G O V E R N M E N T S  -  M U N I C I P A L

Context

Municipalities deliver essential local services such as roads and transit, waste management, water supply and sewage treatment. Many of the needs of industry, commerce and communities are delivered at the municipal level.

While all three orders of government in Canada are involved with such services, recent trends have left the municipal sector bearing a greater proportion of services, but with less financial assistance. This has led to a realignment of the municipal role, the pursuit of innovative financial arrangements and a greater role for the private sector in service delivery.

Drivers

A major driver is the growing need for infrastructure. Economic growth and infrastructure are closely linked. While the demand for new services continues, maintenance of existing systems is increasing in importance. The availability of capital and operating financing is the key to meeting this demand.

Closely associated with this is the ability of municipalities to receive approvals (environmental, regulatory) for their infrastructure projects.

Outlook

As the respective roles of the three orders of government evolve, municipalities are gradually establishing their priority areas of involvement, with infrastructure gradually increasing in importance alongside key “people” services such as policing, fire and housing. Recognition by the federal and provincial governments that broader taxation powers are needed by the municipal sector is giving rise to the expectation that infrastructure spending will rise.

Changing Client Needs

Client needs are changing in at least two areas: the need for specialized expertise, and the need for service providers to operate as partners with municipal departments, often managing entire programs, as well as distinct projects.

Dillon’s Approach

Dillon has been helping municipalities to implement large capital projects, plan for growth and manage key municipal services for over 60 years.

We focus on developing client relationships and become an extension of staff to our clients. We help make our clients successful by seeing the bigger picture through “municipal eyes”. Trust, organizational understanding and commitment to delivery are key attributes of that service.

One of the keys to Dillon’s success in assisting municipalities is our understanding of the approvals process and our ability to establish strong working relationships with both provincial and federal regulators.