Overview:
Join this energizing learning session to examine how you and your organization can effectively navigate fast-paced and turbulent change.

Facilitated by Suzanne Gibson, you will identify and reflect on the complex changes they are experiencing in the municipal landscape. You will learn about and apply two key frameworks and one powerful tool to understand better the impact of change on the people around us and how to respond more proactively. You will also gain insights and wisdom from your peers.

This engaging workshop invites you to pause, take stock, and reflect on how you and your teams can perform better in complex and changing environments. You will leave the session with concrete strategies, approaches, and actions to help you navigate change with greater finesse and success. This includes identifying change management strategies that support a team approach to moving through transformation with confidence and success.

Presenter:
Suzanne Gibson, Suzanne Gibson & Associate

Downloads:
Leading Through Change (SLGM).pdf
Gibson Resource kit leading through change and complexity resource kit CLGM.pdf

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Overview:
The CLGM MRC Exhibition Welcome Reception held in conjunction with the “Mountain Refresher” provides the opportunity for delegates and guests to meet and mingle with local government companies that offer products or services that will help enhance their municipalities.

The exhibitors offer a variety of services to local governments.

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Overview:
With public discourse and politics becoming increasingly polarized and acrimonious, managing public conversations and controversy is an essential skill for local government managers. This session offers practical tools for navigating these challenges with confidence and professionalism. Through a combination of case studies and small-group activities, participants will gain tips and strategies for fostering constructive dialogue, managing emotional responses, and (with a bit of luck) resolving conflict.

Presenter:
Todd Pugh, CivicInfo BC and Local Government Programs, Capilano University

Downloads:
Managing Public Conversations and Controversy.pptx

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Overview:
Adapting to a Diverse and Evolving Customer Base

This workshop provides an opportunity to look at the changing demographics of ratepayers. Key trends include an aging population, increased diversity, and the choices people make regarding rural and urban living. This workshop delves into the changing nature of modern ratepayers. These changes include:

• Consumption patterns
• Technological expectations
• Social behaviours
• Family dynamics
• Economic indicators

This session will look at strategies to engage, involve and include ratepayers through tailored communication and service models. Participants will leave with an action plan for implementing these strategies.

Topics:

• Key Demographic Trends
• Impact of Aging Population
• Increased Diversity
• Rural to Urban Migration
• Consumption Patterns
• Technological Savviness
• Economic Factors
• Financial Behaviours
• Tailored Communication
• Inclusive Service Delivery Models
• Building Trust and Loyalty
• Engagement Strategies

Presenters:
Brenda Robinson, The Robcan Group

Downloads:
Handouts will be provided by Brenda Robinson at the session.

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Overview:
This session will provide an overview of artificial intelligence (AI), including its definition, how it differs from other technologies, and emerging trends. We'll also examine the evolving policy and regulatory landscape surrounding AI, helping you understand the legal and ethical considerations for its implementation in government.

The workshop will be led by experts from AltaML, an Edmonton-based AI company with experience working with various levels of government in deploying AI solutions. They will share their insights on the latest advances in AI and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems in the public sector.

This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about AI, regardless of their technical background. It is an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding of this transformative technology and its potential impact on how we deliver services to citizens. Take this opportunity to join Brenda Robinson of the Robcan Group to explore and discuss methods, approaches, and ideas for improving and enhancing your skills in this new world of work!

Presenter:
Chantal Ritcey, AltaML
Dan Buck, AltaML

Downloads:
AI SLGM - GovLab May2025.pdf

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Overview:
Empowering Your Workforce for the Future

This workshop on Flexible Work Arrangements explores the various types and benefits of flexible work schedules, including remote work, compressed work weeks, and job sharing. Participants will explore current research and best practices to understand the advantages of flexible work arrangements. These include:

• Increased productivity
• Improved work-life balance
• Enhanced talent recruitment and retention
• Opportunity to become a preferred employer

The workshop will also address potential challenges and offer strategies to address these.
Topics:

• Types of Flexible Work Arrangements
• Current Research, Perspectives and Trends
• The Importance of Staff Engagement
• The Impact on Productivity
• The Potential Impact on Teams
• Communicating Flexible Work Arrangements to Customers and Partners
• Measuring the Outcomes of Flexible Work Arrangements
• Addressing Staff Morale and Wellness

Presenter:
Jan Fox, The Robcan Group

Downloads:
Handouts will be provided by Jan Fox at the session.

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Overview:
Destination Election 2025: Navigating the Detours and Bumps in the Road

Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in an important project, only to have things go sideways because of unexpected hiccups? It's like planning a road trip and hitting a detour you didn’t see on the map.

In this session, we will discuss why project risk management will be so important for the 2025 general election, touching on various aspects including anticipating potential surprises, and having a plan to navigate and mitigate the inevitable bumps in the road. We will also sprinkle in real-life examples experienced by both the presenters and participants to make these concepts feel more tangible. By understanding potential risks upfront, you can develop a strategy to handle whatever comes your way.

Presenter:
Angela Bilski, B. Comm., Alberta Municipal Affairs
Lucien Cloutier, CLGM, Alberta Municipal Affairs
Andrew Wood, Alberta Municipal Affairs

Downloads:
2025 SLGM Election Handouts

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*ALERT: Only for SLGM members who have already pre registered for the AGM.

Breakfast sponsered by:

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Overview:
This session will explore the different ways members of the public can participate in the municipal decision making process under the Municipal Government Act, with an emphasis on public hearings and petitions.

Topics of discussion will include evolving judicial attitudes towards public hearings, notice and advertising requirement, the importance of a “record of proceedings”, and how the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 (Bill 20) has changed the rules for municipalities in relation to planning bylaws and public hearings. The session will also provide an overview of key considerations in relation to the petition process.

Presenter:
Daina Young, Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP
Sean Ward, Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP

Downloads:
Legal I Presentation speak up DJY.pdf

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Overview:
We all experience resistance.

We want to move forward on a project or goal but are stalled thinking of everything that might go wrong or all the steps to completion. Instead of progress we procrastinate, adding to a long list of opportunities and a growing belief that we are not good at this.

Small Wins is about progress, not perfect, and taking one step forward without having full confidence in all the steps.

This is an invitation to ask better questions and being willing to accept the uncertainty that comes with taking bold action. Each step forward - however small - fuels momentum that makes the next action easier. Just as a flywheel spins under its own inertia, Small Wins in one area can lead to Small Wins in all areas of life.

Core messages include:

• Why we experience resistance and the cost of not acting
• How to move forward by challenging old assumptions
• A 3 step framework for moving from stuck to starting
• The 5 principles for facing any challenge at work and in life

Presenter:
Hugh Culver, Speaker and Author

Downloads:
Handouts will be provided at the session

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Overview:
Councillor Orientation: Charting the Course for Your New Council’s Success

The overarching purpose and importance of an orientation session is to ensure elected officials understand their role in governance and municipal service delivery. By providing your new council with the information they require to get off to a good start and govern successfully, administrative staff can build trust from the get-go, establish a strong council-CAO working relationship and ensure council has confidence in administration’s abilities.

This engaging and interactive session will discuss the new legislative requirements for councillor orientation and highlight best practices that will result in a smooth and effective council onboarding experience for all involved.

Presenters:
Angela Bilski, Alberta Municipal Affairs
Lucien Cloutier, CLGM, Alberta Municipal Affairs
Andrew Wood, Alberta Municipal Affairs

Downloads:
Councillor Orientation Handouts

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Overview:
I have spent more than 25 years of my life researching, teaching, and consulting on best leadership practices. I have also written three books aimed at helping leaders achieve their "best self". For the past 2 years I have been in a senior leadership role at the University of Alberta as I am the College Dean / Vice Provost for Social Sciences and Humanities which encompasses 500 professors and more than 17,000 students. Needless to say, there have been some wonderful conversations between leadership coach Marvin and senior leader Marvin. In my time with you, I will share some insights from those "conversations".

Presenters:
Marvin Washington, PhD, University of Alberta

Downloads:
Lessons Washington-2025.pdf

Overview:
This session will explore common problems and disputes that arise during the performance of municipal contracts, including in relation to delays, claims for increased compensation, liens, bankruptcies and other defaults. The session will offer advice to assist in managing those disputes as they arise, as well as tips in drafting contracts to help mitigate such risks before they arise. The session will also discuss mediation and arbitration processes and the benefits and drawbacks of resolving disputes outside of the traditional court process.

Presenter:
Daina Young, Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP
Sean Ward, Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP

Downloads:
Legal Stream II Presentation Managing Disputes SEW.pdf

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Overview:
Reclaiming the Clock is an exciting approach to getting beyond survival and excelling at getting the right stuff done. Culver’s proven Plan like a Pilot model provides a planning framework for getting work done while managing the inevitable interruptions of everyday life.

Based on Hugh’s best-selling book Give Me A Break, this popular program provides a simple roadmap delegates can follow long after the event is over. Many graduates apply these lessons to create time for both their physical and mental health.

Actionable lessons:

• The real cost of distractions and poor planning
• How to Plan like a Pilot with a weekly Flight Plan
• Why time blocking helps overcome procrastination
• How to automate progress with healthy habits

Downloads:
Handouts will be provided at the session

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Overview:
"So…tell me a story…but let me stay above the fray"
Do you find that other people keep bringing you into their conflicts, but it has nothing to do with you? Do you want to be able to help them resolve their issue without stepping into the fray? Come join us to learn some tips and tools to coach your colleagues to deal more effectively with their own conflict situations without getting caught in the middle. In this workshop, we will introduce you to a coaching model to give you the skills to help people get clarity on what their issues are, deescalate the conflict and coach them through to resolving the matter themselves.

Presenters:
Sara Ahlstrom, Alberta Municipal Affairs
Nnezi Ivenso, Alberta Municipal Affairs

Downloads:
Stay Above the Fray.pdf

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Overview:
A memorable evening is planned when a number of local government managers will be receiving their professional designations after a sumptuous dinner with wine sponsored by MPE Engineering 2025 marks the 35th year the CLGM Awards have been presented to managers who have earned their professional designation and the 24th anniversary of the Awards Banquet.

Richard Jones, Brownlee LLP will present the SLGM Award of Excellence to the worthy recipient.

The evening will be rounded off with Closing Keynote Speaker Hugh Culver "Don’t Believe Everything you Think… why being RIGHT is often Wrong"

This is the final function of the SLGM’s Mountain Refresher - Municipal Administration Leadership Workshop.

Thanks for joining us. Safe Travels and see you next year!

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