The process of ratifying a contract with a private sector partner is a key step given the procedural requirements established in the Municipal Act. To this point, the negotiations with the private partner may have taken place without significant involvement of the public or other stakeholders. If the contract involves elements that require advertising, elector assent or the opportunity for counter petition, the local government must ensure that the required steps are taken. The procedural requirements can be undertaken at any time after the local government has determined:
• the type and extent of assistance to be granted
• the extent of land or property disposition
• the nature and extent of liabilities to be incurred
However, they are best met when local government has identified with reasonable certainty the extent of the cost, the exemption or benefit to be provided, or the liability to be incurred. This avoids having to repeat the requirements should negotiations result in changes.