August 4, 2026
Town of Bentley, Town of Penhold and Village of Clive Come Together to Plan for Future Growth
The Towns of Bentley and Penhold, along with the Village of Clive, are working together to develop a Shared Regional Growth Strategic Framework.
This partnership is supported through an Alberta Community Partnership grant and will help each community plan for growth in a way that reflects their unique needs. The process will support collaboration, shared learning, and stronger local capacity.
In addition to local analysis and strategies for each community, the project will create a framework that can be shared with other municipalities looking for a practical and strategic approach to planning for growth.
A customized growth strategy will be developed for each community, incorporating several key components. This strategy will include a comprehensive review of existing plans policies, and regulations to assess the community’s readiness for development.
“The Village of Clive is looking forward to working with our friends in the Towns of Bentley and Penhold. As a small, rural community, we’ve seen consistent growth over the last decade with a significant population milestone on the horizon,” said Luci Henry, Town of Clive Mayor. “It’s more important than ever to plan for future growth and we can do so thanks to the Alberta Community Partnership program.”
As part of the project, detailed community profiles and housing needs assessments will be created for each municipality. The housing needs assessments will use demographic information and housing trends to ensure that planning in each community reflects current and future housing demand.
The project will result in clear, local roadmaps with recommendations and actions for each community, along with a regional framework that others can use as a model.
“The Town of Bentley has a bright future and is thrilled to be partnering with the Village of Clive and the Town of Penhold to collectively work toward a strategic growth framework that meets each of our municipalities unique needs,” said Pam Hansen Town of Bentley Mayor. “Bentley really is The Place to Be, which is why we have to plan for how our community grows now and for years to come.”
A key component of the project will be engaging members of each municipality to gather community insights around what growth and development mean to them. By involving the community members, including youth, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how growth and development contribute to the overall health and well-being of the community.
“We’re very excited for this opportunity to work in partnership with our neighbours in Bentley and Clive. As Penhold continues to experience growth, we need to be able to strategically plan for it to ensure we continue to be an attractive place to live and remain an affordable, young vibrant community,” said Mike Yargeau, Town of Penhold Mayor.
What’s Next
This collaborative project will take place throughout the remainder of 2026. Updates will be shared every step of the way and stay tuned for various community engagement activities. Watch for more information through media release, website updates and social media.
About the Alberta Community Partnership Program
This program supports regional collaboration and helps municipalities build capacity. It focuses on improving services, strengthening municipal partnerships, and helping communities respond to local priorities. Find out more about the Alberta Community Partnership program at www.alberta.ca/alberta-community-partnership.
About the Village of Clive
Clive is a small, rural community that has experienced steady growth over the past decade, With a population nearing 1,000, it offers a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to Lacombe (20 km) and Red Deer (50 km), providing access to a full range of services.
About the Town of Bentley
Bentley offers strong local recreation opportunities and is close to popular destinations like Gull Lake, Sylvan Lake, and the Blindman Valley Ski Hill. These attractions support both residents and local businesses, especially during peak tourism seasons. Its location near Lacombe, Sylvan Lake, and Red Deer also allows residents to access larger urban services while maintaining a strong focus on supporting local businesses.
About the Town of Penhold
Penhold has grown steadily over the past 25 years and is approaching a population of 4,000. Its proximity to Red Deer provides both opportunities and challenges. While many residents benefit from access to big-city amenities, Penhold continues to shape its own identity by guiding the scale and type of local development.
