The Council is NOT the Town--It’s just the people who showed up to take care of it.

“The Town should have known, the Town should have taken care of it….isn’t that the Town’s job?? Why doesn’t the Town do this…or the Town do that?” 

I hear something like that almost every day. Mostly the question is rhetorical. They don’t want an answer, what they are really saying is “the Town messed up,” “our Council sucks” and other equally derogatory things. I noticed too, that much of what the regular, non-Council affiliated folk think and say, is often based on not having any idea about how Councils work. It’s like this:  

1. The Council sets policies—they don’t run day to day operations. Council’s job is creating policy and strategic direction, and it is the Administration (CAO) and staff who implement those plans within the parameters of that policy. Council has only one employee under the legislation and that is the CAO.  

2. Municipal staff are professionals, not politicians. They are hired for their expertise, and qualifications, and work within the established policies set by the Council.  

3. The Town’s Identity comes from its people, businesses and organizations. A municipality is more than its government—the municipality is defined by its residents, businesses and community groups. Altogether, you ARE the town.  

4. The Town’s authority comes from the province. Local governments are not the same as a volunteer committee. They are government. As such, they are expected to exercise their authority within the legislation, specifically through policy, bylaw and resolution.  

5. Funding comes from limited resources. Municipalities rely on property taxes, grants and fees, and there is never enough money to do all the things municipalities would like to do. Asset management plans are legislated, and the community and the government expect municipal government to prioritize those projects in a way that results in a sustainable financial future.  

6. Not everything is up to the municipal government, the Town office, or the Council. Healthcare, highways and education fall under provincial or federal jurisdiction, not the municipality.  

7. Municipalities work alongside community partners, nonprofits, volunteers and businesses. It is their responsibility to foster growth rather than directly manage all of it. When you say “the Town should…” - who exactly are you referring to? And why do you think they should know? Why do you think the rest of us should want to pay for your thing with our tax dollars?  

8. Your opinion matters. Residents of a community influence decisions by participating in consultations, town halls, and committee work, not just by voting.  Spreading gossip about your elected officials is just rude, and you should stop. Your opinion matters. Your temper tantrum doesn’t.  

9. Decision making is a balancing act. The Council must weigh the financial constraints, the current and future needs of every citizen that lives in your municipality, and regulatory requirements. They cannot respond to only public pressure.  

10. Municipal government must follow provincial and federal laws. They operate within legal frameworks that dictate how they can govern, budget and plan.  

    
    

Municipal Councils are made up of ordinary people who care about their community enough to run for election. Their authority comes from provincial legislation, not personal power, and their job is to set policy—not to handle every complaint or request directly. 

Despite their efforts, Council members often become the target of frustration from residents who misunderstand how local government works. Many assume the Council controls everything, when municipal operations are bound by laws, budgets, and shared responsibilities with provincial and federal governments. 

The truth is that the community isn’t just the Council—it’s the people, businesses, and organizations that shape it every day. A thriving community depends on engagement, collaboration, and informed discussion—not just blaming the people who stepped up to do the work. 

When Volunteering Hurts Your Heart

Can we talk about the hard things?  

Our work takes us to many communities, and we engage with many volunteer groups both formally and informally.  Specifically, we work with communities who want to clarify the roles and responsibilities between themselves and the volunteer groups that raise money for the municipal owned facilities, like rinks, pools, and halls. We also have occasion to hear from those volunteer groups who run minor ball, hockey, soccer, dance and so many others. Over the years, that is lot of volunteers.  

I see a trend emerging though, and it is not pretty. Some volunteer boards are forming a hierarchy with a lead core group and several minions, who they treat like they are there to just serve the mission laid out by the core. The core is obnoxious, rude and insistent. They attack municipal staff, they attack volunteers, and they are mean to anyone who doesn’t agree with them. They are entitled. Demanding. They think they speak for everyone. They are vindictive, isolating and use social media to control the rest.  

What they don’t seem to realize is this: things get done to spite them, not because of them. Their fellow volunteers apologize for them, are embarrassed by them, and eventually quit because of them. They do more damage than they are worth to the project in which they involve themselves. And they are tolerated.   

When did we become so afraid to stand up to the bullies? When did we become okay with taking lip off an angry person under the guise of passionate volunteer? That kind of abuse does not fly, cannot fly in a small population community. Here, you cannot just take your son or daughter and stomp off to the next team. Here, allowing bullies to run the show causes real harm to that son or daughter.  

Most volunteer groups are not like that. Most volunteers within a group are not like that.  To those of you who have donated time and money and patience to our beautiful communities, THANK YOU. We would not, could not, have the kinds of communities we do, with the tax bases we have, without you. You are the reason pools get built, rinks get maintained, and our quality of life is superior to anywhere. The volunteers who give their time and money are the bomb!  

But you who use your position to abuse others? Find another hobby.  Those of you whose children benefit from those tireless volunteers, show a little respect. You do not have to be mean to be heard. You can be polite and still make a point.  

The Power of AI

We've all heard about artificial intelligence (AI)—its pros, cons, and everything in between. But what does it mean for you? As a rural community's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), how can AI make a difference in your work?

AI refers to the theory and development of computer systems that can perform tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and pattern identification. It's not here to replace your knowledge or expertise but to enhance them. In fact, AI can make it easier to manage your own time and your employees' time more effectively.

Many of us already use AI daily without even realizing it. Payroll systems, accounting software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, supply chain tools, inventory tracking, asset management platforms, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools all incorporate AI to some extent. These systems are designed to take input data, identify patterns, and produce meaningful outputs.

For example:

• Accounting software can generate monthly, quarterly, or annual reports with just a few clicks.

• Asset management tools monitor the use and condition of your community's assets, helping to prioritize repairs and avoid costly emergencies.

AI analytics allow data-driven decision-making, ensuring your budget stretches for infrastructure, public services, and community programs as far as possible.

AI is also a powerful tool for economic growth. Analyzing local economic data can help identify development opportunities, attract investment, and support small businesses, strengthening your community's economic future.

In public works, AI can optimize building energy usage, ensure efficient environmental initiatives, and improve waste management systems. It's a partner in creating smarter, greener communities.

Improving Accessibility and Engagement

AI can also make municipal services more accessible. For example, AI tools provide text-to-speech services for residents with disabilities. Language translation tools can convert documents into different languages quickly and accurately, ensuring better communication with all residents.

Chatbots and AI virtual assistants are great ways to improve citizen engagement. Chatbots can handle specific, task-oriented queries, like providing information on permit applications or by-laws. Virtual assistants, on the other hand, offer more complex and personalized support. While costs for these tools vary, their benefits can far outweigh the investment.

Targeted Marketing and Communication

Marketing budgets are often tight, but AI can help you allocate funds effectively by analyzing location data and other variables to develop targeted strategies. Even better, it can track the success of your campaigns, ensuring every dollar counts.

Writing and Editing Support

Need to draft a grant, report, article, plan, or letter? AI tools like Microsoft Copilot can turn your input into polished, professional documents tailored to your needs. They can even cite sources for you! Paired with programs like Grammarly, you can ensure your documents are error-free and plagiarism-free. It's like having an editorial team at your fingertips.

The Future of AI in Rural Communities

AI is already becoming a part of our everyday lives, personally and professionally. For Administrators, the wide variety of available tools ensures an option to fit any community's needs and budget. Implementation is often straightforward, and outcomes can be achieved quickly.

Change isn't always easy, but sometimes, it's precisely what we need. AI is evolving rapidly, and its ability to assist and empower communities is only improving.