The City of Yorkton is the recipient of the 2020 Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Award for Outstanding Institutional Contribution to the organization’s international programs.
The award, unveiled locally at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday, “recognizes the excellent work performed by the City of Yorkton’s staff and elected officials in supporting Jordan’s local government to deliver municipal services more effectively through the Jordan Municipal Support Project,” detailed a letter circulated Monday.
In 2018 the City of Yorkton entered a project with FCM and Global Affairs Canada, and working with Canadian partners: County of Colchester NS, Govt of NS, Capital Regional District of BC, Sylvan Lake AB, District of Squamish, City of Calgary, and Collingwood Ontario, explained FCM representative Randy Goulden.
In addition, the work was supported by a FCM staff team in Ottawa and on the ground in Jordan, working collaboratively with the Jordanian Ministry of Municipal Affairs. “The Jordan Municipal Support Project (JMSP) supports Jordanian municipalities through improved municipal services and solid waste management. This initiative also works to promote social cohesion through inclusive community engagement, strategic planning and implementation,” said Goulden. “JMSP works with Jordan’s Ministry of Local Administration (MoLA) and 12 partner municipalities in south and central Jordan, to help municipalities carry out their responsibilities more effectively and efficiently, leading to better delivery of essential services and to the building of a stronger foundation for the continued development of Jordan’s municipal sector.
“Canadian and Jordanian municipal practitioners provide peer-to-peer technical assistance to elected municipal officials and municipal staff, MoLA staff and community members, including women and youth. “
The award for Outstanding Institutional Contribution to FCM International programs recognize Canadian local governments and local government associations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in the scope of their participation in FCM's international programs. The projects in which they participated distinguished themselves in terms of innovation, support from their council or board, and their lasting impact in their partner community.
The City of Yorkton and the City of Montreal were nominated for this award.
“In everything it does, the City of Yorkton team brings technical expertise and real commitment to the table. It also has a professional, friendly, and positive approach that is always appreciated by the JMSP team and Jordanian municipal peers,” said Goulden, quoting from Lynda DeGuire, Project Manager at FCM.
“As a council member and a FCM board member it gives me great pride to acknowledge the Yorkton team of Michael Buchholzer, Aron Hershmiller, Jessica Matsalla, Darcy McCloud, and Lisa Washington have been outstanding in this project and in doing so, working with Canadian municipal partners, federal and provincial governments and international partners have brought best practices back to integrate in the work they do for the residents of our city,” added Goulden.
“Our team now has the ability and the connections to have one on one conversations with people across Canada and internationally.”
“Along with enhanced skills and expertise in building inclusive communities, JMSP has increased knowledge sharing, community engagement, and most importantly strengthening the resiliency of our community.
“We applaud and recognize their service to municipal governments and thank them for their outstanding work representing the City of Yorkton and the people who call Yorkton home.”
