February 10, 2021
AUMA/AMSC DIGEST
QUICK LINKS
The Province will release its budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, and AUMA will dive into the numbers and release a report on how the budget will impact municipalities.

On February 26, we will host a webinar* to walk through the numbers, share our perspectives, and provide an opportunity to ask questions.

*This webinar is exclusive to elected officials and employees of Alberta municipal governments. 
ADVOCACY UPDATES
The interim board recently provided its report on policing priorities from a municipal perspective to the RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.
Don’t forget to register for the second session of the 2021 President’s Summit on Policing. This session will focus on the feasibility of establishing a provincial police service.
The Recycling Council of Alberta recently hosted a webinar on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). See the presentations, and learn more about EPR in Alberta.
On February 18, AUMA’s Welcoming and Inclusive Communities initiative is pleased to host a webinar on how to develop an effective business case to make equity, diversity, and inclusion work a mainstay component of your municipality’s operations.
As a result of the relatively short time frames which apply to Subdivision and Development Appeal Board hearings, SDABs frequently deal with adjournment requests.
GOOD TO KNOW
Recognize volunteers and their contribution to your community! This National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), celebrate your community’s volunteers by applying for a grant to help supplement the cost of hosting virtual gatherings, volunteer recognition items, advertising and more. Learn more and apply by March 8, 2021.
With Alberta locked into extreme cold for the next week or so, preparedness and prevention is key. Responding to cold-related emergencies can put a strain on first responders, social service agencies, as well as our medical system. Check out this video produced by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) you can share on social media to help get the word out.
If you are a current or prospective candidate in the upcoming municipal elections, Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) has online training that is essential. Given the negative economic impact of the pandemic, a clear understanding of how to support economic development efforts as an elected official is critical. Join EDA February 23 - March 29 to equip yourself with the tools you need to help create thriving communities. Register here.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) is reviewing the types of events and activities that can take place at retail liquor stores. You can provide feedback by completing an online survey, which is open until February 17.
Last Friday, February 5, the federal government announced that they are extending the Universal Broadband Fund application deadline to March 15, 2021. This is a welcome response to our collective advocacy on behalf of smaller communities that may have challenges meeting the February 15 date. According to the announcement:
 
“We have heard your concerns and hope that this extension will provide the additional time needed to complete UBF applications. The pathfinder service will continue to be available to assist prospective applicants with questions related to the program. Pathfinders can be reached at get-connected@canada.ca.”
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Introducing our new AMSC Board Governor
AUMA is pleased to announce Brad Ferguson as our new AMSC Independent Board Governor for a three-year term.

AUMA’s wholly-owned subsidiary, the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation (AMSC), has developed a range of solutions-based services designed to meet the needs of the municipalities. The AMSC Board sets the direction and priorities and establishes terms of references for a number of committees, which report to the Board mainly through the annual business plan and budget.
Introducing our new APEX Board Member
We are pleased to confirm the appointment of Ron Liteplo to the APEX Board for a three-year term.

The APEX Board is accountable to members for overall direction and effectiveness of this supplementary defined benefit pension plan, as well as evolution of new or refined pension services as offered through AMSC (i.e. defined contribution plan, group RRSP).
Ask the Experts Open House: Managing municipal buildings’ energy usage
The Municipal Energy Manager Program builds internal capacity by helping municipalities develop an energy management plan, find energy-saving opportunities, and lead energy reduction projects. Join the City of St. Albert and the Town of Cochrane on February 25 at 1:30 p.m. for an interactive open house. You can ask them how they are transforming their municipalities’ bottom lines through energy management. Register for the Municipal Energy Manager open house.

Unable to attend the open house? Read about the City of St. Albert and Town of Cochrane’s energy managers’ first-year experience. Learn how they are creating sustainable communities by innovating their municipal operations with energy management.
The February offering of the Elected Officials Education Program (EOEP)’s regional collaboration course already has an 18-person waiting list! Registration is open for the next two virtual courses. Act now to secure your spot for Council’s Role in Service Delivery in March and Council’s Role in Strategic Planning in offered in April.
VALUABLE LINKS
Alberta Urban Municipalities Association | auma.ca
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Term Position
  • Reception & Administrative Assistant
  • Manager, Recreation Facilities
  • Peace Officer I
  • Economic Development Officer
  • Senior Corporate Planning Advisor
  • View more job postings here
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