The new resource provides rural-focused guidance on Cost-Calculation Models for ICF negotiations.
RMA is pleased to announce the release of a new member resource designed to support rural municipalities in understanding and navigating the use of Cost-Calculation Models (CCMs) within Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) negotiations.
Recent amendments to the Municipal Government Act introduced through Bill 50 allow municipalities to establish CCMs by mutual agreement as part of their ICFs. CCMs can serve as a valuable tool for determining how costs associated with intermunicipal services are shared between municipalities. However, the legislation provides limited direction regarding what constitutes a CCM, how one should be developed, what methodologies may be appropriate, and how data should be collected, shared, and applied.
To help address these gaps, RMA developed a rural-focused member resource that provides practical guidance on CCM considerations and their potential use within the ICF process. The resource is designed to help rural municipalities:
- Understand the purpose and role of CCMs within ICF negotiations.
- Identify rural-specific considerations, risks, and opportunities related to CCM development and implementation.
- Better understand considerations related to data collection and cost attribution.
- Evaluate different approaches that may be used to calculate intermunicipal service costs.
- Explore practical examples and rural-focused scenarios.
- Prepare for CCM discussions and negotiations with neighbouring municipalities.
The resource is not intended to prescribe a single approach to CCM development or recommend specific cost-sharing formulas. Rather, it is intended to support informed decision-making by helping municipalities understand key considerations, evaluate available options, and participate effectively in negotiation.
The resource complements the recently updated ICF Workbook developed jointly by RMA, ABmunis, and Municipal Affairs by providing more detailed guidance specifically related to CCM development and implementation in rural municipal contexts.
Upcoming Webinar
To help members better understand the resource and its practical applications, RMA will be hosting a members-only webinar that explores the resource in greater detail.
Date: Tuesday, November 17
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
The webinar is open to RMA-member elected officials and administrators and will provide an overview of the resource, key considerations related to CCM development, and opportunities to ask questions about using CCMs within ICF negotiations.
Register for the webinar here.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy Team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.