The Town of Taber will stay a town as talks of becoming a city have been shut down. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Taber no longer looking to become a city

Dec 2, 2024 | 9:27 AM

TABER, AB – It will remain the “Town” of Taber for the foreseeable future.

The municipality has decided to discontinue the exploration of city status.

Mayor Andrew Prokop says the voices of residents were clear in that they did not want to make the change.

“While the idea of city status sparked valuable discussions about our future, the feedback showed that Taberites take great pride in being a town. Council heard you, and we respect that,” says Prokop.

The Town announced in September that it wanted to look into the possibility of becoming a city, believing it would present opportunities for economic growth and greater regional representation.

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Through a survey and a series of in-person meetings, however, Prokop says many residents expressed a “strong preference” to remain a town.

A common theme was a desire for Taber to keep its “small-town feel.”

“To those who saw city status as an exciting opportunity for progress, we want you to know that Taber’s energy and momentum remain strong,” added Prokop. “We will keep building on our strengths to ensure Taber continues to be a vibrant and influential voice in Southern Alberta, whether we’re called a town or a city.”

If Taber had gone through with the change, it would have become the smallest city in Alberta. The community was home to 8,862 residents as of the 2021 federal census.

READ MORE: Taber to explore potentially becoming a city

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