A regional service partnership has been formed that will work towards shared opportunities with neighbouring communities.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass recently put out feelers to existing members of the Crowsnest/Pincher Creek Landfill Association and MD of Ranchlands to see if there was interest to expand share opportunities beyond the landfill.

A startup meeting on Nov. 14 confirmed a very positive response, said Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson.

"I'm pleased to report that there seems to be considerable excitement, eagerness to move forward."

"Opportunities for shared municipal service partnership could be successful in areas including solid waste, protective and enforcement services, economic development, recreation, agricultural services, and FCSS services," said Thompson's report.

Each municipality would have to formally approve the committee and at the meeting it was agreed that the Crowsnest Pass would act as the lead municipality.

A grant application through the Municipal Affairs Regional Collaboration Program (RCP) will be submitted on behalf of the partnership that includes Crowsnest Pass, Town of Pincher Creek, MD of Pincher Creek, MD of Ranchlands, and Village of Cowley.

The province provides funding to municipalities through strategic activities related to regional collaboration and capacity building to a maximum of $250,000.

Council unanimously approved the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass as the lead municipality, authorized submission of the grant application, and appointed Councillor Jerry Lonsbury as their representative.