Selfies with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi aside, council’s takeaway from the annual Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) conference held in Calgary last week was positive.
Mayor Jeff Genung has made it clear that when it comes to opportunities to collaborate and network at a regional level, he’s game.
“Any time with colleagues outside of the office is always invaluable,” said Genung, who was keen to learn about grant initiatives – including the Smart Cities Challenge, which puts a cross-country call out for innovators to effect change in their communities through data and technology.
The deadline for applications is April 24, 2018 and top prize will award winning communities up to $50 million for first place, two grant amounts of up to $10 million and one for up to $5 million.
“We have great technology companies in this town and it’s no secret we want to attract more commercial and industrial park businesses,” said Genung.
“Why can’t Cochrane be on the global map?”
Genung said he learned that there is not likely to be any funds for twinning of Highway 1A to coincide with the interchange project at highways 1A/22 but that a committee is being put together between Cochrane and Alberta Transportation to look at interim solutions.
The new Municipal Government Act has also changed how municipalities can collect off-site levies, including opening up eligibility to collect for soft services such as police stations, fire halls and key town intersections with provincial highways.
Town CAO Dave Devana said administration is currently reviewing town projects for eligibility and that a new off-site levy bylaw will be presented to council in the next few months.
Couns Susan Flowers, Tara McFadden, Alex Reed and Pat Wilson joined Genung at the three-day event.
As a first time councillor, Wilson said he did not know what to expect but came out feeling the experience was worthwhile.
Wilson said much of what was discussed at the elective training sessions was beneficial – including grant funding, social media and a cannabis session to inform attendees of the barrage of bylaws municipalities will face as legalization approaches next year.
Genung said he also found it beneficial to attend lunch with Nenshi and most members of the mandated Calgary Metropolitan Growth Management Board, slated to come into effect in early 2018.
The three-day conference offers workshops for new councillors and seasoned representatives. It’s perceived as a highlight and attended by more than 150 representatives from municipalities province-wide – including federal and provincial representatives, as well as Premier Rachel Notley and United Conservative Party leader Jason Kenney.
