Title
Federal/Provincial Endorsement of Municipality Decision Making Resolution
Proposed Motion
That Council approve the Federal/Provincial Endorsement of Municipality Decision Making resolution and that administration be directed to forward the resolution to Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports the Federal/Provincial Endorsement of Municipality Decision Making resolution.
Purpose
Council directed administration at the November 25, 2014 regular Council meeting to prepare a resolution to be presented to Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Federal and provincial enactments include decision making authority that can and have superseded municipality authority and allowed local development to proceed that were not desired or supported by the municipality. The resolution is that the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and other provinces be requested to endorse municipality decision making by amending and creating enactments that consider and support the powers, duties and functions of a municipality.
Summary
Parkland County has encountered some situations where federal or provincial enactments have not considered or supported the desire of the municipality regarding the development or use of land. In these situations the development or use of land was allowed to proceed in spite of the municipality not desiring or supporting the development or use of land. Two examples of development and use of land being allowed in spite of Parkland County's opposition are a dry land fill continuing to operate without a municipality development permit in order to fulfill a provincially approved reclamation plan, and the construction of an aerodrome without consultation or consideration of the municipality and community impacts. These situations have left Parkland County with these questions and concerns:
- Municipal responsibility for public safety and emergency response
- Environmental impacts
- Impact on land values
- Accelerated community growth
- Province of Alberta's Land Use Framework
- Setbacks and proximity of development to occupied buildings
- Parity with other governments in having concerns for resident safety addressed
In the situations described above, municipality decision making can be endorsed by including municipality consultation and coordination in the decision making process of the federal and provincial enactments governing the approval of environmental reclamation plans and aerodromes. This will ensure that federal and provincial enactments will consider and support the powers, duties and functions of a municipality.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
The resolution supports the Council's strategic governance commitment to form strong and meaningful partnerships.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A