AMM President Doug Dobrowolski

There was no shortage of discussion, as municipal representatives from across western Canada gathered last week. The Western Canadian Municipal Associations Meeting was held in Regina on Friday, and featured representation from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Association of Manitoba Municipalities Doug Dobrowolski says these meetings provide a great opportunity for discussion on challenges and successes seen across western Canada.

"It's very important, just as AMM represents all municipalities in Manitoba, you're talking with one voice. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is our national voice, but there are things in different regions of the country that are alike, so that's what we're going to be lobbying for."

One of the concerns shared among western municipalities was a shortage of funding for infrastructure from the federal government. Dobrowolski says they need long-term, predictable funding to ensure sustainability.

"The biggest one, obviously, is infrastructure and the lack of money that the federal government's giving to municipalities, especially on the wastewater regulation side. We do have Building Canada and we're grateful for what we get, but we need a long-term commitment with predictable funding from the federal and provincial governments to help with the infrastructure deficits."

Another issue noted by Dobrowolski was the increased threshold for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program, adding that's of particular concern here in Manitoba.

"This could have an impact on municipalities. In Manitoba, we're capped at $5.00 per capita, so we know what our deductible is. We're hoping that it's not going to change because of the federal government's changes, but right now the province says they're not going to be downloading. Our biggest concern is that as municipalities, we want a seat at the table when they start looking at the DFAA program."

While no resolutions are passed at the annual meeting, Dobrowolski notes their main points of discussion are communicated with different levels of government.