Chris Clegg
Politicians in Big Lakes County, the M.D. of Smoky River, Town of Falher, Town of High Prairie, Town of Peace River, etc., etc., like to tell you about the partnerships they have with their surrounding municipalities. For the most part, they are all correct.
As time has evolved over the last few decades, more and more agreements are being pursued and realized. If one turned back the clock from 20 years ago, they would be surprised just how many more agreements are in place to cost-share services and save local citizens money.
Behind the scenes, unknowing to most of the public that does not pay much attention to what is happening, the Alberta government is promoting these agreements. There are even awards presented for partnerships among neighbouring municipalities.
Indeed, teamwork and cooperation is vital to the success of a region. Citizens are far better off if the Town of High Prairie and Big Lakes County can work together, as the M.D. of Smoky River and Town of Falher, and Town of Peace River and Northern Sunrise County to name a few. It is especially vital smaller communities have partnerships to share services they would never be able to afford by themselves. High Prairie could never dream of affording the cost to run two arenas and indoor pool without the contributions from Big Lakes County. Partnerships are vital.
As time evolves, the increased sharing of services leads to an obvious question: why not amalgamate?
In effect, if neighbouring municipalities are agreeing to cost-share so many services, why do we need more than one government? One government can make the decision to pay the bills far more easily than two. Do we really need to be paying multiple bureaucrats to make such simple decisions? Do we really need to be paying multiple levels of government to meet when the decision is obvious? In High Prairie and Big Lakes County’s case, open the chequebook or close the arena, perhaps the indoor pool. The decision has been made long ago to pay the bills and keep the facilities open.
Perhaps a stretch, but an argument can be made that each time another agreement is ratified, it is a step closer to amalgamation. Governments are thinking alike so why the need for more than one? It is the definition of inefficiency.
When municipalities do dissolve, it is mostly because of financial pressures. They cannot afford to pay the bills. Paying a few less politicians will never tip the scales into dissolution but the added expense of administration and equipment does.
Every municipality today faces financial pressures. Some are still doing well, some not so much. You think it was easy for the Town of McLennan council to close its arena a few years ago, think again. There was a serious financial reality, however.
Agreements in the future among neighbours to cut costs and realize efficiencies will continue. It is the smart thing to do. Whether politicians realize it or not, however, it is a logical step toward amalgamation.
One cannot walk without first taking baby steps. The marathon that is amalgamation may be far off for some but a lot closer to others than they realize.