The buzzword floating around both provincial and local government tables over the last few years has been “intermunicipal collaboration.”
The provincial government has been encouraging neighbouring municipalities to work together, combine resources and share services.
Town of Westlock Mayor Ralph Leriger made a big push for regional collaboration at the Mayor’s Breakfast Oct. 26, not only because it will be required following amendments to the Municipal Government Act, but also because it will give rural municipalities a stronger voice to get essential funding.
This makes economic sense, now more than ever, for municipalities to pool their resources, whether to share emergency services, infrastructure and promote regional economic development.
The Westlock Rotary Club recently donated $100,000 to the town, of which $75,000 will go towards the new handi-bus that will drive seniors and those with mobility issues around town. In the past, the bus used to be cost-shared with the county and Village of Clyde.
So, how do seniors in those areas get around? Shouldn’t the town, county and village be able to come to some agreement?
It’s time to get past the “us versus them” mentality. A few years ago, Westlock County turned down the chance to contribute capital dollars to the $19.7 million construction of the Rotary Spirit Centre, based on a county plebiscite that residents wouldn’t use a town facility.
Of course that’s far from the truth as the latest report from the town tallied 392 county residents used the fitness centre in September. Of those, 338 were registered users. Compare that to 300 town residents, eight village residents and 30 others. That means more than half of users were from the county.
But that’s all water under the bridge now.
As we enter the last year before the municipal elections, it’s time to start seriously considering erasing the artificial barriers that exist locally.
In the past we’ve advocated less municipal government. But let’s not put the cart before the horse as this upcoming collaboration study isn’t about amalgamation.
Remember folks there’s only one taxpayer, so let’s save some money and provide better and more efficient services to all residents, no matter their address. That’s a goal all local politicians should be supporting.
