Continued Funding for the Major Community Facilities Program
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association urge the Government of Alberta to continue to fund the Major Community Facilities Program on an ongoing basis to allow for the proper planning to occur to see these projects completed for the benefit of Albertans.
WHEREAS the citizens of Alberta value the contribution and role municipalities and not-for-profit organizations play in planning, upgrading and developing outdoor and indoor community use facilities which enhance community life and citizen well-being;
WHEREAS the citizens of Alberta are increasingly concerned about the health and activity level of their children, community safety, neighbourhood revitalization and the natural environment;
WHEREAS community use facilities are key building blocks in developing solutions to address these concerns and other social issues;
WHEREAS Alberta municipalities have a significant inventory of aging recreation and community infrastructure that require immediate improvements to increase facility utilization and develop more cost effective operations; and
WHEREAS not addressing infrastructure needs will lead to the closure of some facilities until the repairs or upgrades can be completed, which in turn will lead to a lower quality of life in Alberta communities.
May 6, 2010 - Culture and Community Spirit
The Major Community Facilities Program (MCFP) was a two-year, $280 million program that ended on March 31, 2009, and supported 228 capital projects in communities throughout the province. Given other capital funding priorities and the current economic situation, the MCFP was not extended. Although the program has come to an end, we will continue to see its far-reaching effects for years to come. The program assisted organizations with the development of comprehensive major facilities that will be an investment in the future of Alberta communities.
AUMA accepts this response.