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Council discusses Strategic Plan, economic growth

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Tuesday’s council meeting focused on a progress report regarding the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan for the municipality.

In January, council approved the blueprint outlining a plan for social and economic growth in the community.

It focuses on four key priorities: Responsible government, downtown revitalization, regional economic development, and rural and Indigenous communities and partnerships.

Updates on the Strategic Plan progress will be heard quarterly throughout the 2018-2021 duration.

RMWB administration said all initiatives are currently on track.

Councillor Jane Stroud said she is pleased to see the development in some of the rural areas.

“I believe this rural sewer project ties in nicely with the Truth and Reconciliation report,” she said. “We are aware that Fort Chipewyan has had pipe water sewer for many years and I’m pleased that we’re moving forward to insure that all our rural hamlets have this same service.”

Council discussed submitting a proposal for Fort McMurray to host a board meeting as part of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2020.

Hosting the event comes with costs to the municipality, including transportation and a welcome reception and dinner for those attending, costing approximately $40,000.

However, the estimated economic impact would be approximately $115,000, said Monica Lance, manager of community strategies.

The costs would be included in the 2019 and 2020 budgets.

“Hosting the FCM Board Meeting provides an opportunity to showcase the region to 150 municipal leaders and FCM staff from across the country,” Lance said. “It provides the municipality with an opportunity to profile the region and showcase municipal facilities.”

Hosting the event would also fall in line with the responsible government and regional economic development points in the strategic plan.

The RMWB hosted a similar FCM Board Meeting in September 2017. Lance said that event went over well with positive feedback.

Council unanimously approved the first reading of the 2018 Property Tax Rate Bylaw, which would see the municipality reducing the tax ratio between the highest non-residential and the lowest residential tax rate.

The bylaw will be discussed more at a future council meeting.

Council approved three upcoming days of recognition, including poetry day on April 25, the municipality will acknowledge April 28 as the National day of mourning for all workers who have been injured or killed on the job and MS awareness month will take place in May, 2018.

Councillor Jeff Peddle put forward seven separate motions to be discussed by council at the May 22 regular council meeting.

These motions include discussion around fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) employees, public consultation on FIFO employment and that the municipality negotiate with industry on FIFO issues.

They would also reconsider the 10-year transition plan for a 5:1 Property Tax Rate as seen in Bill 8 and 21 in the Municipal Government Act. The motion states the region be exempt or grandfathered in to the changes, saying the plan "no longer represents the position of the RMWB."

The council meeting concluded with thoughts and kind words of support for those affected by the tragic incident in Toronto Monday. 

lbeamish@postmedia.com

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