Today, we’re taking a close look back at the economic outlook of 2025—and what it means as we head into 2026. 2025 has been a year of contrasts. Across Alberta, municipalities have faced the ongoing impacts of global economic uncertainty—rising inflation, volatile markets, and the ever-present chatter about a potential global recession. At the same time, many communities have shown remarkable resilience, leveraging regional partnerships, strategic planning, and innovative ini

In this edition of Municipal Affairs, we’re turning our focus to one of the most pressing issues facing communities across Alberta: seniors and community housing. In 2025, the landscape of affordable and supportive housing continues to challenge municipalities large and small, from the bustling urban centres to the tight-knit rural communities where seniors are seeking to age in place. At the centre of this conversation is the Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association,

Today, we focus on a remarkable moment of international collaboration. The Local Government Association of Zambia joined delegates from across Manitoba and beyond at the 2025 Association of Manitoba Municipalities Convention, held from the 25th to the 27th of November in Winnipeg. This year’s convention carried the theme “Leadership in Motion,”  a timely call for pragmatic leadership—leadership that not only imagines the future, but actively works toward shaping it. Over thre

Today, we turn our attention to a growing crisis in northern Saskatchewan—one that is being felt most acutely in La Loche and its surrounding communities. It’s a crisis rooted not in a single issue, but in a chain reaction: an overstretched RCMP, rising crime rates, strained local services, and a lack of the basic supports needed for residents and professionals alike to live and work safely. In La Loche, a community of nearly 4,000 people—alongside the neighbouring Clearwater

From healthcare and infrastructure to municipal funding, cell service, and RCMP policing costs, municipal leaders from every corner of Manitoba spent three days tackling the issues shaping communities across the Keystone Province. We wanted to hear directly from rural leaders about the challenges unfolding in their own communities—and how they’re preparing to address them as they enter the final year of the 2022–2026 municipal term. We spoke with the Rural Municipality of Car

From healthcare and infrastructure to municipal funding, cell service, and RCMP policing costs, municipal leaders from every corner of Manitoba spent three days tackling the issues shaping communities across the Keystone Province. We wanted to hear directly from mayors about the challenges unfolding in their own communities—and how they’re preparing to address them as they enter the final year of the 2022–2026 municipal term. We spoke with Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett about the

More than 700 delegates from cities, towns, and rural communities across Manitoba gathered at Winnipeg’s RBC Convention Centre last month for the annual Association of Manitoba Municipalities Convention. From healthcare and infrastructure to municipal funding, cell service, and RCMP policing costs, leaders spent three days debating the issues shaping communities across the Keystone Province. And while the focus remained on Manitoba, municipal organizations from beyond the pro

The annual Association of Manitoba Municipalities convention wrapped up in Winnipeg last week, leaving municipal leaders with a renewed sense of momentum. Delegates spent three busy days debating resolutions, celebrating community achievements, and laying the groundwork for the year ahead—one that will ultimately lead Manitoba into its next municipal election. More than 700 delegates attended, representing cities, towns, and rural communities from every corner of the province

Alberta is often defined by its oil and gas sector—but a very different kind of energy is taking centre stage. The spotlight on nuclear power, and small modular reactors, or SMRs is happening in communities across Alberta. Unlike traditional nuclear facilities, SMRs are designed to be compact, factory-built, and scalable. Supporters say they’re cheaper, safer, and far quicker to construct. And importantly, they can be deployed in remote or less-populated regions—places where