Title
Government Engagement Plan
Proposed Motion
That Council approve the 2026 Government Engagement Plan, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To present the Government Engagement Plan for Council approval, and outline plans for implementation and future reporting.
Summary
Parkland County’s priorities, service delivery, and strategic goals are impacted by provincial
and federal legislation, policies, funding programs, and infrastructure investments. To
proactively support a coordinated and strategic approach to advocacy with other levels of
government, Administration worked with Council to develop a Government Engagement Plan (Plan) that aligns Council’s strategic priorities with our intergovernmental relations and advocacy activities.
Background:
- To inform the development of the Plan, Council identified potential government engagement priorities during its Q1 2026 Strategic Planning discussions.
- Administration used this direction to develop draft priorities, desired outcomes, and supporting action strategies for Council’s consideration.
- On April 7, 2026, Administration presented the draft Government Engagement Plan content to Council during Closed Session.
- Feedback provided by Council was then subsequently incorporated into the draft Plan.
- On October 6, 2026, Administration presented the draft 2026 Government Engagement Plan to Council during Closed Session.
- Feedback received from Council was then used to refine elements of the Plan, prior to being brought forward for approval.
Strategic Alignment:
- The draft 2026 Government Engagement Plan closely aligns with Council’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
- Each advocacy priority is connected to two strategic drivers, ensuring engagement efforts remain focused on advancing Council’s objectives and delivering meaningful outcomes for Parkland County residents, businesses, and communities.
- Approval of Council’s 2026-2029 Strategic Plan was extended from Spring 2026 to Fall 2026 to allow for additional public engagement.
- Approval of the Government Engagement Plan was also put on hold, in order to maintain alignment between the two documents.
- The Strategic Plan has now been approved, and alignment with the government engagement priorities has been confirmed.
Proposed Government Engagement Priorities for 2026:
- Resilient Local Government
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Relationship Building
- Sustainable Development
- Reclamation and Conservation
- Community Safety
Organizational Impact:
In addition to guiding intergovernmental affairs, the plan will serve as a tool that empowers staff to advance Council's priorities through their regular work. The Plan will assist with:
- Identifying grant and funding opportunities that align with Council priorities.
- Ensuring consistent messaging when speaking with community partners and other levels of government.
- Coordinating activities and aligning requests across departments.
- Building and maintaining strong administrative relationships with local and provincial government partners.
Next Steps:
Following approval of the 2026 Government Engagement Plan:
- The Plan will be posted to the County’s website and highlighted in upcoming communications.
- Administration will finalize internal action strategies that support the approved advocacy priorities.
- Progress updates will be provided to Council bi-annually, beginning in Q1 2027.
- Bi-annual reports will include an overview of advocacy and engagement activities undertaken, emerging opportunities and challenges, and progress toward advancing approved priorities.
- Regular reporting and annual updates to the Plan will support transparency and accountability while enabling Council to monitor progress, provide updates and strategic direction, and respond to evolving government priorities.
- The Government Engagement Plan will be reviewed annually as part of Council’s strategic planning process, providing an opportunity to confirm, refine, or adjust advocacy priorities in response to Council direction, changing circumstances, and emerging government and interest holder priorities.
Historical Information:
- February 26, 2026 - Council Strategic Planning Session - Council reviewed and identified potential government engagement priorities
- April 7, 2026 - Presentation to Council in Closed Session - Council provided feedback and direction on draft government engagement priorities
- October 6, 2026 - Presentation to Council in Closed Session - Council provided feedback and direction on draft 2026 Government Engagement Plan
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
RESPONSIVE SERVICES - We continuously improve service delivery to meet the evolving
needs of our community.
LAND, LEGACY & AGRICULTURE - We value our rural character, natural landscapes, and
agricultural roots and future opportunities.
COMMUNITY IMPACT - We build connections to community to foster well-being and a sense
of belonging.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH - We cultivate a vibrant economy so communities can thrive.
Financial Impact: n/a
Cost: n/a
Source of Funding: n/a