An Improvement District is a form of local government in Alberta and British Columbia providing basic municipal services to areas without full municipal organization—typically remote or sparsely populated regions. Improvement Districts deliver essential services like roads, drainage, fire protection, and water supply, governed by provincially-appointed trustees rather than elected councils. They exist where population is insufficient to support conventional municipal governance but residents still need local services. Improvement District boundaries, services, and budgets are set provincially. Residents pay taxes for services received but have limited local democratic control compared to municipalities. Some Improvement Districts eventually incorporate as municipalities when populations grow sufficiently. Similar structures exist elsewhere under names like local service districts or unincorporated areas. Improvement Districts represent a pragmatic approach to serving small populations without the overhead of full municipal government.