Power to Recommend
Restructuring – Incorporations, Amalgamations, Annexations & Decrease in Territorial Limits
Proponents (one or more local governments, the Minister of Environment and Local Government, or 25+ residents in a rural district) must first submit a proposal, and then a report, which both include information such as the various impacts the proposed changes would have on residents, the tax base, and local services to the Local Governance Commission (LGC). The LGC is required to give notice of both the proposal and the report to various stakeholders. The LGC is also required to post reports on this website to allow for public review and comment.
The LGC reviews proposals and reports to ensure they comply the legislative requirements set out in the Local Governance Commission Act and the General Regulation – Local Governance Commission Act. Following a substantial review of reports, the LGC makes a recommendation to the Minister of Environment and Local Government. The Minister makes the final decision on the request.
Amendments to Descriptions of Regions
Amendments to Descriptions of Regions for Regional Service Commissions
A member (meaning a local government or rural district) of a Regional Service Commission (RSC) may request to become a member of another RSC. The member must be located on the boundary of the RSC it wishes to join. The member must prepare an impact study to be reviewed by the Local Governance Commission (LGC). The LGC reviews the study and then determines whether there is sufficient local support for an amendment. If so, the LGC makes a recommendation to the Minister of Environment and Local Government, who ultimately decides whether to make the change.
Review of Cost Sharing Agreements
Review of a decision of a Regional Service Commission on Cost Sharing Regional Infrastructure
The Local Governance Commission (LGC) may review a decision made by a Regional Service Commission (RSC) that any or all members are not required to contribute to the costs of regional sport, recreational or cultural infrastructure. Requests may only be received from a RSC, a member of a RSC or the Minister of Environment and Local Government, and must be accompanied by a detailed report. Once the LGC has reviewed the report, it will make a recommendation to the Minister of Environment and Local Government. The final decision rests with the Minister.
Review of By-Laws
Review of certain local government by-laws
The Minister of Environment and Local Government may direct the Local Governance Commission (LGC) to conduct a study on repealing or amending a local government by-law. The LGC must give notice that it is reviewing a by-law and accept submissions from the public and local governments. The LGC may also hold public hearings to hear presentations from interested persons. Once the LGC has concluded its study, it must prepare a report for the Minister of Environment and Local Government. The report includes a recommendation to the Minister on whether the by-law should be amended or repealed. The final decision on the by-law’s fate rests with the Minister.
The LGC’s authority does not apply to by-laws adopted under the Community Planning Act, and there are numerous other by-laws that the LGC cannot review.