Municipal government is the level of government closest to citizens, responsible for local services and community governance. Municipalities provide services directly affecting daily life including roads, water and sewer systems, garbage collection, parks and recreation, fire protection, local planning, and bylaw enforcement. Elected councils make decisions and set policies, while professional staff deliver services. Unlike federal and provincial governments with constitutional standing, municipalities are created by and subject to provincial authority. Despite this legal subordination, municipal governments make decisions significantly affecting community quality of life. Canada has thousands of municipalities ranging from tiny villages to major metropolitan centres.