Mandatory services are services that municipalities must provide by provincial legislation, as opposed to discretionary services they choose to offer. Provincial laws typically require municipalities to provide essential services like roads, water and sewer systems, fire protection, land use planning, and elections. The specific list of mandatory services varies by province and by municipal type, with larger cities often having more requirements. Mandatory services ensure all residents receive basic services regardless of where they live. Municipalities cannot simply stop providing mandatory services to save money, though they have some flexibility in how they deliver them and at what service levels.