Big Valley village council approved spending time in the New Year planning the municipality’s path for the next three to five years. The resolution to meet with a consultant was passed at the Oct. 21 regular meeting of council.
Village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Colleen Mayne reported to council that a professional planning agency was prepared to meet with them to discuss the municipality’s plans for the next three years.
“Parkland Community Planning Services (PCPS) has provided a schedule of municipal plans which are mandated by every Alberta municipality every three to five years, and updated on a regular scheduled basis,” stated Mayne’s report to council.
“A strategic plan is the initial step in this process, and should be reflected within each annual capital budget. The cost associated will be fully covered through provincial grants.”
The CAO’s report explained such documents in effect ensure there is a plan in place to address community needs and avoid spur of the moment expenditures of tax money.
“A strategic plan serves as the municipality’s highest level policy document which provides a blueprint of the work that is done in the community reflecting the core strategic planning elements,” stated the CAO’s report.
“The plan must identify the priorities of a municipality over the next three to five years.
“It is the responsibility of council under the guidance of the CAO, and in coordination with the annual capital budget, to develop a guideline of goals, planned projects to achieve those goals, and metrics to determine success at various stages of each project.
“The detailed plan will outline the scope, objectives, resources, and timelines for each project.”
The CAO’s report also noted PCPS had already been in contact with her to set aside some time for Big Valley’s council.
According to information provided by PCPS the strategic plan process would involve things like public consultation, setting a date for a council session to talk about opportunities and challenges for the community, discussing objectives and performance measures and submitting the final draft for council to approve.
Final approval for Big Valley’s plan was estimated to be in February 2025.
It was noted several times at the meeting PCPS estimated the total cost of their services at $9,470 plus tax.
During discussion councillors talked about cost to the taxpayers in developing the plan, but Mayne noted that strategic plans are mandatory and fully covered by provincial grants.
Councillors unanimously approved a resolution for staff to set a date in January 2025 to meet with PCPS for strategic planning, likely a half-day.
Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
ECA Review
