Town to develop ICF agreement with surrounding villages

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is working to establish an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) with the villages of Rockyford, Standard and Hussar in order to improve services throughout the region.

The primary goal of such an agreement is to allow for greater efficiency in the delivery of services across all participating municipalities.

“With the continued growth in Strathmore and surrounding areas, and continued pressure to provide efficient municipal services, it is timely to formalize our working relationship with neighbouring municipalities,” said Jamie Dugdale, director of infrastructure, operations, and development services. “The ICF will help ensure municipal services are delivered cost-effectively, helping residents across all communities.”

He explained some of the key principles include mutual respect and equity among municipalities, helping to maintain clear communication and trust throughout the process, collaboration, to share community resources, environmental stewardship and economic responsiveness. 

The ICF is intended to be a “living document” approach which allows for future updates in terms of operational and financial implications. 

Once approved by all participating councils, administrations will begin scheduling meetings to develop the ICF collaboratively with the other villages. 

Presented before council during the July 23 meeting was the terms of reference for the ICF, which effectively serves to establish a guide for scheduling meetings and preparing the document. This step is necessary in order to be in compliance with the MGA. 

Administration reported to council, as Strathmore continues to anticipate significant growth, an ICF agreement which will serve to mutually benefit the signatory municipalities, largely in terms of service efficiency and financial stability.

Participating municipalities will be better enabled through the agreement to share opportunities, connections, goals, knowledge, and experience between councils and staffs. 

“This is a new thing with the villages and the Town of Strathmore, but we feel that there are a lot of benefits that can impact all the communities,” said Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule. 

The process for this ICF agreement will be effectively similar to the ICF document established between Strathmore and Wheatland County, being largely driven by each respective administration to examine which services can be contributed by each signing municipality.

“Then of course, there would be meetings of council to formalize whatever changes, agreements come within the ICF,” said Dugdale. 

A motion put forward by Coun. Denise Peterson to approve the Terms of Reference for the ICF development as presented was passed unanimously without debate.

It was not indicated during the meeting when the ICF would be brought back before council to continue the approval process.