Articles

Climate Change: An Economic Risk for Canadian Municipalities
The planet has just finished its hottest decade on record, leaving municipalities and businesses wondering how best to prepare for the future. As climate change

Municipal Revenue Generation: A Provincial Analysis
Municipal revenue generation methods have remained relatively consistent since before the confederation in 1867. The primary method of tax generation being property tax. Some form

PS 3280 – Asset Retirement Obligations, in Plain Language
It has been a decade since the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) required local governments to incorporate capital assets into financial statements with PS 3150.

Preserving the Integrity of Ontario Conservation Authorities
Conservation Authorities (CAs) are unique to Ontario. While other agencies aimed at conservation and watershed management exist across the country, Ontario is the only province

Asset Management for Small Communities
Small communities in Canada may serve fewer citizens and own fewer assets, but they are still required to deliver the same range of necessary services

Curing the Flaw of Averages in Climate Change
The Flaw of Averages occurs when uncertainties are replaced by single number average estimates. It states that plans based on average assumptions are wrong on

Financial Indicators: Bringing Your “AAA” Game
There is increasing focus on the fiscal health of Canadian local governments in the wake of challenging economic conditions, both in our country and worldwide.

Participatory Budgeting: Challenges and Opportunities
The first time I experienced a raclette dinner party, the host told me with delight, “everyone loves raclette because you choose what to eat and

Funding for Infrastructure & Other Community Benefits in British Columbia
Local governments in British Columbia face growing financial pressure as infrastructure demands increase, senior levels of government continue to download responsibilities on to them and

ICIP Across Canada: A Province-by-Province Snapshot
The Investing in Canada Plan (ICIP) is investing $180 billion over 12 years in four overarching areas: public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure and rural

AI in Asset Management: The Use of Artificial Intelligence for Condition Assessments
Utilities and local governments are responsible for the mounting task of managing and maintaining their physical infrastructure. Increasingly, they are turning to innovative technologies to

Bill 108, More Homes, More Choice Act: A Municipal Perspective
The Province of Ontario’s Bill 108, the More Homes, More Choice Act, received Royal Assent on June 6, 2019. The Bill was introduced at the beginning