Resolutions

Whereas derelict, vacant commercial properties can be an obstacle to the positive economic, social, and cultural development of a community; and

Whereas The Municipalities Act and The Northern Municipalities Act do not provide specific authority for municipalities to penalize owners who permit vacant, derelict properties to remain in a state of neglect; and

Whereas it is desirable to have The Municipalities Act and The Northern Municipalities Act amended to provide municipalities the option of introducing a Bylaw to motivate the owners of vacant, derelict properties to improve and maintain such properties to an acceptable standard;

Therefore, be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to amend The Municipalities Act and The Northern Municipalities Act to allow municipalities to create bylaws that:

1. Add an empty building fee onto vacant, derelict properties.

2. Allow for inspections of the exterior of vacant buildings without notice.

3. Establish mandatory maintenance standards for vacant buildings.

ACTS AFFECTED: The Municipalities Act, The Northern Municipalities Act

REGION/SECTOR AFFECTED: Towns, Villages, Resort Villages