Inuvik (June 23/03) - Territorial municipalities should act fast on the new Municipal Statutes Replacement Act, or wait another year.

Sheila Bassi-Kellett, corporate affairs director for Municipal and Community Affairs, told municipalities to get motivated over the new act. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

That's according to Sheila Bassi-Kellett, corporate affairs director for Municipal and Community Affairs.

She spoke to more than 70 delegates at the NWT Association of Communities annual general meeting in Inuvik, June 12.

"We need this now," said Blake Lyons, NWTAC president.

The Municipal Statutes Replacement Act, which received first and second reading in the legislative assembly earlier this month, aims to streamline procedures for territorial municipalities.

"I see this legislation as another investment in community governments," said MACA minister, Vince Steen, during the AGM minister's session, June 14.

The new act includes broader by-law making powers, expanded financial powers and streamlined procedures.

Municipal leaders were especially interested in the expanded financial powers. The new act would allow municipalities to borrow money for capital projects, including infrastructure improvements, which most communities are presently struggling with.

Right now municipalities can only borrow money for property purchases.

But municipalities better act fast or the act won't make third reading by the October sitting, Bassi-Kellet warned municipal leaders.

And if it doesn't get third reading in October, the act will have to be reviewed by a new government next year, prolonging the process.

She said municipal leaders should read the act and have their comments ready for the Standing Committee.

The committee has a maximum of 120 days to review the act before presenting it for third reading.

"If the public has indicated it wants (the act) to pass, then they probably will," said Steen.

"Lobby those members to get on with it and let them know you support it," said finance minister Joe Handley.