IN THE NEWS

By Marianne Cole

REGIONAL GOVERNANCE STUDY 

This issue of our CCTA newsletter will focus on one main topic---the Regional Governance Study currently underway. In short, this is a preliminary investigation into the various possibilities of government for the County, the Town of Rocky, and the Village of Caroline.

History

Discussion on this issue began a couple of years ago when potential “amalgamation” was first proposed by the town. The three councils each discussed the matter and it seemed that the most favorable/beneficial option for the county was to just investigate joining the County and the Village of Caroline. It was felt that taking one small step first and evaluating those results before proceeding with a larger step would be the wisest choice. This suggestion was communicated to both the Town and Village. The Village was supportive; the Town not. The County and Village subsequently applied for an Alberta Community Partnership Grant to support costs of investigating just the dual amalgamation. Initially the grant was refused but was later awarded for a reduced amount.

In the meantime, the Town submitted an application under the same program with the intent of doing a “regional” study, even though both the County and the Village had indicated they did not support the idea. Their application was successful and the investigation process has now begun with a regional focus.

Process 

A Steering Committee to oversee the process was established with the Mayors of the town and village, the County Reeve, Councillors from all three jurisdictions, and the CAO’s from each municipality. Applications were opened up for consultants to do the information gathering and report preparation. As a result Nichols Applied Management along with ISL Engineering and Land Services have been hired. They have released the following timeline and steps:

January: Review the current situation and conduct interviews with the respective councils and administration.

February: Public engagement that would include providing online information, doing a virtual (online) open house meeting, and conducting a survey.

March-May: Develop options and recommendations based on the background review and the public engagement feedback. Submit a report to the Steering Committee.

May: Hopefully hold in-person open houses, virtual open house, and complete another survey. A summary of the feedback would then be shared with the Steering Committee.

Following the information gathering and presentation to the Steering Committee it is up to the three councils to make further decisions.

Possibilities 

While there are seven possibilities listed in the “Regional Governance Study” information there are in reality 5 options:

1. Status Quo Everything remains the same with collaborative regional partnerships.

2. Single Municipal District The three municipalities (County, village, and town) would amalgamate into one single Municipal District.

3. Dissolution of the Village Caroline would give up its status as a village to become a hamlet in Clearwater County (like Leslieville or Condor). This would leave the County and the town as separate entities.

4. Amalgamation of County and Village This would be similar to the above option but electoral divisions in the County would be adjusted to give Caroline its own representation on County Council.

5. Amalgamation of the Town and County The town of Rocky and Clearwater County would be joined into a single Municipal District. An electoral system would need to be developed to elect one council. Staff would be consolidated into a single administration. Caroline would maintain its status as a village.

COMMENT 

This is a very crucial issue that commands significantly more information be given to the public in methods other than the over-dependence on social media/virtual technology. To rely so heavily on this method of public engagement shows, again, a definite lack of understanding of/respect for, the rural community and its issues with connectivity and variety of technology skill set.

All residents of each one of the 3 municipalities involved deserve equal opportunity to gather information and provide input. This can only be done effectively if information has been provided in a number of ways that would address any possible restrictions. While open, in-person meetings are viewed as most desired, other effective methods could include individual information mail outs that would include a survey, as well as a potential wrap around the most widely circulated newspaper in our area, the Western Star.

Many of us have witnessed the recent distinct friction between the Town and County with a perceived unwillingness by the Town for equal “give and take”. It was earlier evident in the frustrating discussions between the Town and the Rodeo Board re the grandstand grant/ North Saskatchewan River Park lease. Recently, other conflicting issues (such as waste disposal and airport matters) have come forward. Such discord has, historically, not been a problem between the Town and County. In spite of these problems, the County has remained committed to fulfilling its community support financially. In 2019 this amounted to $7,808,079. The 2020 total has yet to be audited/published.

With an election on the horizon perhaps there is a possibility that we could return to more congenial, cooperative negotiations on matters of joint concern. As such we should not now be forced into a situation that could potentially have very serious repercussions to, above all, our County finances.

LET’S PUT ANY THOUGHTS OF AMALGAMATION ON HOLD AND SEE WHAT THE FUTURE BRINGS. IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THAT ATTACHED SURVEY… AND EVEN PHOTOCOPY IT AND PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS. 

The deadline for submission has been extended to March 10, 2021.

Coming Events: 

Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, Regular CCTA monthly meeting