Municipalities are also often drawn into conflict. Sometimes municipalities are the source of
the conflict and other times they are perceived as an objective body that can or should
intervene to resolve problems between neighbours. When people have a concern, for example,
the first place they often turn to is their local municipality. Sources of conflict within the rural
community are varied. Sometimes, conflict may be a running feud between two neighbours
and the municipality will likely decline involvement. In other instances, however, and from
the perspective of rural planning and environmental management it may be in the
municipalities interest to become involved. For example the “Dirty Dozen” sources of conflict
identified by Carter and Owen (2000) have a strong municipal or public component to them
(for example water and air quality).
As mentioned, conflict can also exist between the municipality and ratepayers. Conflict may
arise from concern over municipal action or inaction, staff dealings with public, concern over
council-related issues, concern over taxes or concerns over any number of a wide range of
municipal services. In many rural municipalities across the country, the issue of agricultural
intensification has put many conflicts squarely on the Council table. In Ontario,
municipalities have been lobbied to stop the construction of new livestock facilities. In
Manitoba and Alberta tense public meetings have accompanied proposals for the construction
of new barns.
While conflict can not always be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction, it is desirable to try to
resolve or manage it. Individuals and organizations are recognizing that by increasing their
understanding of the negotiating process and by using specific skills, they can achieve
enhanced outcomes for themselves and others.