Council continues to lobby for grant funding to address key infrastructure deficiencies

MD Council and senior administrators are set to attend the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) 2023 Fall Convention November 6 - 9 at the Edmonton Convention Centre.

To help drive the MD’s lobbying efforts home, Council will have information kits in hand containing concise briefs and supporting data for several key regional issues. These documents articulate Council concerns about how the Province is handling an issue; propose actions and approaches to remedy these issues; and request status updates on previously-discussed matters.

“We look forward to working with our provincial colleagues to move the needle on key priorities,” shared Reeve Murray Kerik. “We’ve already met with Minister Dreeshen and MLA Sinclair last week at the MD. We have several meetings lined up with a few ministers, plus there will be many opportunities for informal chats and networking. All our discussions will focus on primary strategic objectives: repairing our infrastructure; mitigating flooding in Marten Beach; and better supporting our economic drivers.”

Following the RMA Fall Convention, the minister’s briefs kits will be posted to whis website, in addition to a recap of the delegation’s activities. The key issues to be addressed at the convention are listed in brief below.

Upgrades to Highway 88

Highway 88 is becoming increasingly unsafe for commercial and residential traffic. We need the Province to help fix this vital stretch of transportation infrastructure.

Expansion and Servicing of Mitsue Industrial Park

Mitsue Industrial Park has untapped economic development potential. To capitalize on present opportunities, we’re looking to the Province to assist with upgrades to the transportation corridors between this subdivision and Highway 2.

“We look forward to working with our provincial colleagues to move the needle on key priorities.”

— Murray Kerik, Reeve

Funding the Replacement of the Smith Bridge

To move beyond the preliminary engineering phase of the Smith Bridge rebuild project, we’re asking the Province to revisit its shared financing formula.

Funding the Marten Beach Flood Mitigation Solution

The MD remains committed to reducing the flood disaster risk in Marten beach. We have a solution in hand, but all levels of government must work together to make it happen.

Clawback of Lost Energy-Sector Tax Revenues

Our municipality has forfeited considerable revenues due to the Province’s 2020 Well Drilling Equipment Tax repeal, yet we continue to shoulder the rising costs of infrastructure strain resulting from increased exploration and development activities.

Clarity on Funding Sources and Ministries

To move forward on many of the projects in our 10-Year Capital Plan, we must secure long-term, stable and understandable financial commitments from the Province and other funding entities.

Economic Corridor