Committee

Session Descriptions

Infrastructure & Energy Committee: Infrastructure Funding Now and Into the Future                                

 An expert panel will explore the realities of municipal infrastructure funding in Alberta. The panel will touch on current funding models, the proposed federal infrastructure bank and the MSI program and its future. The panel will have time at the beginning to make brief presentations in their fields of expertise and then it will be opened up to the floor for your questions on this pressing municipal issue.  

Municipal Governance Committee: “Whose Council is it anyway?”  The good, the bad, and the ugly of council roles and conduct.

The success of your term on council depends in large part on effectively participating in council meetings and your ability to work as a team with fellow council members even when you don’t agree.  Seasoned councillors will share insights on how to run council meeting and incorporate the Code of Conduct into your day to day work as a councillor.  The session will video vignettes and live skits to illustrate the dos and don’ts of council conduct.

APEX Board:
CPP Reforms

Discussing the potential impacts of the CPP reforms and what it can mean for your municipality.

Audit and Finance:
Cybersecurity for Municipalities

No matter your size, you are at risk.  Cyber-attacks compromise the enterprise and should be one of your top business risks. 

This session will look at some of the trending risks that are affecting municipalities today and some of the things you can do to prevent or reduce the impact they can cause.  We will look at some of the emerging and/or disruptive technologies that are causing the collections of risk to increase.  We will also leave you with some insight as to how you can communicate these risks with your constituents, management team, and staff.

Elected Officials Professional Development Committee:
Five Things Every Elected Official Needs to Know

This engaging panel features a discussion incorporating the unique perspectives of three elected officials representing urban and rural municipalities in Alberta. The moderated questions will be hard-hitting as a way to get at what it’s really like to be an elected official. At the close of the session, there will be an opportunity for the audience to get answers to their burning questions.

Session                     

Description

CAO/CFO Session: Leadership: It Starts with Me                                                                                           

Session

Description

Safe and Healthy Communities:
Legalization of Cannabis in Alberta

With the federal government planning to legalize cannabis for recreational use by July 2018, municipalities need to understand their new legislative and regulatory requirements to ensure implementation happens in a responsible way at the local level. Speakers from the Alberta Cannabis Secretariat will provide an overview of the provincial cannabis framework, and explain municipal roles and responsibilities under this framework. Speakers from Aurora Cannabis will give an industry perspective on the framework, and talk about how municipalities can work with industry to support safe communities and promote economic development. 

Small Communities:Intermunicipal Collaboration for Small Communities

This session is designed for municipal officials from small communities who are preparing to undertake Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICFs).  A team of professionals from Consulting Engineers of Alberta have created an interactive session to provide overview to the process, explore challenges likely to be encountered and identify potential strategies to achieve positive outcomes.

Sustainabilty & Environment Committee:
Mapping the Future: Shaping your municipality through land use planning

Are you trying to foster economic development in your municipality?  Are you concerned about the state of the environment?  Are you interested in enhancing the culture and social vibrancy of your community?  The land use planning decisions you make will have an impact on each of these issues. This session will provide you with perspectives from a variety of municipal officials on the land use planning tools available to help you shape your municipality’s future.

With the upcoming bylaw changes and our AUMA Board sponsored resolution to begin merger talks with AAMDC, this is your chance to get in front of your Executive Committee members and ask the questions that are important to you and your municipality.

Dialogue Session with Provincial Ministers

• Minister panel to be confirmed

Dialogue Session with Provincial Ministers

• Minister panel to be confirmed

CAOs and other administrators are invited to a breakfast with exhibitors at the AMSC Trade Show.

Session Topic

Description

Opioid Crisis                                              

Smart Cities and Communities – Practical Advice to Achieve Success                                                                                                                                            

The world is changing, with rapid urban growth and rising expectations for instantaneous information, government efficiency, and multi-sector collaboration.  New “Smart City” technologies and ideas can support the innovation required to foster clean, efficient, and prosperous 21st century communities.  Join experts from the Alberta Smart City Alliance to discuss the importance of a Smart City approach for your community and hear practical stories and advice on how to move forward.

Building Effective Relationships with the Business Community

Session description to be confirmed. Please check back. 

Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management    

This panel discussion will explore the Emergency Management Framework in Alberta, recent lessons learned, and resources available to municipal leaders.

A Look at the Updated National Housing Strategy

Session description to be confirmed. Please check back. 

Session Topic          

Description

Asset Management: Fighting Fiction and Fad With Facts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Local infrastructure provides the foundation for the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of communities across the country. Dependable core services, such as water, sewer, transportation networks, fire halls, recreation amenities, and more, make up the built environment and exist to provide these basic necessities of life that residents rely on every day. Managing public assets in a formalized process is no longer a luxury for local governments who have time and resources to put toward the process; it is an absolute necessity. Participants will learn about their role in good asset management practices that support informed decision-making about the management of infrastructure. 

Building Healthy Citizens, Communities and Environments through Recreation and Parks

AUMA has had a positive and productive partnership with APRA for more than a decade, rooted in our shared interest in building thriving communities. It is well understood that quality of life is key to attracting and retaining families and businesses in communities, and one aspect of quality of life that is within a council’s control is their recreation and parks facilities and programs. As you and your Council colleagues prepare to improve the quality of life of your residents over the next four years, join us to learn about the benefits of recreation and parks and the range of ARPA programs and services available to support your Council’s efforts in achieving these goals.

Building Relations with Indigenous Peoples

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has highlighted the value of municipal governments being involved in the reconciliation of the legacy of residential schools in Canada. This session will feature a panel discussion on how municipal governments can strengthen relations with Indigenous peoples to overcome issues of discrimination and create partnerships for the betterment of our communities.

Procurement Practices for Alberta’s Municipalities

This presentation will provide participants with a solid introduction to the trade agreements that Alberta municipalities are a Party to. It will also provide participants with an understanding of municipal obligations, as well as share information on some of the tools at your disposal to help you navigate public procurement.

Session description to be confirmed. Please check back. 

Strengthening Police Services (panel discussion in MacLeod Hall)

Last year, Alberta experienced crime rates above the national averages. As crime prevention and policing are key issues for municipalities, speakers from Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and RCMP “K” Division will give an overview of current crime-fighting initiatives and future directions for policing. Delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions and share comments during this plenary style of dialogue.  

Election of AUMA President and Directors
FCM Update
Election of AUMA Vice Presidents
Resolutions (part 2)

Mark your calendars and join us in Red Deer for the 2018 AUMA Convention 
September 26 - 28, 2018