Community Service Agreements

Community Service Agreements are established only after a service need has been identified by the District.

A service need may be identified through:

• Council strategic planning and priority setting
• Community engagement and advisory committee input
• Identified gaps in municipal capacity
• Legislative or policy requirements
• Funding opportunities requiring third-party delivery

To support effective financial planning, service needs are identified through the annual budget process and Council strategic planning.

Community Service Agreements are established as part of the District’s planning and budgeting processes.

Service needs and funding are typically identified early in the annual budget process. Community Service Agreements can only be established where funding has been approved by Council through this process. These services are typically funded through municipal property taxes.

Council establishes municipal services and service levels through this process. District staff are responsible for implementing those services, including working with external service providers where appropriate.

In addition to Council strategic planning, new service needs may also emerge through community input. This includes feedback gathered during the budget process, such as the “What We Heard” report, which summarizes public engagement and is typically presented to Council in the fall.

How Community Service Agreements Are Established

1. Service need is identified by the District
2. Delivery approach is determined (direct or competitive)
3. Service provider is selected and an agreement is established

How the Program Works

Once a service need has been identified, the District determines the appropriate approach to delivering that service. This may include in collaboration with a local not-for-profit organization through a service agreement.

The determining a potential service agreement, Council may consider,

• Alignment of the service with Council priorities and plans
• Community need and potential impact in providing the service
• The District’s role in service delivery
• The ability of external organizations to deliver the service effectively, independent from the District
• Available funding and timing considerations

When the District seeks a service provider, it issues a Call to Fill Services in accordance with the Purchasing and Procurement Policy.

Depending on the scope and value of the service, the District may:

• Work directly with a qualified organization; or
• Use a competitive process, such as a Call for Proposals (CFP) or Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI)

Each call includes:

• Service description and expected outcomes
• Term and available funding
• Eligibility and evaluation criteria
• Submission requirements and timelines

Community Service Agreements are not part of an open application process. Organizations should not contact staff to request an agreement, as service needs and agreements are determined by the District through Council direction.

Opportunities, once identified, may be posted on the District website and/or shared through targeted outreach.

Community Service Agreements are not available through general application.

Unsolicited proposals will not be considered.

Organizations cannot apply for a CSA independently. The District will contact organizations or issue a procurement opportunity only when a service need has been identified.

Community Service Agreements:

• Outline the services to be delivered and expected outcomes
• Include funding amounts approved by Council
• May be multi-year, depending on the service and funding availability

Organizations receiving funding must:

• Report on service delivery and outcomes
• Provide financial reporting as outlined in the agreement

Rewnal:

• Community Service Agreements are time-limited and subject to review at the end of their term.
• Renewal is not guaranteed and depends on continued service need, performance, and available funding.

No. Community Service Agreements are not open for application or unsolicited proposals. They are established by the District after Council has identified a specific service need.

These needs are typically identified through strategic planning or the annual budget process. Once a need is confirmed and funding is allocated, the District may initiate a formal “call to fill” process to identify a service provider.

This structured approach ensures that service agreements are aligned with community priorities, delivered transparently, and funded responsibly.

No. The District does not accept unsolicited proposals for Community Service Agreements. Service needs are identified by Council through strategic planning and the budget process. Organizations may be invited to participate when a need has been identified.

Depending on the service, the District may work directly with a qualified organization or use a competitive procurement process in accordance with its Purchasing and Procurement Policy.

Community Grants are open for application and typically support one-time or short-term projects.

Community Service Agreements are not application-based. They are used to fund specific services identified by the District.

When a service need is identified, the District may issue a Call to Fill Services to identify qualified organizations. Depending on the scope and value of the agreement:

• The District may award the agreement directly to a qualified provider (for lower-value or specialized services); or
• Use a competitive process, such as a Call for Proposals (CFP) or Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI)

Each call outlines:

• The service and expected outcomes
• Term and available funding
• Eligibility and evaluation criteria
• Submission requirements and timelines

Calls may be posted publicly on the District website and/or shared through targeted outreach.

Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.

If a service need is identified, the District may contact organizations directly or issue a public or invited procurement opportunity.

Opportunities and updates on service status will be posted on this page, as information is available.

Presenting to Council does not initiate or replace the Community Service Agreement process. While delegations may raise awareness of community needs, service agreements are only established through the formal process outlined in the policy.

Community Service Agreements are not an open or ongoing funding stream. They are established for defined service delivery over a specified term in response to identified District needs, and ongoing or perpetual funding is not guaranteed.

Organizations seeking funding for programs, events, or general operations should explore other Community Investment Program opportunities, such as Community Grants or Sponsorships.

Non-profit organizations are encouraged to maintain diverse funding sources and strong organizational development practices to support long-term sustainability, rather than relying solely on District funding.