Cutting red tape for municipalities

Removing complex, duplicate processes and cutting back on repetitive paperwork makes it easier for Albertans to access government programs and the services they need.

In 2019, Alberta’s Government committed to reducing the number of regulatory requirements by one-third to reduce costs and speed up approvals. We collected ideas and information from Albertans who told us what should be improved, what should be kept and what should be scrapped.

Municipal Affairs is making progress

We’re cutting red tape by simplifying legislation, regulation and policies, and making it easier to apply for government programs. While all regulations may seem like a burden to some, not all are red tape.

To date, we have taken the following steps, including:

• reduced our ministry’s regulatory requirement count by more than 17%.
• worked with municipal leaders to further reduce any red tape imposed on municipalities
• at the request of a number of municipalities across the province, cut red tape and gave them the ability to offer property tax incentives for major new investments

Earlier this year, Alberta became the first province to make a change that would allow wood-building construction for up to 12 storeys, up from 6 storeys. This was done in advance of the new National Building Code publication, allowing businesses in Alberta to get started sooner on construction techniques that would eventually be approved nation-wide, without compromising public safety. Not only does this support the forestry industry and land developers, it will make homes more affordable, support thousands of jobs in sawmills, construction and transportation. The economic impact of tall wood buildings has the potential to create about 60 jobs per construction site and up to 400 jobs per new sawmill and production site.

Disaster recovery

Municipalities who need support after a disaster have a new and improved form that allows government to collect information up-front and at one time. This allows municipalities to receive disaster financial assistance payments faster and to begin their recovery and rebuild efforts sooner.

In addition, municipalities also have a secure online process to upload Disaster Recovery Program applications. This speeds up the process and increases the security of sending information online.

Support for oil and gas

Last summer, the government made it easier for the oil and gas sector to manage the safety of some of their custom-made equipment. Companies can now rely on engineers to certify the safety of their equipment, rather than upgrade or alter it, or engage a third-party inspection agency. According to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, this cut red tape and saved up to $20 million in 2019, and will save $2.5 million per year going forward. It also maintains safety by requiring engineers to follow the standard established by their professional association.

Building infrastructure

We are further cutting red tape through the Alberta government’s $500 million Municipal Stimulus Program, which provides municipalities with funding to build roads, bridges, fire stations, water systems and other local infrastructure. To receive funding, municipalities must agree to cut red tape for businesses by shortening the time it takes to approve development and subdivision permit approvals and streamline processes for new businesses start-ups.

Our cities and towns need to build infrastructure to position themselves to participate in future economic growth. Cutting red tape in our municipalities will help improve Alberta’s competitive position and get residents back to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn more about how Alberta’s Government is Cutting Red Tape.