Municipalities often earn attention when there is animosity between the two, but they also deserve a pat on the back when they find common ground benefitting their taxpayers.
The Town of Okotoks and MD of Foothills have had their share of tumultuous moments – be it the controversial Wind Walk development, Sandstone Springs or the Calgary Regional Partnership.
However, the two municipalities have shown they are able to put their differences aside when there is an opportunity to do something positive for their residents.
The Town and MD are proceeding with the long awaited regional fieldhouse in Aldersyde and now they have reached an agreement for shared services and facilities in both municipalities.
The shared services agreement was an excellent example of both parties making some concessions in order to reach an agreement.
For example, the MD of Foothills had eight years remaining on its recreation agreement with the Town and did not have to agree to re-negotiate. But they did.
Currently, the MD contributes just over $900,000 to the Town for fire and recreation. Under the new Master Shared Services Agreement, Okotoks will receive an additional $500,000 from the MD to help pay for services such as recreation and recycling.
The MD asked Okotoks council if it could phase in the new
payments over the next three years so it did not have to pay the $1.1 million in the first year.
Okotoks town council also showed a willingness to work together and agreed to the payment structure.
This is not just a one way street either. Although the MD will be contributing to Town services and facilities, Okotoks has also agreed to reciprocate and will contribute funding to MD projects which will be utilized by town residents such as the Heritage Heights arena.
It is clear these two councils, and their administrators, see the benefits of working together whenever possible. Hopefully, this will be a model for others to follow.
