Regionalization is a popular buzzword with the mayor.
From snow removal to wastewater, Lee believes it will be about partnerships going forward.
He is also confident the city’s relationship with the provincial government is stronger than ever before. He thinks that will translate into a new revenue-sharing model, which Premier Wade MacLauchlan has promised. It would see more revenue flow directly into the coffers of Island municipalities.
Lee calls the current tax grant system unpredictable and unreliable.
“We need to recognize there is only one taxpayer in this province and the taxpayer doesn’t care if they’re paying taxes to the city, the Town of Stratford or the province,’’ Lee said in a year-end interview with The Guardian. “All they know is the money is coming out of their pocket to pay for services to them.’’
Nothing has been finalized on Stratford’s sewage lagoon issue, but Lee is confident that between the city, the town and the province an agreement can be reached to upgrade Charlottetown’s wastewater treatment facility on Riverside Drive to accept waste from Stratford.
“It would be a sad day in this province if the two communities can’t come together and come up with an agreement for regionalization of that service.’’
Lee would also like to see Charlottetown tap into the provincial government on services such as snow removal.
Right now, for example, the city buys its salt through a provincial government tender. When the province goes to tender for salt requirements, the city piggybacks on that tender and gets salt at a reduced cost.
“We now have to use the same mindset when it comes to our (snow) equipment. When it comes time to buy a new loader, rather than the city going out for one loader maybe we should tap into the provincial government contract when they go out for a dozen loaders and we just add our requirements.
“At the end of the day, it’s bound to give us a better price. It’s bound to allow us to better utilize the tax dollars.’’
Lee also thinks about regionalization of services when it comes to a football field. Right now, there is a group in the city trying to convince city hall to build a regulation-sized football field.
According to information he has been given from the city’s parks and recreation department, there are 35 children in minor football. He’s not sure that number justifies spending millions on its own football field when Cornwall has a field and Stratford might soon have one.
“We hear Stratford is building their own football field. Does the Charlottetown area need a third one? Those are the things we need to come to grips with . . . when I talk about regionalization. I have no interest in competing with the towns of Stratford and Cornwall.’’
Twitter.com/DveStewart
