'Long-term predictable funding' wanted by P.E.I. Municipalities

The Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities has called on the next provincial government to do more to help towns and cities across the Island. 

Improvements need to be made to how the provincial government is sharing the property-tax revenues with municipalities, said president Bruce MacDougall.

Communities are falling behind other provinces in terms of developing modern infrastructure and services, he said.

Municipal governments are usually unsure of how much revenue they will receive each year, he said.

"We need to be ensured that the municipalities have long-term predictable funding," said MacDougall. 

"You know, the way it is right now, some of them can't even take advantage of some of the programs that are taking place because they can't put up their share."

MacDougall will be meeting with all the leaders of the Island's political parties. To date, he has met with Progressive Conservative Leader Rob Lantz and Liberal Leader Wade MacLauchlan. 

Meetings are planned with Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker and NDP Leader Mike Redmond. 

"Right now I believe that we just have to put everything on the table and start over."