Revised MGA response posted

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Voters often say their government isn’t listening. It may not be about listening, but rather a matter of what the government heard.
In June and July, the Government of Alberta engaged with Albertans to hear their thoughts on proposed changes to the Modernized Municipal Government Act. The feedback has been summarized and posted online, at mgareview.alberta.ca/how-we-consulted/.
“It was a pleasure to visit communities across our incredible province, and meet so many people who are passionate about local government in Alberta,” said Danielle Larivee, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “You provided a valuable perspective on the proposed changes and will help us improve the draft legislation before moving forward with debate in the Legislative Assembly.”
The proposed changes address how municipalities govern, work together and plan for growth, and outlines how municipalities are funded.
Under governance, feedback indicated broad support for change, with an increased desire for transparency and accountability.
It was suggested mandatory councillor-in-training sessions be required for those running for office. Local appeal boards were supported, with a suggestion that no municipal council members should be allowed to sit on those boards. Reformation of petition processes was suggested that would allow businesses a petition right and set up stricter guidelines for council response to petitions.
About 75 per cent of 766 respondents asked for a citizen’s right to directly petition the Minister leading to audits or inspections on matters of municipal affairs, conduct of councillors, employees, agents and contractors of the municipality.
There was general support of municipal collaborations, but a difference of opinion on how and when those collaborations occur.
There was a clear support that all municipalities have a municipal development plan. There was strong support for municipalities to publish, or allow access to non-statute planning and respondents wanted to know how those plans inter-relate to statutory plans.
There were only 51.8 per cent of 650 respondents in support of growth management boards that are proposed for Calgary and Edmonton that would allow expanded regional powers in areas of land use, planning and delivery of regional services.
Some of the other feedback was largely tied or neutral, such as response for the use of the Alberta Land Stewardship Act over the Municipal Government Act land use guidelines.
Use of offsite levies was suggested to fund the building of fire halls, libraries and recreation centres; however, businesses and industry stakeholders said it would definitely impact costs and restrict development. Measures to encourage affordable and inclusive housing were suggested. Measures to limit urban sprawl were also supported.
There were many suggestions under taxation. Key issues were pointed out, such as centralizing industrial assessments, linking non-residential and residential tax rates, splitting the non-industrial tax rate into subclasses, and a review of how farmland is assessed.
Strategies to support Alberta’s economic competiveness were also supported.
The complete survey questions and response package can also be seen under the Nov. 1 Wheatland County council agenda attachments.
Wheatland County council drafted a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs containing 20 points under the various sections of the Act of which they had suggestions or reservations. Wheatland County council has a scheduled meeting with the Minister on Nov. 16, where they will touch on several issues concerning the county.
The revised MGA draft was debated in the legislature this fall and second reading passed on Nov. 2. It is expected to come into effect prior to municipal elections in 2017.