A Moment with the Mayor: Every municipality is different
Saskatchewan and Alberta are made up of both rural and urban municipalities, each varying in size, population, and the services they provide. Urban municipalities can include northern communities, summer villages, villages, towns, and cities. Population alone does not determine a community's municipal designation.
In the community where I grew up, we had a natural ice skating rink, a curling rink that eventually transitioned to artificial ice, sports fields, a community hall, and a small library in the basement of the skating rink.
Many of these facilities were maintained by community members. Volunteers ensured the natural ice rink was flooded each evening, and there were always people willing to help scrape the ice. The curling rink was also operated by volunteers until artificial ice was installed, which required additional skills, training, and certification.
Every municipal government provides different services to its taxpayers and residents. In some communities, local groups, associations, and volunteers take on the responsibility of maintaining and operating facilities to meet local needs and expectations.
These facilities might include libraries, community halls, skating rinks, curling rinks, museums, ball diamonds, bowling alleys, swimming pools, seniors centres, or any combination of these amenities.
In many cases, community fundraising and volunteer efforts help keep these facilities operating year after year. Over time, however, some municipalities have been called upon to assume responsibility for managing and operating these community assets.
A good example is the transition from natural ice to artificial ice in skating and curling rinks. Artificial ice requires a different level of operation, maintenance, and management, often involving trained and certified staff. Insurance, liability, government certification, and provincial regulations are also important considerations in ensuring facilities are operated safely and meet the required standards.
Municipalities and community organizations often work together to ensure residents have access to recreational and cultural facilities without unnecessarily duplicating services and amenities already available.
A recent report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation compared the costs of Saskatchewan cities and towns based on municipal tax dollars collected and spent. While the report provides an interesting perspective, it does not necessarily present the complete picture of what each community provides to its taxpayers and residents.
Every municipality has a different combination of services, facilities, and amenities. Comparing a community with swimming pools, a library, a live performing arts theatre, playgrounds, sports fields, numerous skating and curling rinks, tennis courts, a golf course, and other amenities to a rapidly growing community with relatively few of these facilities is like comparing an apple to a grape.
The costs associated with operating and maintaining these facilities are not the same, nor are the services residents receive in return.
Our community is fortunate to have numerous facilities and opportunities to enjoy culture and recreation. These amenities come at a cost, supported through a combination of user fees and municipal tax dollars.
The wide range of facilities and services available in Lloydminster reflects an effort to meet the needs and interests of residents across different ages and demographics.
When comparing municipalities, it is important to look beyond the dollars collected and spent and consider the services, facilities, and opportunities those dollars provide to the community.
Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster