Waskesiu Local Governance Council Overview
Jan 02, 2016
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Consultation Process
First of several communications Purpose: To inform constituents –local
governance; to receive feedback Dealing with major principles; not details at
this time Working with PCA and stakeholder groups
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MOU – Basic Principles
Value the character and nature of the community
Local participation in community management Appropriate and affordable levels of services to
residents and visitors Waskesiu-a national park community Protect cultural and natural resources Shared vision for future management
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MOU Limitations
WCC totally dependent on Parks for funding – operating and capital
No revenue generating capacity No ability to pass bylaws No capacity to deal with public concerns
except through influence on PCA No capacity to initiate programs – recreation
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Sutter Report Conclusions(1)
Municipal status – burden of governance – accountability
Terms and conditions of incorporation agreement critical to success
Contractual arrangements for services Waskesiu can operate successfully as a
municipality Public consultations – important to success
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Sutter Report Conclusions (2)
Municipal status allows for local priorities and local control of destiny
Federal cutbacks have impacted on infrastructure Municipal status mutually beneficial to Waskesiu and
PCA Council accountable for its actions; year round
commitment Can unite a community under common values or
mire in politics
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Sutter Report Conclusions (3)
Projected costs to taxpayers – based on reports assumptions:
– Cabins - $565-$831– Cottages - $400 - $1700– Small businesses - $1,000 - $1400– Large businesses – newer - $13,000 - $30,000
Notes: Includes capital program of $2.5 million; assumes current debt elimination; no market adjustment in assessed values; less than projected lease and license revenues from Park
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Sutter Report Conclusions (4)
Budget Estimates – Municipal - $704,780, including $266,000 for capital works
Results in mill rate of 8.2 mills, 5.2 excluding capital program Revenue Sources:
Now ProjectedCabin 135,300 311,600Cottage 156,500 125,460Business 229,800 181,220Other 91,000
**Estimates only; will change with detailed negotiations; market adjustment factor?
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Sutter Report Conclusions (5)
Utilities Costs – Water, sewer and garbage – Projected Costs - $288,400
Paid through FeesNow Projected
Water 163,800 167,200Sewer 78,000 82,300Garbage 38,900 38,900**PCA currently pays 1/3 of utilities costs – included in
numbers above; cost-sharing agreement to be negotiated
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Issues
Council has identified several major issues to be addressed
Begin with concepts and principles Then negotiate details
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Townsite
No changes proposed to townsite boundaries Includes golf course, Kapasiwin,
maintenance compound Excludes marina
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Land and Assets
PCA to transfer assets for nominal sum of $1.
Land titles remain with PCA but use of land by municipality through leases or other agreements
Equipment, tools, inventory and perhaps buildings – municipal ownership
PCA – pay for environmental assessments and remediation on all land tranfers
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Land Rent system - Now
Land rent based on appraised land value at fixed point in time
Amount = % times appraised value Several options available New appraisals when leases renewed Revenues accrue to Parks Canada to be used at its
discretion Cabins – camping permits to be replaced by leases
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Municipal Tax System
Taxes based on municipal requirements Applied to land and improvements Amount = mill rate times taxable assessment Funds accrue to municipality; stay in
Waskesiu Reassessment occurs when changes made
on property and provincial schedule
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Land Rent System - Future
No changes to lease terms except land rent Land rent on all leases and Licenses of
Occupation - $1 per annum Municipality pays PCA an amount on behalf of
lessees; e.g. Jasper - $330,000 PCA administers leases and licenses Land titles remain with PCA
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Capital Infrastructure
$8 million in planned capital projects, of which $4.31 million for utilities
Municipality to assume some responsibility for infrastructure costs
Currently, utility fees include debt repayment Higher Federal standards PCA responsibility Independent verification of estimates Identify unplanned projects Financial sustainability - critical
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Land Use Planning and Development
Most likely to remain with PCA Release of cabin and cottage lots Future of Montreal Drive complexes Seasonal staff housing requirements Constraints on commercial lot development Community plan – Federal requirement with
municipal input Provincial legislation – need to address
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Parks Canada Financial Input
PILT -Applies to PCA land and improvements One level of government does not tax another so
PILT is mechanism PILT - Typically, equivalent to municipal taxes Currently pay 1/3 utility operating costs; pay fair
share in future Cost-sharing agreement? Recognize use by visitors
and non-residents Initial capital contribution; amount to be determined
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Governance
Provincial legislation is required Must be joint request of PCA and community Will seek legal advice Information on Federal and Provincial
agreements required
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Staffing
Could involve some current PCA staff Currently costs determined by Federal
collective agreements Municipality have authority to hire or contract
services Could examine joint staffing with Elk Ridge
for some things Manage own affairs
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Bylaws
In Jasper, all municipal bylaws require Superintendent approvals
Has created unnecessary work Bylaws that have environmental impact
subject to Supt. Review Others – at municipal discretion
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Sundry Items
Management of heritage buildings Recreation facilities Policing Hazardous tree management Wild life management Trail maintenance within Waskesiu Extended residence usage Street lighting Business licenses Use of maintenance compound
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Community Benefits
Exercise more control over priorities Ability to raise funds for community needs Improved infrastructure Clearer accountability for revenues raised Tax revenues stay in community More flexibility for joint ventures – Elk Ridge; Lobstick Define Waskesiu community vision Can accept tax-deductible donations from Foundation Possible reduction in number of organizations Deal with issues on a timely basis Develop recreational and cultural programs
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Next Steps
Major stakeholder consultation – February - done Analyze PCA response – and begin discussions - ongoing Initial public meetings in March - done Additional meetings and public information in April, May and
June Community referendum in July Finalize negotiations with PCA if referendum passes Final agreement presented to community before signing Council elections in August, 2006 Seek provincial legislation Target date – municipality – January 1, 2008
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Major Considerations
Financial impact – who pays for what? Financially viable and sustainable? Control over expenditure increases? Who establishes priorities? Can a municipality deliver the services efficiently and
effectively? Responsive? What is the long term vision for Waskesiu? Accountability? Joint ventures with Parks, Elk Ridge, Lobstick?