Future of the region lies in cooperation
| November 30, 2007 Strathcona County?s Council continues to believe the future of the region should be based on local autonomy, accountability and cost sharing; and should not add a new level of government. ?We?re now hearing that many local elected officials from across Alberta share our thinking,? says Mayor Cathy Olesen. ?People agree that local decisions are best made by local councils. Everyone is open to new ideas and continuous improvement. And this can be achieved without adding another level of government.? A proposed plan put forward on November 22 by a consultant working for the Province recommends a regional board for the Capital Region. The board would have binding powers, and municipalities could be required to pay its operating costs, as yet unspecified. Under the proposal, the regional board would take over land use planning from local municipalities. A wide range of other services could eventually fall under some form of regional control, including inter-municipal transit, information services and housing. There are significant gaps in the information provided to municipalities to date. ?We are being asked to agree to this board without fully understanding how voting would take place, the cost to our ratepayers, and ultimately how local services could be affected,? says Mayor Olesen. Despite such concerns and questions, Mayor Olesen says Strathcona County will continue to participate in the provincial process. ?We?re encouraged by what Premier Stelmach has said about respect for municipal autonomy and the assurance no new level of government is being contemplated,? she says. Contact: |
Last updated: Monday, January 18, 2010
Page ID: 3999