive, community-focused message reflecting her deep commitment to the people, places, and possibilities that make Spruce Grove special.
Building Strong Regional Partnerships and Cooperation
Spruce Grove doesn’t stand alone. Our city’s growth, quality of life, and economic opportunities are closely tied to the partnerships we build across the region. As part of her “I 💙 SG” campaign for a third term, Councillor Erin Stevenson is highlighting Spruce Grove’s role in regional cooperation, the progress already made, and the next steps for collaboration.
Watch the video:
LOVE: Stronger Together
Spruce Grove has taken an active role in regional initiatives that benefit residents and businesses alike.
The City continues to participate in regional economic development partnerships, including Tri-Region Tourism Promotion, Collaborative Economic Development (CED), Edmonton Global, Community Futures, the Edmonton Innovation Networks, and the Digital Economy Program. These partnerships strengthen our ability to attract investment, support entrepreneurs, and showcase all that Spruce Grove and the region have to offer.
Closer to home, collaboration has led to amenities that connect people across municipal borders. New pickleball courts are one example of a recreational investment that draws players from across the Tri-Region.
The completion of two new trail connections with Stony Plain, including the Darwin Park Rotary Trail along Boundary Road, is another milestone. These shared-use paths not only promote active living but also strengthen the bond between neighbouring communities.
“Regional cooperation is about recognizing that our residents’ lives don’t stop at city borders,” Stevenson says. “People work, shop, play, and connect across the Tri-Region every day.”
IMPROVE: Broadening Partnerships
While collaboration with Stony Plain and Parkland County is strong, Stevenson believes there are opportunities to go further.
“We need to ask—who else should we be working with, and where does it make sense?” she says. Whether in areas like economic development, recreation, or public services, broader regional cooperation could unlock new opportunities.
Transportation is one example. A regional transit service was previously attempted but eventually dissolved. Stevenson believes that doesn’t mean regional transit is off the table. “It just means we need to look at different ways to deliver it,” she says.
Residents also ask about the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB), which once provided a framework for collaboration among municipalities. Now that the EMRB is no longer active, Stevenson says it’s important to reframe how regional cooperation is structured.
NEXT: Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks
The next big step for regional cooperation is the implementation of Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs), mandated by the Province of Alberta.
ICFs are agreements between municipalities that:
Describe services that benefit residents in more than one municipality.
Identify which municipality is responsible for providing these services.
Outline how the services will be delivered and funded.
Include a process for resolving disputes.
“ICFs are about formalizing what many of us already know: that collaboration benefits everyone,” Stevenson says. “From recreation to roads to utilities, we share services across borders. These agreements will ensure that continues in a fair and sustainable way.”
For Stevenson, the vision is clear: “Strong regional partnerships make Spruce Grove stronger. By working together, we can create opportunities and deliver services that no single municipality could do alone.”
Share your thoughts with Erin and connect with her on social media and don't forget to use the hashtag #IHeartSG. Show Erin support in her re-election campaign by requesting a lawn sign (request form is at the bottom of every webpage).
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