Waskesiu Local Governance Council Overview

2 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

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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

7 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

8 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: NowProjected Cabin135,300311,600 Cottage156,500125,460 Business229,800181,220 Other 91,000 **Estimates only; will change with detailed negotiations; market adjustment factor?

9 Sutter Report Conclusions (5) Utilities Costs – Water, sewer and garbage – Projected Costs - $288,400 Paid through Fees NowProjected Water163,800167,200 Sewer78,00082,300 Garbage38,90038,900 **PCA currently pays 1/3 of utilities costs – included in numbers above; cost-sharing agreement to be negotiated

10 Issues Council has identified several major issues to be addressed Begin with concepts and principles Then negotiate details

11 Townsite No changes proposed to townsite boundaries Includes golf course, Kapasiwin, maintenance compound Excludes marina

12 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

13 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

14 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

15 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

16 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

17 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

18 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

19 Governance Provincial legislation is required Must be joint request of PCA and community Will seek legal advice Information on Federal and Provincial agreements required

20 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

21 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

22 Transitional Funding Required if decision is made to proceed To be provided by PCA

23 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

24 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

25 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

26 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?