Title
Regional Collaboration Program Grant - Lake Management Planning
Proposed Motion(s)
That Parkland County pursue a Regional Collaboration Program Grant for lake management planning.
Body
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports the Proposed Motion.
1. That Council authorizes Administration to participate and submit a Regional Collaboration Program (RCP) Grant application for the development of lake management plans for lakes in Parkland County.
2. That Council authorizes Administration to proceed in approaching and partnering with seventeen (17) different municipalities and organizations for the development of lake management plans;
3. That Council designate Administration as the Project Lead for the Regional Collaboration Program Grant application for the purposes of receiving, administering, allocating, reporting and accounting for the grant and funds on behalf of the partners.
Purpose
Council has directed Administration to proceed with an application for a Regional Collaboration Grant for the development of lake management plans.
Summary
Over the past year Parkland County has collaborated with adjacent municipalities and organizations including the Wabamun Watershed Management Council, Mayatan Lake Management Association, Jackfish Lake Management Association, the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, and the Alberta Lake Management Society to gain knowledge on the health of lakes in Parkland County. During these discussions, there has been a high level of interest to partner in developing lake management plans. Parkland County believes that a Regional Collaboration Program Grant is well suited to assist in forming regional partnerships for the creation of lake management plans. Pursuing a Regional Collaboration Program Grant will strengthen Parkland County's intermunicipal relationships by supporting collaboration and improving the quality of life for all residents in and adjacent to Parkland County. Attachment 1 outlines twenty-one (21) potential partners for this proposed Regional Collaboration Grant application.
Parkland County is prepared to act as the project lead for the grant application, and the project manager for future lake management plans. In order to facilitate the development of future lake management plans, all participating municipalities will be required to provide their respective Councils with resolutions confirming their intent and support for the creation of future lake management plans. Attachment 2 outlines a resolution to be forwarded to potential partnering municipalities.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Pursuing a Regional Collaboration Program Grant for lake management planning aligns with Council's Strategic Plan:
1. Goal 1 (Environment) - Parkland County will be a respected steward of the environment.
2. Strategy 1 (Under Goal 2 - Governance) - Parkland County will foster relationships with municipal neighbours and associations.
3. Strategy 2 (Under Goal 2 - Governance) - Parkland County will actively seek out joint project opportunities that will benefit our communities.
The Regional Collaboration Program Grant is also supported by Policy 6.1 of Municipal Development Plan Bylaw 37-2007.
Application submissions for the Regional Collaboration Program Grant is due November 30, 2013 for 2013 funding.
Financial Impact:
There is no cost associated with applying for a grant under the Regional Collaboration Grant program. Parkland County will seek to fund future lake management plans through these grant funds where possible.
Cost:
Administration estimates the external costs associated with completing 4 (four) lake management plans in Parkland County to be approximately $616,000 (2013 estimate). This includes lake management plans for Wabamun Lake, Lake Isle, Mayatan Lake and Jackfish Lake. Funding from the Regional Collaboration Program Grant will help to offset these costs substantially. Where grant funds do not cover the costs of a particular lake management plan, Parkland County will seek alternate funding opportunities including direct funding partnerships with adjacent municipalities and interested organizations.
Source of Funding:
The Regional Collaboration Program will provide $28.8 million for municipal (collaborative) projects in 2013 with up to $250,000 per project towards regional collaborative projects. There is no prerequisite for municipal funding. Applications however may be enhanced by municipal financial support and / or in-kind contributions. Parkland County will prepare and submit an application for this grant on behalf of the regional partners and participating municipalities.
Alternate Motions:
1. Not pursue Regional Collaboration Grant funding - Council may wish to not pursue funding under the Regional Collaboration Grant for lake management plans. Under this motion, future lake management plans would be solely funded by the County.
Attachments:
1. List of potential municipalities and regional partners for Regional Collaboration Program grant funding
2. Example resolution for potential partnering municipalities