By rdnewsNOW staff

Agreement Signed

Blackfalds, Lacombe County sign Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Master Agreement

Apr 8, 2020 | 5:09 PM

Lacombe County and the Town of Blackfalds have announced the signing of a new agreement that aims to help both municipalities plan and deliver shared programs and services effectively, efficiently and economically to their residents.

Following months of meetings and negotiations, the two municipalities have signed an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) Master Agreement.

Municipalities that share a common boundary must create an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF), which is a new legislated requirement introduced in the Modernized Municipal Government Act in 2016.

Officials say the ICF Frameworks are intended to provide for integrated and strategic planning, delivery and funding of intermunicipal services, allocate scarce resources efficiently in delivering local services, and ensure municipalities contribute funding to services that benefit their residents.

“Although the negotiation process was long, our respect for each other provided us with a better understanding of each other’s unique challenges and perspectives,” says Lacombe County Reeve Paula Law, in a release. “There is no question that this ICF agreement will serve both of our communities well.”

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“The Town of Blackfalds is excited about the opportunity to incorporate the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement into the fabric of our relationship with Lacombe County,” adds Richard Poole, mayor for the Town of Blackfalds. “The process was unique in that it gave both parties the license to explore what they felt the core principles of intermunicipal relations are. During the meetings both the County and Town shared respectful and honest discussion about how our ongoing interaction can grow in positive ways that will ultimately benefit the Central Alberta Region, as well as our respective communities.”

The Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County ICF includes the following key points:

• That access will be provided to municipal facilities, programs and services to each other’s residents in a manner that does not differentiate among them.

• A joint approach will be taken to capital planning for capital assets that deliver mutual benefit to both municipalities.

• A shared investment for the shared benefit has been agreed to regarding capital planning and cost-sharing.

• The municipalities will be provided with an opportunity for input into policy and service level development regarding operating cost-sharing.

• Service Inventories were created for both Blackfalds and Lacombe County to outline the types of shared services, funding mechanisms, and the party(ies) responsible for delivering them, including water and wastewater services, fire response services, emergency management, recreation services, library services and cemetery services.

Officials with Lacombe County say the ICF Master Agreement, and the sub-agreements that flow from it, demonstrate the commitment of the Town of Blackfalds and Lacombe County to work collaboratively to jointly provide facilities and deliver services and programs for the benefit of both municipalities, and to manage growth and plan for the future.