News

Municipalities are heavily affected by outside economic factors that can impact their revenue and investments. Issues like supply chain disruptions, border crossing closures, and potential U.S. tariffs threaten the economies that they depend on, while trade barriers between provinces and territories make it harder to shift to more stable Canadian markets. The removal of key services, such as…

Municipalities have the greatest responsibility for public infrastructure in Canada, developing and operating 60 percent of it, despite having the least fiscal capacity of any order of government. Infrastructure investments by other orders of government, including cost-shared infrastructure grant programs and federal/provincial broadband development, are essential to the ongoing viability of…

Provincial investments are vital to improving the quality of life in Saskatchewan’s cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities. With the release of the 2025-26 provincial budget, SUMA supports the province’s effort to improve the lives of Saskatchewan’s residents, particularly through increased funding for public safety, infrastructure and health…

SUMA is pleased with the Government of Saskatchewan’s intention to fulfil previously made promises in healthcare, and its focus on community in today’s Throne Speech. We are especially thankful for the ongoing commitment to the Municipal Revenue Sharing formula, and the increase in funding for the Community Rink Affordability Grant. For many years, SUMA (Saskatchewan Urban…

SUMA’s advocacy is backed by research and data—things we hold in high regard when advocating on behalf of member municipalities. We’re pleased to announce that SUMA is partnering with the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This partnership will facilitate a Mitacs-funded post-doctoral position that fosters…

Whether you live in a city, town, village, resort village, or northern municipality, chances are you’ve noticed a greater need for mental health, addictions and housing resources and services in your community. Unfortunately, the current level of funding available does not match the province-wide need. SUMA is calling on the next provincial government to take greater responsibility for…

As the order of government closest to the people, municipalities understand the changes required for their communities to remain safe and functional. This election, SUMA is advocating for a strong, interconnected, and well-resourced system of municipal bylaws and provincial legislation—essential components for urban municipalities to continue serving as the best places to live, work, and…

Leaders representing the municipal associations from Western Canada's three prairie provinces met virtually Friday to discuss common issues. The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) hosted the annual meeting, which brings together elected officials and staff from SUMA, SARM, the Association of Manitoba…

With the responsibility for over 60 per cent of public infrastructure, and few revenue streams, urban municipalities find it more difficult each year to run balanced budgets and provide their residents with the resources they need. Municipalities have been feeling this monetary pinch for some time, whether it’s through PST on construction, or dated property assessment procedures unsupportive…

SUMA’s “We are URBAN.” campaign celebrates all of our member communities—from the smallest villages to the largest cities—and highlights all the ways that they serve their residents and surrounding areas. Through billboards across Saskatchewan, and posts on social media, the initiative spotlights the facilities, services, landmarks, and features that make our cities,…

Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) and the Assemblée Communautaire Fransaskoise (ACF) are pleased to announce a new partnership, which will help engage SUMA members across the province and lend support when they seek Government Francophone-related funding.   Read the full release below. 

From April 14-17, over 1000 representatives from Saskatchewan’s cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities will come together for the 2024 SUMA Convention and Tradeshow at the REAL District in Regina. Through Convention 2024, delegates will reconnect with colleagues, focus on new ideas, network with SUMA and provincial decision makers, and reflect on municipal…

From now until June 7, 2024, the Target Sector Support (TSS) Initiative is accepting grant applications for municipal projects that focus on partnerships, planning, and collaboration.  The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants, up to 75 per cent on eligible costs, to municipalities partnering to strengthen their core municipal responsibilities.  TSS was established following a…

Provincial investments into Saskatchewan’s hometowns help improve the quality of life for residents. With the 2024-25 budget, SUMA recognizes the province’s efforts to improve lives across Saskatchewan by maintaining key operating funding and increasing investments in key healthcare infrastructure. We are, however, disappointed in the decrease to transportation infrastructure for our…

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) has substantial concerns with changes proposed to the Canada Community Building Fund by the Government of Canada. These changes would see additional criteria related to affordable housing development imposed on the municipal sector. “Our cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities recognize the need for more…