St Paul Regional Partnerships to Recieve $200,000 in funding

Projects approved under the Alberta Community Partnership Program

Residents of Northeastern Alberta will benefit from new and upgraded planning and development servicing thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta for a project through the Alberta Community Partnership Program.

This project represents an important investment in municipal land use planning that will maintain and grow strong communities in the region. Once complete, the work will enhance municipal services for residents and help boost regional development.
The objective of the Alberta Community Partnership Program is to improve the viability and long-term sustainability of municipalities by providing support for regional collaboration and capacity- building initiatives. The Program provides funding to partnerships of two or more municipalities to develop or expand regional municipal service delivery while enhancing inter-municipal relationships through joint and collaborative activities.
“The Provincial Government has created an extremely valuable program that allows our region to capitalize on the strong relationships that we have with our neighbouring municipalities. We are always looking for ways to create economies of scale and get better value for our dollar. The ACP Program greatly aids us in accomplishing these goals and we appreciate the opportunity to access this funding” asserts County Chief Administrative Officer Sheila Kitz.
The Rural Multi-Jurisdictional Inter-municipal Development Plan Project will result in eight new IDPs between the Municipal District of Bonnyville, Lac La Biche County, Smoky Lake County, County of St. Paul, County of Two Hills, and County of Vermilion River. These IDP documents are being required under changes to the Municipal Government Act and the municipalities are aiming to be proactive by getting started on these plans.
“This project further solidifies our Region’s desire to continue working collaboratively with our neighbours to enhance programs and services for our residents. This grant validates and reinforces the work we are doing” remarks Reeve Steve Upham of the County of St. Paul.
“As these Inter-municipal Development Plans are being mandated by the Province, these grants will save the municipalities money that we would have otherwise been required to spend. This grant funding is very welcomed” affirms Reeve Ed Rondeau of the Municipal District of Bonnyville.
“We appreciate the Government of Alberta investing in rural Alberta and supporting our needs” states Reeve Allen Sayler of the County of Two Hills.
“We are pleased to be working alongside our regional municipal partners to develop effective long-term sustainability plans. Collaborative efforts to tackle regional priorities, streamline services and increase capacity throughout our region will have positive impacts far into the future” declares Reeve Daryl Watt of the County of Vermilion River.
“This opportunity to work together on this project has the potential to introduce additional areas for collaboration and we look forward to meeting with our neighbours and strengthening our relationships” asserts Reeve Craig Lukinuk of Smoky Lake County.
“Lac La Biche County Council is proud to work with local municipalities in the Alberta Community Partnerships program. We’d like to thank the County of St. Paul for initiating the grant process, and we look forward to increasing cooperation with our neighbours as we plan vital infrastructure on municipal borders” comments Mayor Omer Moghrabi of Lac La Biche County.