In Southern Alberta, there are community festivals — and then there is Taber Cornfest.

Every August, just before the long weekend, the Town of Taber comes alive for one of the region's biggest free family celebrations.

Live music. Food. Rides. Entertainment. And, of course, plenty of corn.

This year's Cornfest was billed as the biggest and best yet — bringing locals and visitors together for a weekend that has become a cherished Southern Alberta tradition.

And behind the celebration is a community effort, supported by generous sponsors, volunteers, local businesses and the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce.

But in a community whose identity is so closely tied to corn, why not embrace it?

Taber has turned its agricultural identity into something bigger — a brand, a tradition, and a reason for thousands of people to come together every summer.

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Crime is increasingly becoming a municipal issue — even though the laws governing it are largely made in Ottawa.

Across Canada, mayors and councils are pressing the federal government for action on repeat offending, bail, addiction and public safety.

Last week in Truro, Nova Scotia, Mayor Hinton met with federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser to discuss concerns about federal crime laws.

Afterward, Hinton emphasized the need for all levels of government to work respectfully together, regardless of political differences.

And that may be the bigger story.

Municipalities don't write the Criminal Code. They don't set bail policy. But they deal with the consequences every day — on main streets, in neighbourhoods, and through local police and emergency services.

For this episode of Municipal Affairs, we're asking: Are municipalities being heard in Canada's conversation about crime — and can Ottawa and local governments find common ground on public safety? And to do that, we are joined by Truro Mayor Cathy Hinton.
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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Across Western Canada, some of the decisions affecting local communities are being made far beyond the municipal council chamber.

Municipal leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba gathered at Fort Edmonton for the 2026 Western Canadian Municipal Association meeting, bringing some very big issues to the table.

The escalating Canada-U.S. trade war, ongoing RCMP contract negotiations, infrastructure funding, and the development of economic corridors were all top of mind.

And while municipalities don't always have a direct seat at the table when these decisions are made, one message came through clearly: municipalities need a voice in the discussions that affect their communities.

We spoke with Association of Manitoba Municipalities President Kathy Valentino about the two days in Edmonton, what Manitoba brought to the discussion, and the key takeaways from the Manitoba municipal perspective.

I’m Christopher Brown, and This Is Municipal Affairs.

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Across Western Canada, some of the decisions affecting local communities are being made far beyond the municipal council chamber.

Municipal leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba gathered at Fort Edmonton for the 2026 Western Canadian Municipal Association meeting, bringing with them some very big issues.

The escalating Canada-U.S. trade war, ongoing RCMP contract negotiations, the rapid growth of data centres, and the development of economic corridors were all top of mind.

And while municipalities don't always have a direct seat at the table when these decisions are made, one message came through clearly: municipalities need a voice in the discussions that affect their communities.

We spoke with Alberta Municipalities President Dylan Bressey about the two-day gathering, the key takeaways, and what municipal leaders want from Ottawa and the provinces.

I'm Christopher Brown, and this is Municipal Affairs. 

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

For decades, the Canada-U.S. relationship has been built on trade — billions of dollars crossing the border, supporting businesses, jobs and communities on both sides.

Now, that relationship is under renewed strain.

As of midnight Saturday, a new 50 percent U.S. tariff is in effect, escalating an already difficult trade war and creating new uncertainty for Canadian businesses, workers and families.

And while the negotiations are happening between national governments, the consequences are being felt much closer to home.

Municipal leaders are watching employers, industries and local economies — knowing that when trade is disrupted, the impact can quickly reach main streets and municipal budgets.

FCM President Tim Tierney says this is a moment for “Team Canada,” with municipalities ready to work alongside Ottawa, the provinces and territories to support affected communities.

But what does that support look like on the ground?

And what are mayors and reeves asking the federal government to do as this trade dispute enters a new and potentially more consequential phase?

On this episode of Municipal Affairs, we speak with FCM President Tim Tierney about what municipalities need from Ottawa — and his message to local elected officials navigating what this escalating trade war could mean for their communities.

