Municipal Matters: Back to basics

By Ann Mitchell on November 21, 2024.

What is the purpose of a city? We are here to deliver municipal services. Some of these services are mandated by legislation while others are discretionary. It is a challenging task for members of city council to address the multitude of community needs. It is also incumbent on city council to make decisions based on what is best for the collective whole.

The scope of municipal services is broad and can include infrastructure, utilities, waste management, public safety (fire and police), parks and recreation, economic development and community development. This list is not exhaustive, and each council may expand on the types of services provided depending on community composition and need.

The city is bound by legislation, bylaws, policies and procedures, which can at times create cumbersome bureaucracy. It is up to us to monitor and bring forward crucial changes to these various guiding documents as our community needs change. If the legislation is from the provincial or federal government and will impact our residents, that is where lobbying both as an individual entity and with our associations comes into play.

Often the public misjudges which level of government is responsible for various services. As public servants, council and administration work collaboratively with the different levels of government to ensure there are no shortages – however, they do occur.

We are fortunate in this community to have an active group of non-profit organizations that add support to the necessary services for our residents. Traditionally, many of their services fall outside a municipality’s conventional mandate, however service provision does not occur in a vacuum. As a city organization we must understand the mandate of the various groups that assist us while delivering on council’s strategic vision.

As our communities emerge and change through time and circumstances, the city organization must adapt to meet these needs. Understanding the fabric of our community is a critical piece that public servants must keep top of mind when implementing new or existing services.

Ann Mitchell is the chief administrative officer for the City of Medicine Hat

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