Canada's downtowns are the economic engines of our communities, driving investment, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and shaping the daily lives of residents across the country. Recognizing their importance, the Big City Mayors' Caucus, representing 23 of Canada's largest cities, has come together to advance a series of priorities aimed at strengthening downtown cores and supporting long-term economic growth. As Canada works to attract new investment and build a st

This past weekend, Edmonton became the centre of the municipal universe. From coast to coast to coast, local leaders from communities large and small gathered in Alberta's capital for the 125th Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention and Trade Show. The annual convention is more than just a meeting. It's a unique opportunity for municipal leaders to come together, share ideas, tackle common challenges, explore new opportunities, and engage directly with federa

In the wheat heart of Southern Alberta, the Village of Barons is beginning a new chapter. Following a by-election at the end of May, former Barons Councillor Clinton Bishop is returning to local government after earning a decisive victory, receiving 71 votes in a three-candidate race for a vacant council seat. In a unique footnote to election night, one candidate did not receive a single vote. But the story did not end at the ballot box. At the first meeting of the newly con

Across Alberta — and really across the country — municipalities are facing a familiar challenge: how do communities grow, attract investment, and create opportunity in an increasingly competitive environment? For many municipalities, the answer is no longer just about traditional industry or infrastructure. More communities are looking at tourism not simply as a visitor experience, but as a serious economic driver — one that supports local businesses, creates jobs, attracts n

This week, we’re talking about the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention — one of the biggest events on the municipal calendar, where local leaders from across the country come together to debate policy, share ideas, and build relationships. But beyond the speeches and resolutions, what actually makes for a successful FCM experience? What should first-time delegates know before they arrive? And how important are the conversations happening outside the formal sessio

For more than 125 years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — better known as FCM — has been the national voice of local government in Canada. Since 1901, municipalities from coast to coast to coast have come together through this organization to advocate for stronger communities, better infrastructure, and federal policies that reflect the realities Canadians experience at the local level. Today, FCM represents nearly 2,000 municipalities and 20 provincial and territo

One of the major conversations at this year’s Association of Yukon Communities Convention in Watson Lake centred around energy: energy affordability, energy supply, and meeting growing demand across Yukon communities. The issue remained front and centre throughout the three-day convention, especially following concerns last winter over the possibility of rolling blackouts in Whitehorse, the territory’s largest municipality. At the centre of those discussions was Yukon Energy

Earlier this month, more than 130 municipal leaders and administrators from across the Yukon gathered in Watson Lake for the 51st annual Association of Yukon Communities Convention, as communities from across the territory came together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing municipalities today. Yukon’s Leader of the Official Opposition and Yukon NDP Leader Kate White was among the speakers at the convention, addressing delegates on her perspective on the current

For this edition of Municipal Affairs, we’re heading to the heart of Alberta as Edmonton prepares to welcome municipal leaders from across Canada for one of the country’s most important gatherings of local government. For more than 125 years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — known as FCM — has served as the national voice of municipal government in Canada. Since its beginnings in 1901, municipalities from coast to coast to coast have come together through this orga