City still wants voluntary arbitration to settle ICF talks with the County

Jan 15, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Grande Prairie’s Interim Mayor says there are too many topics the city and the County of Grande Prairie do not agree on for the two to work out an Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework.

Jackie Clayton adds the city’s decision to go to arbitration came after several years of discussions and eight mediation sessions.

“There was definitely an opportunity for items for future collaboration on, but in order to get the ICF done by April 1, the deadline the province mandated, we feel that voluntary arbitration was the best move.”

Voluntary arbitration means the two sides could see an arbitrator ahead of that April 1 deadline to work out a deal themselves.

“By waiting until April 1, we believe that isn’t in the best interest of the region. In regards to voluntary arbitration, it’s better value for our taxpayers because we’re able to resolve the fundamental disagreements sooner than later. Delaying the ICF process means that we won’t have as much opportunity to have discussion at an earlier date,” adds Clayton.

She says she doesn’t know when any other talks might take place.

“Municipal Affairs is aware that we would like to go to arbitration. We did indicate that it would be voluntary. The County has stated that they’re not interested in voluntary arbitration, so at this time, Municipal Affairs will assume that the ICF will not come to an agreement before April 1.”

The province says these agreements are meant to ensure municipalities pay for services that benefit residents, that paying for local services is done efficiently, and that there be more integrated planning for those services.

by Curtis Galbraith