Alberta’s Ma-Me-O Beach votes 256–46 to retain summer village status, preserving independence after a provincial review.
Ma-Me-O Beach votes to remain a summer village
Residents deliver decisive choice
Residents and property owners at Ma-Me-O Beach voted over the weekend to keep their lakeside municipality’s special designation as a summer village. The official tally showed 256 in favour and 46 opposed, confirming strong support for the community’s independence.
Why the vote took place
The decision followed a provincial viability review launched in December 2023, after Ma-Me-O Beach faced $5 million in debt from a failed wastewater project. The review aimed to determine whether the municipality could continue as a summer village or dissolve into Wetaskiwin County.
When the process unfolded
The vote was held this past weekend after nearly a year of study and debate. The province required the ballot as part of its formal review process, with results expected to guide its final ruling in the coming weeks.
Where the community stands
Ma-Me-O Beach, located about 100 kilometres southwest of Edmonton on the southeast shore of Pigeon Lake, is one of 51 Alberta municipalities with the unique designation. The status is no longer granted to new communities but remains in place for existing summer villages.
How residents see the outcome
Mayor Christine Holmes said the result provides a clear mandate. “To have such a decisive vote is wonderful to see,” she said. Longtime resident Miles Jackson added the community values its autonomy. “We’ve always been proud of our little independent thing here,” he noted.
What happens next
Although the vote results are public, they remain unofficial until the Alberta government confirms them. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams said the province is still considering options and will notify the community soon. Over the next five years, Ma-Me-O Beach must file reports with the ministry and follow recommendations to ensure its long-term stability.
