Update on Future Governance for Waskesiu
Consequently, the Council and Parks Canada are working together to determine the precise nature of such an arrangement and to identify the benefits and pitfalls such an arrangement may have for Waskesiu. At this stage, talks are very much in the exploratory stage in order to secure good information for the community to consider, if the process gets that far. What is meant by municipal status? Generally, in Canada, we have a decentralized form of government. Usually, municipal governments are responsible for the delivery of services such as streets and roads, sidewalks, animal control, land use and development, fire protection, police protection, garbage collection, snow removal, sewer and water, recreation, and sundry others. In Saskatchewan, about 1,000 municipal governments provide services to their residents. Elected councils make decisions about the nature and scope of these services and levy taxes and fees to support them. Municipal status within a National Park takes on many of those features. However, in the agreements reached to date, there have been notable exceptions. For example, Parks Canada has retained control over land use and development. At this stage, it has not been determined what a “municipal” Waskesiu might govern. That is subject to negotiations with Parks Canada and approval of residents, if the process gets that far. Why is the Council considering this?
Parks Canada has indicated that they are not optimistic that more funding will be available in any significant amount to address our pressing needs. The current municipal subsidy is not being increased and, with increasing costs, it is impossible to do anything but minor patchwork in the town site. In addition, our community has a very limited recreation program for youth, with activities coming and going depending on the goodwill of volunteers. The Chamber of Commerce has expressed a desire to get out of their limited recreational programming in the near term. In a conversation with the Mayor of Jasper, having the ability to identify local priorities and fund them is the primary benefit of obtaining municipal status. They have been able to proceed with major projects at reduced cost through their municipal government. In a meeting with representatives of Waskesiu’s major stakeholders held about a year ago, Council was told that more local control would be a desirable goal to pursue. Finally, Parks Canada has expressed considerable interest in moving in this direction. Together with the Council, they have explored options. As well, Parks has made available relevant information leading to the Jasper decision which has been very helpful in identifying issues to be considered. Running townsites is not a mainstream Parks activity and it might be done more efficiently by local government. What has Council Done to Date? Council has conducted several activities to gather information about the desirability of moving ahead with this initiative, including the following:
All of this work is being conducted to secure the best possible information that would allow Council to put forward a proposal for the community to consider. During this process, it is possible that Council could identify one or more “deal breaking” issues that could result in abandoning the initiative. However, failing that, once the information package is developed, Council will begin a consultation process with the community. What are the financial implications for residents and businesses? Of course, this is a very important question. Currently, the budget for townsite operations is $438,900 and for utilities is $272,700. The utilities costs are financed through levies on residences and businesses and a Parks Canada contribution. The $272,700 includes a debt repayment of $87,200 resulting from the water treatment plant and lift station projects. The townsite operations are financed by the campsite fees levied in the cabin area, and a return of the land rent collected from cottages and businesses in the form of a Parks Canada subsidy. In addition, miscellaneous fees provide about $16,500 in revenues.
Council expects to provide a financial impact analysis as part of its information package. When is Council proposing to discuss this with the community? To date, Council’s exploration of the issue has been focused on determining the feasibility of moving in this direction. Council concluded there would be no point in beginning a dialogue with the community if there were no possibility of obtaining municipal status.
While the precise nature of the community consultation has not yet been established, Council expects to begin consultation in late spring and summer of 2005, assuming no major roadblocks surface. Those consultations would end in a community referendum likely in 2006 with a precise plan to be considered. To be clear, Council would only proceed with a mandate from the community to do so. Conclusion Obviously, the “municipal status” issue is a very major step that requires careful and thoughtful consideration at every step of the way. It is important to understand that moving in this direction is not a separation from Parks Canada. Waskesiu would still be within the National Parks Act. However, it would devolve some of the responsibility and authority to the elected representative of the local community.
The history of this community is one of action when action is required. When proposals were made to eliminate cabins, the community stood firm and said “NO”. When our urban forest was threatened by the spruce budworm, the community rallied and found a solution. The Waskesiu governance issue will require the same thoughtful leadership from the Council as well as an informed electorate to give future proposals due consideration. After all, this is our future! For more information, contact: Herve Langlois, chair of the Future governance Committee; Don Ravis, Chair of the Council or any other Council member. See Waskesiu.org for phone numbers and e-mail addresses January, 2005 |
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The Waskesiu Community Council is continuing to explore the possibility of securing municipal status for Waskesiu within the context of the National Parks Act. Both Banff and Jasper have secured such status and, with successful transition in those communities, Parks Canada is now more favorably disposed to moving in that direction.
Currently, the elected council is advisory to Parks Canada. While a good working relationship exists, the Council has no financial capacity to deal with issues and concerns identified by residents. Parks Canada has seen its budgets reduced and is unable to respond to pressing needs, such as improved streets and roads, maintenance of facilities such as the Community Hall, among other things. Council often hears the comment that our infrastructure is deteriorating but it has no ability to respond.
Council is in no position to project financial impact at this stage. This is a very important part of the consideration. However, given the pressing needs in the townsite, residents can expect some increase in levies, irrespective of the municipal status issue. Reassessments are occurring in the business area and cabin fees have not been adjusted for decades. Recently, an agreement on land rent was reached in the cottage area and it is not subject to review for several years.
Consequently, as noted above, discussions were held with provincial government, Parks Canada officials, and the Mayor of Jasper to determine if insurmountable roadblocks existed. Those discussions are ongoing. Suffice it to say that, at this point, Council believes there is enough merit in securing municipal status to continue the exploration.
Council is clearly of the view that we cannot sit by and watch our infrastructure deteriorate to the point that Saskatchewan’s premier resort community would no longer be appealing to residents and visitors. 
