I would hesitate to say that less drilling for gas will make much difference to municipal tax bases with the exception of a few municipalities. Most of the gas exploration that is on hold is in south eastern AB and northern BC.
The resource assessment does bring money into municipal coffers, but the maintenance of roads to keep the industry on the move is a huge cost. Not just grading and gravelling but rebuilding and shoulder pulling roads that get pounded out is an ongoing cost. Municipalities such as Red Deer have been faced with huge growth, so much of their cost is likely in services, new roads, etc.
The resource assessment does bring money into municipal coffers, but the maintenance of roads to keep the industry on the move is a huge cost. Not just grading and gravelling but rebuilding and shoulder pulling roads that get pounded out is an ongoing cost. Municipalities such as Red Deer have been faced with huge growth, so much of their cost is likely in services, new roads, etc.
Comment