Sturgeon County and Town of Morinville discuss Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework

Joint Statement: Morinville, AB – On Monday evening, the respective negotiating teams from Sturgeon County and the Town of Morinville held their initial meeting to discuss better ways of delivering services through an Intermunicipal Collaborative Framework mandated through the Modernized Municipal Government Act. Sturgeon County is represented by Mayor Alanna Hnatiw and Councillor Karen Shaw and Deputy Mayor Patrick D. Tighe. The Town of Morinville is represented by Mayor Barry Turner and Councillors Nicole Boutestein and Stephen Dafoe. The neighbouring municipalities discussed and agreed on the principles, results and process moving forward to increase resident satisfaction and to reduce costs. “The Sturgeon County Task Force is excited about the opportunity to work with our neighbours, finding ways to create efficiencies and cost savings wherever logical and possible,” said Sturgeon County Mayor, Alanna Hnatiw. Mayor Barry Turner, states, “the meeting was an encouraging first step as both parties are coming to the table with open minds and looking to develop a strong future partnership for the benefit of our residents.” Background: Under the Modernized Municipal Government Act, municipalities with common boundaries, must, within two years create a framework that:
•Provides for the integrated and strategic planning, delivery and funding of inter-municipal services, such as water and waste water, solid waste, transportation, recreation and emergency services.•Stewards scarce resources efficiently in providing local services, and;•Ensures municipalities contribute funding to services that benefit their residents..