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County of Wetaskiwin seeks simpler public consultation policy

Issue tabled to future meeting while draft policy developed
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The County of Wetaskiwin council wants more time to develop and simplify its public participation policy after hearing more about a draft policy at their regular meeting Aug. 7.

During the meeting, communications officer Sharon Radis presented a memo to councilors discussing what amounts to a requirement from the new Municipal Government Act: a public engagement policy. A draft policy was provided.

Councilors had also previously examined a sample policy provided by the provincial government, and Radis provided a few changes that council had mentioned.

However, as discussion progressed, councilors mentioned the proposed policy was too complicated.

Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers suggested the county develop a simply policy that meets the requirements of the MGA. And the desire of the County of Wetaskiwin to engage with ratepayers. “We want to engage with the community,” said Rooyakkers.

Rooyakkers said the policy should not have terminology that handcuffs the council. It was also noted that no other municipality around the region uses everything in the sample policy provided by the provincial government.

The reeve also stated the provincial template for public consultation policies is too complicated and too convoluted and municipalities were never instructed to use everything in it.

“They just want to know we’re doing public participation and how we’re doing it,” said Rooyakkers.

Radis noted some sample public consultation policies were 12 pages long.

CAO Rod Hawken said a shorter, simpler policy isn’t going to change the intent of the public participation; some of the details that are interpretive can be removed.

Councilors eventually agreed to table the issue to a future meeting while staff develop a one or two page policy for public participation.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca