September 1, 2021
AUMA/AMSC DIGEST
ADVOCACY UPDATES
This summer, the federal government announced the $250 million Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

The program aims to help Canadians living in rural and remote areas get around their communities more easily and connect with nearby communities.

An amalgamation of the Land Compensation Board, Municipal Government Board, New Home Buyer Protection Board, and the Surface Rights Board into a single new Land and Property Rights Tribunal occurred on June 2, 2021.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Marigold is a not-for-profit membership collective of municipalities that provides affordable and progressive public library services and support. The collective serves 343,000 residents in 43 rural and urban municipalities around Calgary and two First Nations Reserves. While Marigold’s services largely focus on the 36 libraries in the region it serves, it also delivers services directly to residents in various ways: Library Lending Lockers, 24/7 digital resources and services on websites, volunteer book deposits and mail services.
INNOVATION

The Green Municipal Fund is investing in Alberta communities to implement bold projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase resiliency, and protect our environment.

To date, the program has funded projects ranging from piloting innovative water treatment technologies to conducting studies that identify low-carbon and renewable energy projects.
GOOD TO KNOW
For the first time ever, a union representing RCMP members has ratified a collective agreement with the federal government to cover nearly 20,000 members. The details of the agreement, including salaries increases on both a retroactive and go-forward basis, are now available and can be viewed here.
Nominations are closing on September 15! The Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards recognize extraordinary Albertans whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the well-being of their community and fellow community members. Discover all the details and nominate your community’s special volunteers.
It is time for the 2021 Brownie Awards! The Canadian Brownfield Network is looking for exciting programs, projects and people in brownfield redevelopment and remediation. The “Brownies” recognize the innovative efforts of professionals who rehabilitate contaminated, under-utilized, and undeveloped sites by remaking them into productive residential and commercial projects that contribute to the growth of healthy communities across Canada. The nomination deadline is September 17, 2021.
Did you know we showcase renewable energy and energy efficiency projects?
Learn how communities across Alberta are improving energy resilience and keeping energy dollars circulating in the local economy. These success stories show how communities are creating lasting change. See the stories in the Project Showcase.

Has your municipality amassed solar panels?
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) launched its expanded electronics pilot project (e-Pilot) in September 2020 for the collection of more than 500 additional electronic devices. Since then, about 3,500 tonnes of material has been recycled.

ARMA is now seeking your assistance to access solar panels for evaluation in the e-Pilot. They are inviting municipalities to contact ARMA if your site has collected or stockpiled solar panels that could be picked up by the electronics processors specifically dealing with solar panels.
If you have amassed solar panels, or if you are aware of commercial entities that may have panels they would like to recycle, please email ARMA at epilot@albertarecycling.ca. For more information on the e-Pilot, visit armaepilot.com
Only a few spots remain for the Munis 101 being offered exclusively for Summer Villages in September. Register today so you don’t miss out. Spots are also filling up fast for the Munis 101 offerings following the election in October. Visit the eoep.ca for all the information you need on Munis 101.
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