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

It may be one of the most talked-about issues facing communities across Canada right now.

Data centres.

Municipal leaders are increasingly being asked to consider these massive facilities — and in some provinces, the debate has even become an election issue.

For municipalities, the questions go well beyond technology.

What are the economic benefits? What are the impacts on power, water, land and infrastructure? And are municipal leaders prepared to have an open conversation with residents about both the opportunities and concerns?

And when a project becomes polarizing, what makes a municipal leader support it?

Today on Municipal Affairs, we’re joined by City of Prince George Councillor Trudy Klassen to discuss the data centre debate, her perspective on a potential project, and how both municipal leaders and residents in British Columbia are viewing the issue.

I'm Christopher Brown, and this is Municipal Affairs. 

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the first live edition of 2026 BC Municipal Votes.

It’s Friday, August 21st, and we are coming to you live.

I’m Christopher Brown, and I’m very excited to welcome you to this new series focused entirely on municipal politics in British Columbia.

For the next several weeks, we’re going to be taking you across the province and looking at the people, the communities, the campaigns, and the issues that will define the 2026 BC municipal elections.

This is our first live program, so today is going to be a little bit different. We’re going to use this episode to establish the groundwork for everything that comes next.

Because if you’re watching this and you already follow municipal politics closely, you probably know that a lot is happening across British Columbia.

But if you’re someone who doesn't normally follow city council meetings, municipal campaigns, or local politics, you might be asking yourself: Where do I even begin?

Who is running? What positions are actually being elected? When do nominations close? What are the major issues? How do municipal governments work? And perhaps most importantly, why should I care about what happens at City Hall?

Those are some of the questions we want to answer throughout this series.

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Greater Sudbury’s Ward 9 is a community facing many of the same questions confronting municipalities across Ontario: roads and infrastructure, property taxes, development, public services, and the future of local neighbourhoods.

But municipal politics is ultimately about something much more immediate — the decisions that affect people where they live.

Tonight, we sit down with Ward 9 council candidate Eddie Astgen.

Why is he running? What does he believe Ward 9 needs most? And what would he bring to Greater Sudbury City Council?

We’ll put those questions directly to him — examining his priorities, his vision, and his approach to representing the people of Ward 9.

This is Municipal Affairs Votes. I’m Christopher Brown.

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Every day, Saskatchewan’s mayors and councillors make decisions that shape the future of their communities.

But with the demands of municipal government, there’s often little time to step back, share experiences, and focus on becoming a stronger leader.

That’s the goal of SUMA's Council Summer School — an exclusive professional development opportunity created specifically for elected municipal leaders.

Two immersive days last week, Mayors and Councillors from across Saskatchewan explored issues facing today’s councils, from LAFIOP and regional cooperation to governance best practices — gaining practical tools and fresh perspectives they can take back home.

And just as important was the opportunity to connect with fellow mayors and councillors, exchange ideas, and build relationships across Saskatchewan.

For this edition of Municipal Affairs, we spoke with SUMA President Randy Goulden about why investing in municipal leadership matters — and what Council Summer School has to offer.
I'm Christopher Brown, and this is Municipal Affairs

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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026

Crime and public safety are among the most pressing concerns facing communities across Canada — and for municipal leaders, those concerns are often felt first and closest to home.

Last week, Stony Plain Mayor William Choy and members of council took those concerns directly to Ottawa, meeting with Ruby Sahota, the federal Secretary of State for Combating Crime.

The conversation focused on public safety and the challenges municipalities are facing on the ground — and what role the federal government can play in addressing them.

As Mayor Choy put it, while every municipality is unique, a collaborative approach can help address the issues that matter most to residents.

So, what did Stony Plain bring to the table? What did the federal government have to say? And what does the community need next?

Today, on Municipal Affairs, we sit down with Mayor William Choy to discuss that conversation — and the fight for safer communities.
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Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network

©2026