Managing Change
Manitoba municipalities operate in a dynamic environment. They have seen significant change
in recent years and continue to be faced with change - significant change that challenges the
status quo. Municipalities have to deal with the impact of these changes, including demands
for new and different services, pressure to keep taxes low, and infrastructure needs.
Municipalities need to position themselves for the future to deal with the pressures - and
the impact - of change. They must find new ways of doing business.
Taking Stock
Municipalities need to take stock of their strengths and weaknesses and understand the challenges
that are facing them. Completing the Municipal Health Checklist in the Association of Manitoba
Municipalities' Tools for Change program is a good first step.
The Tools for Change program is available at:
http://www.amm.mb.ca/res_tools.html
Statistical Information for Municipalities (published annually by Manitoba Intergovernmental
Affairs) is also a useful tool, as it provides summary and detailed statistical and financial
information to help municipalities understand where they stand and to compare themselves to
other like municipalities. Municipalities can use this information to identify opportunities
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
Statistical Information for Municipalities summary information is also available at:
http://web5.gov.mb.ca/mfas/statistics.aspx
Merging for the Future
Restructuring, by a merger of two or more municipalities, is one approach to managing change.
Municipalities can join forces to address potential challenges, capture future opportunities
and ensure the long-term health of their regions. Larger, merged municipalities can better
manage challenges arising from shifting populations, changing tax bases, and infrastructure
pressures, and can expand economic development opportunities not only in their communities,
but also in their region.
Manitoba is home to several successful municipal mergers. In each, the reason to merge was
different - to better deal with infrastructure pressures, improve financial viability, or to
enhance economic development opportunities. In each, creative solutions were developed by municipalities
to make the merger work in their communities - a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
Manitoba Local Government can help municipalities explore their options and find out how joining
forces with another municipality can work and work with municipalities to:
- assess their long-term sustainability
- facilitate discussions with councils on how to manage change
- develop innovative solutions to deal with representation, taxation and other important
merger issues
- support a smooth transition to a merged municipality
Information about municipal mergers is available:
For further information, contact:
Manitoba Local Government
Municipal Finance and Advisory Services
Phone: (204) 945-2572
Fax: (204) 948-2780
E-mail: muniadvice@gov.mb.ca
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