Municipalities from around the province are becomming more aware of the various possibilities of regional cooperation and service sharing. This is great news for CCRC as it provides great support for the work that we do. In the recent weeks I have visited two areas exploring very different levels of cooperation. The first meeting of note was in the New-Wes-Valley area where towns are interested in exploring different ways of working together for the benifit of the entire region. Nearby on Fogo Island the existing Towns and the Regional Council have created a new committee to explore the possibilities of cooperative future governance on the Island. Through the CCRC the group has released the following update:
"Fogo Island Cooperation Initiative
The Newly formed Fogo Island Cooperation Initiative met for the first time on December 10th, 2007. The group is composed of 11 representatives drawn from each of the Town Councils and the Regional Council to ensure representation from all communities on the Island. The mandate of this group is to explore the possibilities of the future municipal governance for the whole of Fogo Island through a detailed needs assessment and resident consultations. The Fogo Island Cooperation Initiative is determined to move forward with the involvement of the people of Fogo Island toward a more sustainable future based around increased cooperation. They have chosen Gerald Mckenna from the Regional Council as Chair and Ed Walbourne from the Town Council of Fogo as the Vice Chair to ensure the group operates in an efficient and effective manner. The group has identified the need to create sub-committees to investigate major issues including Finance, Administration, Governance, Infrastructure, Recreation, Communication and Economic development. The process must be fluid and adaptable as the needs of the whole Island are assessed. There is a considerable amount of study and consultation required before any course of action can be recommended and this new Initiative will be busy in the new year examining the current status of the existing municipal structure and exploring the future needs of all the residents of Fogo Island. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is providing assistance through the Community Cooperation Resource Center and the Department of Municipal Affairs will also be involved in the process."
Great work by the communities of Fogo Island!
Beyond these two areas the CCRC, through Kelly Vodden also recently visitied the Eastport area to take part in a meeting geared toward increased regional cooperation. Check back to follow the regional cooperation projects ongoing around newfoundland and Labrador.
Cheers,
Ryan Lane
CCRC Program Officer
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