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working together

City and Red Deer County finalize Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework

Mar 29, 2021 | 5:41 PM

Red Deer and Red Deer County are the proud parents of a brand new Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF).

This is a requirement stipulated by the modernized Municipal Government Act which says all bordering municipalities must develop an ICF. ICFs encourage and facilitate cooperation and cost-sharing in service delivery, when possible.

The new ICF’s foundation comes from the now former Intermunicipal Development Plan between the City and County from 2007. A committee overseeing the ICF is comprised of both Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood and Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer, as well as two members from each council.

“Adopting the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework sets the foundation for future negotiations and agreements. It is the first phase in our efforts to build what we hope will prove to be a long-lasting, mutually beneficial commitment,” said Veer. “Now that the foundation is set, the committee is shifting into the next phase and focusing on addressing pending regional matters and negotiating additional joint partnerships and service opportunities to find efficiencies and better serve our citizens.”

Currently on the committee’s radar are matters related to the Red Deer Regional Airport, Westerner Park, community safety, social issues, and regional economic development initiatives. Amendments may be made to the ICF to recognize new capital partnerships and operating agreements.

“Through our continued collaboration, we will only strengthen an already positive partnership with our neighbour,” stated Wood. “Working together, both efficiently and economically, will be a great benefit to our ratepayers.”

The ICF also provides a process for dispute resolution between the two municipalities, should it be needed, and it will be reviewed every five years, at minimum. There are currently 16 agreements between the County and City.