Okotoks' elected officials and administrative professionals were in Calgary this week attending the annual Alberta Municipalities' Convention.
The convention allows Alberta Municipalities' (ABMunis) 260 cities, towns and villages across the province to recognize each other's achievements and come together on common ground.
Resolutions put forward by member municipalities allow governing bodies to identify common issues and allow the association’s board of directors to advocate to higher levels of government.
Resolutions must contain relevant and factual background information, a proposal for action and be seconded by another municipality.
Previous points of advocacy for Okotoks have included amendments to government policy to allow additional options for affordable housing and calling for an independent audit of Alberta Health Services emergency dispatch.
The Town moved two resolutions at this year's convention — grant alignment with provincial regulatory requirements and exemption of stormwater reuse from licensing requirements.
The former, which was supported by the Town of High River, aims to reduce red tape and align provincial and municipal funding and permit approvals for a "one-window" approach. ABMunis documents indicate the current system can restrict growth of initiatives or programs and unnecessarily create barriers for municipalities. This resolution was overwhelming supported by the association's voting body, with 96 per cent of members voting in favour.
High River also threw its support behind the second of Okotoks' asks — that Alberta Environment and Parks exempt stormwater use from licensing requirements so long as the use doesn't exceed the difference between pre and post development runoff.
Municipalities would save money and resources by allowing use of excess stormwater for the irrigation of commercial and residential landscaping and sport fields, controlling of road dust and maintaining municipal landscaping and tree canopies. This change would eliminate the use of potable water for these tasks, which requires a substantial amount of energy that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
"Through stormwater capture and reuse, municipalities would be proactive in mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change in Alberta," the resolution document reads.
This resolution was supported by approximately 86 per cent of members.
Apart from networking and advocacy, conference attendees have the opportunity to take in a number of workshops, pose questions to government ministers and vote for board representatives.
Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn is once again up for the ABMunis vice-president of towns position following the end of her two year term. She is also currently serving as director of towns south. Members will vote during the annual general meeting Sept. 23.
Thorn also completed her last of seven courses to earn the Municipal Elected Leaders Certificate from the University of Alberta Augustana during the convention.
