Lori Matthewson

By Lorri Matthewson (Founder and Lead Consultant Matthewson & Co.) www.smallplacesrock.com Municipalities run on a combination of legislation, bylaws, policies, and day-to-day administrative practices. In theory, these elements work together to create a transparent, consistent, and legally compliant system of local governance. In reality, many municipalities rely far more on practice than on policy—and often don’t realize that there could be consequences. Across the municipal sector, it...

By Lorri Matthewson, Founder, Matthewson & Co. www.smallplacesrock.com I love the peace of small‑town living. I love the way generations of the same families shape a place, and how newcomers add new energy and ideas. I love the civic pride, the beauty of our prairie communities, and the way people show up for each other. And I especially love the “get‑after‑it” spirit that builds rinks, pools, firehalls, and community spaces through sheer determination and volunteer power. Those...

Every municipality—no matter its size—runs on a simple structure: Council sets the direction, and administration carries it out. When those roles stay clear, the community gets steady, reliable service. But when the lines blur, things get messy fast. Here’s a situation that happens in almost every town. A resident walks into the municipal office feeling frustrated. Maybe a bylaw ticket felt unfair. Maybe a service took longer than expected. Maybe a conversation with a staff member didn’t go...