DIDSBURY - As expected, Didsbury is set to receive $813,055 under the new Local Government Funding Framework (LGFF) program as part of the province's 2024-25 budget, says the Town of Didsbury's mayor.
Rhonda Hunter said she is happy to see funding being made available to municipalities through the new Local Growth and Sustainability Grant Program.
“It was encouraging to see that the budget included (this) new initiative, $20 million for 2024, though the criteria and application process are still not clear as to what the program will cover relative to the grant statement of supporting economic development and addressing unique and emergent needs of communities,” Hunter told the Albertan.
"Competition for the $20 million by a potential 257 municipalities will be interesting," she added.
Hunter says from what she knows “there will be minimal impact for Didsbury from the increase of $2.1 million in Grants in Place of Taxes (GiPoT)."
“The budget announcements of investments into education, health care, continuing care, municipal water and wastewater infrastructure are always welcome as is the focus on drought mitigation projects," she added.
The Local Growth and Sustainability Grant Program will provide $60 million over three years to enable municipalities to "fund infrastructure that supports economic development and addresses unique and emergent needs in their communities," said Ric McIver, minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs.
“We recognize the pressure this growth can put on local communities,” said McIver. “The Local Growth and Sustainability Grant is part of our responsible plan to support a vibrant province and help communities respond to growth opportunities and acute sustainability challenges.”
Carstairs mayor Lance Colby was not immediately available for comment.
