MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - There are no plans to amalgamate Cremona into Mountain View County despite inaccurate comments made on social media Tuesday that may have looked official, says a county spokesperson.
An anonymous post on the Cremona Open Forum Facebook page stated, “The Village of Cremona to be taken over by Mountain View County. Residents can expect lower taxes and better services. That saves us over $100,000 right there.”
The post included the unauthorized use of the county’s logo. Administrators of the page have since removed the post.
In response to the false post, the county posted the following on its own Facebook page: “Mountain View County is aware of false information circulating online that involves the unauthorized use of our logo. Please be advised that this content is not from us and is inaccurate.
“In keeping with our commitment to transparency and accurate information, the county continues to support the Village of Cremona through our ongoing relationship and will remain dedicated to assisting them throughout the Village of Cremona’s viability process. For reliable updates and accurate information regarding Mountain View County, please refer only to our official channels.”
County spokesperson Shelley French told the Albertan the county wanted to make sure residents and others knew the original post was false.
“We wanted to assure ratepayers that it was not true,” she said. “We just thought, let’s just quash the rumour.”
Asked if the county plans to "take over" the Village of Cremona, she said no.
A Municipal Affairs viability review might be on the horizon for the Village of Cremona following three recent resignations including the mayor that for the second time in less than a year has left council without quorum.
An official administrator assigned by Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver is now in place to act as council. No byelection will be held before the scheduled October municipal elections.
Although the Albertan's interview request to speak with McIver on the evolving situation could not be accommodated, a statement was provided by the ministry’s press secretary.
“Given the proximity to the 2025 general municipal election and the extraordinary second loss of quorum in a short timeframe, the minister may consider other options, such as a viability review,” Kevin Lee told the Albertan by email in response to follow-up questions.
- With files from Simon Ducatel
