Click Here for our 2008 NWTAC Bylaws - pdf format
Click Here for our "Who We Are Brochure" - pdf format
Beginnings…
How was the NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC) created?
In September of 1967, municipal leaders from four communities met to discuss the
formation of
an Association with objectives which would
"promote the exchange of information amongst the
community
governments of the Northwest Territories and to provide a united
front for the
realization of goals". That year, the Municipalities of Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River and Inuvik
formed the NWT
Association of Municipalities. Since 1967 the NWT Association of
Communities
has faced many new objectives and has seen changes that
shape the very foundation for which
the new “NWT Association of
Communities” stands for today.
Since 1967 community leaders have come together on numerous
occasions to build a strong voice for local governments and develop
a tool for which community concerns may be heard. Now that we have
entered the 21st century we must look forward and be prepared to
adapt and enhance services to better accommodate the changing roles
of community governments in the NWT.
Programs & Services
Group Purchasing Program—Another service offered to our member
communities is an opportunity to purchase equipment and materials of
all types at a "group reduced" rate. The NWTAC is an associate
member of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and
Counties; our associate membership in this organization allows us to
participate in their group purchasing activities. The AAMDC has
nearly 100 suppliers participating in its group-purchasing program.
NWTAC members have used this service to obtain traffic signs,
fencing, etc.
Research/Information Sharing—As the NWTAC is in regular contact with both
Territorial and Federal Government Departments, Provincial and
National community organizations, we have early access to a wide
variety of information on grants, policies, proposed legislation,
new programs, technical information, etc. Information is circulated
among the members by means of mail outs from the NWTAC office. The
NWTAC office also has a small resource library, and from time to
time we have been able to provide member municipalities with
specific information on a variety of topics.
Communications—Objective is to bring community members the latest news on the
Association (internal) and other important information items
(external) of importance to community governments on a regular
basis. Valuable resource for providing and sharing community
information. Communication tools include ‘the Bulletin’
(Association Newsletter), Community E-News Flash, Website (www.nwtac.com),
and media releases. Advertising opportunities are available for
members.
Insurance—In 1979 the NWTAC established a comprehensive insurance
program for their members to cover municipal property, automobile,
crime and general liability exposures. The insurance program, known
as NCIP is governed by a committee appointed by the NWTAC Board to
continuously review and monitor the program so that it meets the
needs of their members. The NWTAC employs a professional insurance
person with over 28 years experience, to assist the members
communities with their risk management and insurance needs.
Advocacy
The NWTAC initiated or has been directly involved in such projects as:
¨ The development and drafting of legislation that effects community governments
¨ Planning Act Review Committee
¨ Partners in the Circle of Northern Leaders
¨ The Development of Regulatory Frameworks and Policies that support Community Government interests
¨ The development of new Capital Funding Formula for Community Governments
¨ The creation of the New Deal Political Working Group and Administrators New Deal Working Group
¨ The National FCM Northern Forum
¨ Negotiation for the Federal New Deal for Cities and Communities
¨ The Oversight Committee for the Federal/Territorial Gas Tax Agreement
¨ Capacity Building Technical Committee
¨ ICSP Technical Committee
¨ Development of the Elected Officials Handbook
¨ Creation of the first NWT Insurance Reciprocal Program
¨ Connect NWT—development of an Information & Communications Strategy for the NWT.
Annual General Meeting
The NWTAC's Annual General Meeting and Conference is held in late spring of each year. The AGM provides community governments with the opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss municipal issues and concerns, exchange information, etc. The delegates attending the AGM establish the policy direction of the Association and set the priorities for the coming year.
RESOLUTIONS—Direction
for the organization is set by the Association’s Membership through
resolutions. The resolutions must deal
with a community government concern, and be appropriate to all NWT
communities in general.
The
2009 NWTAC AGM will take place in May 2009 in Inuvik, NT.