Collaboration talks between Gibbons and Sturgeon County stall
Gibbons town council is calling for "a more mature approach to regional collaboration" as it looks for ways to solve its financial crisis. In a letter to Sturgeon County council, Mayor Rick Henderson and his council thanked the county for the work done so far, but said Gibbons will no longer pursue shared fire services and Family and Community Support Services. Council also declined support toward a legal review of its investment into the Heartland Station development and will instead manage that work independently. "Leadership means recognizing when negotiations are not progressing toward a fair or sustainable outcome," the town said in a news release. "After careful review, it became clear that the current proposals may have led to increased costs for Gibbons residents and potential impacts on our local service levels."
Gibbons council said the town has "undergone a complete shift in financial management, governance, and strategic direction" in the five and half months since the election. It said the 2026 budget reduced spending on consulting costs by $300,000, repairs and maintenance by $200,000, and goods and supplies by $477,000. The equivalent of 14 staff positions have been eliminated, representing $1.2 million in annual cost savings, the town said. This may affect service levels, but the town is adjusting to ensure that core services continue, it added.
Gibbons has also saved $1 million through debt refinancing. Council is set to vote on a borrowing bylaw that would allow it to restructure its current debentures with the province and refinance $7 million. The deal involves deferring principal payments for three years. While the extension creates additional interest over time, it's necessary to improve cash flow, the town said. The town will host information sessions about the budget on April 23 and 28.
