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Regional Cooperation

The Departmental Strategic Plan commits MA to increase regional cooperation initiatives and assess regional service delivery opportunities throughout the Province by March 2012.

The Department of Municipal Affairs will become involved in discussions with Towns, Local Service Districts and unincorporated communities upon request in writing.

Cooperative interests include sharing of municipal services, incorporation, annexation or amalgamation.

Departmental Support

• Dedicated staff resources
• The 2008/09 Budget allocated a $1M Regional Cooperation Fund to assist in eliminating barriers to cooperation
• Multi-Year Capital Infrastructure funding commitments
• Feasibility Studies - Mandatory consultation requirements under the Municipalities Act, 1999

Process

• Phase I - Towns Request
• Phase II - Initial Discussions
• Phase III - Special Needs Committee and Terms of Reference
• Phase IV - Feasibility Studies
• Phase V - Negotiations
• Phase VI - Cabinet Approval
• Phase VII - Transition and Ceremony

Incentives

1. Staff to facilitate the process:
   1. Director of Regional Cooperation
   2. Regional Office staff assigned as necessary
   3. Community Cooperative Resource Center (Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador) assists in workshop facilitation when required
2. Grant to cover feasibility study
3. Access to Capital Works Funding:
   1. Projects negotiated over a three to five year period.
   2. Meet minimum ranking standards for water and sewer and roads.
   3. Fire Fighting Equipment and Recreation Facilities considered on their regional significance.
   4. Minimum cost sharing ratio.
   5. Discretionary fund for Other Capital.
4. Financial assistance to write down debt where it is an impediment:
5. Grant to cover certain soft transitional Costs – grant, based on population of combined communities at last Census.

Contact Information