Regional Cooperation
Developing a regional perspective will require that decision makers and the public have reliable information about Capital Region issues and a willingness and opportunity to engage in dialogue about alternative futures. It will also require exploring opportunities (e.g. park maintenance, libraries, public transit, sewer and water, roads and emergency services) and developing tools (e.g. intermunicipal servicing agreements) that support coordinated action on regional services and concerns.
Understand the Region
Inter-municipal and Provincial cooperation to build and maintain a base of regional information, keep it current and make it accessible to decisions makers and the public, will encourage a broader and more realistic understanding of the region and the government and individual decisions that will impact its sustainability.
Support Communication and Consultation
A public that is informed on issues and engaged in imagining a more sustainable future is essential to defining and acting upon a more liveable and sustainable Capital Region.
Encourage Inter-municipal Agreements
Develop models and processes for inter-municipal cooperation and agreement of infrastructure and service sharing.
Apply a Regional and Sustainable Perspective
As municipalities update development plans and budget to renew, replace or expand infrastructure and services, all should look beyond municipal boundaries to incorporate a regional perspective.
Work with Provincial and Federal Governments
The Governments of Manitoba and Canada have responsibilities and resources with respect to the environment, transportation and other issues impacted by local decision making. They are partners in the efficient and effective delivery of initiatives to support sustainability.
Measuring Success
- The internet is being used as an effective tool to inform the public on regional issues and opportunities.
- New methods of engaging the public in discussions about regional sustainability, such as CapitalRegionQuest, have been developed.
- Negotiation processes for inter-municipal agreements have been developed and adopted.
- Model agreements have been prepared and local examples are recognized.
- Dispute resolution processes have been agreed upon.
Acting on Regional Cooperation
- Invest in an effective, engaging, accessible Capital Region internet site where information about the region is shared and public discussion is supported.
- Develop a relationship with the Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba to support innovative research to expand understanding of Capital Region issues.
- Develop “best practices” resources on sustainable municipal policy, programs, infrastructure, regulation, and other issues by which local government guides the future.
- Develop resources to facilitate inter-municipal negotiation on infrastructure and service sharing, prepare models for such agreements and offer dispute resolution support.