Information on what's happening at SUMA and in the municipal field.
April 16, 2018
As the date for cannabis legalization approaches, Saskatchewan municipalities are taking a big step forward in their preparation to keep citizens safe and well-served from day one. Following months of collaboration with a technical advisory group and legal experts, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and provincial and territorial counterparts from across Canada, have launched the Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization.
See more in the full media release.
April 10, 2018
The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is relieved to see that today’s provincial budget is maintaining support for Saskatchewan hometowns.
In today’s budget, the provincial government is reinstating the SaskEnergy municipal surcharge to 109 of our municipalities who saw it cut last year. The surcharge will also be extended to all Saskatchewan cities, towns and villages.
See more in our full media release.
April 02, 2018
Keep pace with asset management requirements by attending an in-person workshop tailor made for Saskatchewan municipalities.
Asset Management Saskatchewan is offering workshops across the province throughout the month of April. The workshops focus on the purpose of asset management, the Gas Tax requirements, and the role of key asset management documents.
Free webinars made for both municipal staff and elected officials are also happening.
Find all the details on upcoming training opportunities on their website.
March 01, 2018
Today, SGI will stop using the non-productive call rate for time spent by fire departments responding to motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) on provincial highways.
Saskatchewan’s fire departments will now be compensated at a rate of $913 for every hour spent at a collision in 2018, rather than having their time potentially classified at the lower, non-productive rate of $549 per hour. The change will result in approximately $510,000 more in reimbursement for Saskatchewan’s fire departments in the first year alone.
See more in our full media release.
January 30, 2018
The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is hosting its 113th Annual Convention from February 4 to 7. Nearly 1,000 representatives from Saskatchewan’s cities, towns, villages, and northern municipalities will come together in Regina for Convention 2018.
The annual convention is a great chance to highlight the exciting things happening in Saskatchewan hometowns. SUMA members get to bring their challenges and successes forward to each other, the provincial government, and the media. This is a chance to learn about the innovative projects happening all around the province and celebrate the dedication of municipal officials.
See more in our full media…
January 30, 2018
If you are calling the SUMA office — or anyone in it — do not be fooled by the "This number is no longer in service" message! Our phone system is currently down, but our provider is working on restoring service. We are still receiving emails if you need to contact us.
December 05, 2017
The Canadian Smart Cities Challenge kicked off last week, but don't let the name fool you — it's open to all SUMA members. In fact, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is hosting a regional event next Monday, December 11, and you can attend in person or by teleconference.
Space for the event is limited, so register now to save your spot. You'll get to hear an overview of the challenge, including the process, and have a chance to ask questions. You can also get more details on the challenge on the Impact Canada website.
November 27, 2017
As we told you last month, Asset Management Saskatchewan is designing and delivering local training to municipalities, thanks to funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Registration is now open for webinars, which begin this Thursday, November 30. So far, webinars are planned through mid-April. They will also start offering in-person workshops around the province in February 2018. Get all the details on upcoming training opportunities on their website.
November 22, 2017
Saskatchewan is experiencing a rare phenomenon, with the two main provincial political parties both undergoing a leadership race. In these exceptional circumstances, SUMA took the opportunity to ask leadership candidates about several issues that are important to Saskatchewan hometowns. In late October, we wrote to the declared candidates for the Saskatchewan Party and Saskatchewan NDP, asking for their responses by November 17. (Another candidate entered the race in November, and while we sent the same letter, it had a later deadline.)
As of November 22, we have received responses from five of the eight candidates. This grid includes a summary of the…
October 03, 2017
Last week, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced funding for asset management training programs across Canada. Asset Management Saskatchewan is one of the 22 organizations that will receive funding to design and delivery local training to municipalities. Details on training sessions, dates, and locations will come out later this fall; SUMA will share information with members on our website and through Urban Update, so be sure you're signed up to get the latest information.