A new Municipal Government Act will be in place before the next provincial election. Minister of Municipal Affairs Deron Bilous told the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association convention in Calgary the updated act will be introduced in the legislature next spring.
“The structure will stress working together, growing together, and making our province better together. We are committed to a new era in provincial-municipal relations, one where communities work together to create a more collaborative, modern, efficient and sustainable future.”
The current legislation came into effect nearly two decades ago, and recent plans for changes were delayed by the 2013 floods and municipal election. Outgoing AUMA president and Grande Prairie City Councillor Helen Rice says she’s happy to see the commitment, but stresses that communication throughout will be critical.
“This is a transformative opportunity, so taking time to get it done right is important. Continuing to dialogue as the legislation is being built is absolutely critical for municipalities to identify risks and opportunities within a new governance model of empowerment and their ability to resource those obligations.”
Bilous says the legislation should deal with several municipal issues, and focus on better collaboration and consistency.