News

The summer edition of Urban Voice includes an article exploring P3s in Saskatchewan. The Consulting Engineers of Saskatchewan wish to clarify their position. They are not against P3s. They encourage local governments to take a critical look at each project, to ensure they are making the best choice for those projects.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Canadian Standards Association have created a course to help municipal staff and service providers strengthen asset management, and adapt critical infrastructure to severe weather and a changing climate. Your $99 registration includes: 60 days of online access (expect to spend about eight hours to complete the course); and a…

Multi-Material Stewardship Western has set up a website covering the creation of the program to manage household waste packaging and paper in Saskatchewan. We often refer to this program as the Multi-Material Recycling Program, or MMRP. The site includes information for several groups who will be affected by the MMRP, including municipalities. It also includes information about consultations,…

SUMA has long advocated for sustainable funding for community airports. In 2010, the SUMA Board of Directors endorsed a policy advocating for additional funding for airport infrastructure in southern Saskatchewan. The Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program has since received a much-needed boost to continue building links among Saskatchewan and national and international markets. In its…

The first-ever Municipal Infrastructure Conference in Saskatchewan was hosted by the City of Humboldt last month. The conference focussed specifically on infrastructure in smaller municipalities across the province. Atendees had the chance to learn, network, and come up with some of their own solutions to problems faced in growing communities. Minister of Government Relations, Jim Reiter, was…

As of last week, more than $1.6 million has been set aside through the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program. More than 300 clients will receive funding to mitigate flood damage across the province. In a press release, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, Ken Cheveldayoff had this to say: "With runoff anticipated to be in full swing within the week, I encourage…

The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council (SWRC) and the Ministry of Environment are beginning a new partnership. Together, they will create a province-wide program to collect and dipose of household hazardous waste. The program was announced last week at the SWRC Saskatchewan Waste Minimization Awards cermony. The SWRC will get $20,000 from the Ministry to begin consulting with industry and…

After hearing concerns about the proposed Environmental Code at the SUMA and SARM conventions, the Ministry of Environment created some documents to help clear some of the confusion. Here are comparisons of the current requirements to the proposed requirements under the code on three issues: Landfill Management and Operation Burning at Landfills Liquid Waste Disposal

The provincial government has extended funding for the Municipal Recycling Bridge Funding Program for paper and cardboard into the 2013-14 year. The new year will begin on May 1, 2013. “SUMA is proud to again partner with the government to continue this essential program. Along with our members, we appreciate the province’s continued commitment to helping urban governments sustain their…

As part of their efforts to remove and recycle all scrap tires in Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Corporation (SSTC) has introduced the Return to Retailer (R2R) Program. R2R allows Saskatchewan residents to drop off a maximum of ten (10) rimless scrap tires at select tire retailers during business hours free of charge, even if the tires were not originally purchased at that…

Today, the government of Saskatchewan confirmed it will help Saskatchewan residents facing the threat of flooding through the 2013 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program. It will provide engineering and technical assistance to municipalities, while sharing the cost of flood prevention works - both permanent and temporary. Level of coverage varies depending on the work, from 50 to 100 per…

SUMA is partnered with Municipal World to offer a 12-month subscription at a discount of 42 per cent off the full price subscription fee. The price offered exclusively to SUMA is $31.99 plus GST for a 12-month subscription. To take advantage of this offer, please fill out this form and return to SUMA no later than April 30, 2013.

Urban governments in Saskatchewan are pleased with the provincial government’s continued support for our cities, towns and villages in their efforts to help our province grow. “Saskatchewan’s villages, towns and cities are experiencing unprecedented growth,” said Mayor Debra Button, SUMA President. “Urban governments across the province are on the frontline, providing the services and…

Thanks to an increase in revenue received through the provincial sales tax (PST), municipalities will see the highest revenue sharing totals yet in 2013-14. The government announced $170 million for Saskatchewan's urban governments, an increase of more than $18 million. Full details are available in the news release. SUMA provided this response to the announcement.

This Friday, the SUMA Board of Directors will meet for the first time since the new Board has been in place. The Board now includes: President: Mayor Debra Button Vice-President of Cities: Mayor Malcolm Eaton Vice-President of Towns: Mayor Rodger Hayward Vice-President of Villages, Resort Villages and Northern Municipalities: Mayor Barry Gunther Executive Member Saskatoon/Regina: Councillor…