Resolutions

Whereas dilapidated buildings of all types in municipalities threaten public safety by increasing fire risks, potential structural collapses, increased criminal activity, and health hazards from vermin or mold growth, while lowering property values, and diminishing the overall aesthetics and appeal of Saskatchewan communities; and

Whereas municipalities often lack the financial and technical resources needed for inspections, legal action, and demolitions to address these buildings promptly and affordably, resulting in prolonged community blight and frustration; and

Whereas municipalities are responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and well-being of their citizens and require adequate support from higher levels of government to address dilapidated buildings and related issues effectively.

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to: provide financial assistance to municipalities for the assessment, maintenance, demolition, or repurposing of dilapidated buildings; amend legislation or provide additional regulatory frameworks to assist municipalities in enforcing property standards and expediting processes for dealing with abandoned or neglected buildings; and provide technical support to municipalities, such as developing standardized guidelines, offering expert consultation, and coordinating with municipal officials to create long-term strategies for addressing dilapidated properties.

Acts affected: The Municipalities Act; The Cities Act; The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010

Sectors/Regions affected: ALL

Dear Randy Goulden;

Thank you for your May 1, 2025, letter regarding resolutions passed at the 2025 Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Convention.

Re: 2025-02: Assistance Addressing Dilapidated Buildings

• The nuisance abatement bylaw would also provide authority for the municipality to investigate, issue remedial orders, register interests on the land, and ultimately complete the remedy action if the property owner fails to do so. Costs can be recovered by the municipality either by civil suit or by adding the amounts to the property taxes. Municipalities who determine they have nuisance properties, are encouraged to enforce their nuisance abatement bylaw as soon as issues are apparent.
• Should a municipality choose to proceed with taking title of a nuisance property under The Tax Enforcement Act {TEA), the municipality should fully enforce their nuisance abatement

bylaw prior. Remedial costs added to property taxes prior to taking title would form part of the tax arrears, thus they would be eligible for recovery through the sale of the property by the municipality. Costs incurred for remedial action after title is in the municipality's name are not recoverable through the TEA.

• Under The Construction Codes Act, a licensed building official appointed by the municipality has the authority to inspect the subject property and may do the following:
  • Issue an unsafe condition order to the building owner if the building official finds any condition that could cause undue hazard to the health, safety or welfare of any person who is authorized or could reasonably be foreseen to be on or about the premises, whether the building is occupied or not.
  • Act to repair or demolish a building to eliminate an imminent danger if, in the opinion of the building official on reasonable grounds, there is a risk of fire emergency or other risk that threatens persons, property or the environment and requires immediate response to eliminate or mitigate that risk.
  • If the conditions of an order to the property owner are not complied with, the municipality has the authority to complete the work and add the costs to the taxes of the property.

Funding

• Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) is funding provided to municipalities unconditionally. Municipalities make decisions around where to invest these dollars, whether it be for operational needs or capital needs. MRS is based on the value of 0.75 of one point of the provincial sales tax from two years prior. In 2025-26, GOS will provide nearly $361.8 million in MRS to municipalities in Saskatchewan.
• The Communities in Transition {CIT) Program is intended to accommodate the needs of municipalities that assume financial liabilities related to municipal restructuring, i.e.) when a village dissolves into a rural municipality (RM).
  • Demolition and clean-up of environmental liabilities, which are typically not owned by the municipality and that are demonstrated to be a detriment to the health and safety of the former village, are eligible. This may include abandoned buildings and orphaned sites.
  • RMs may apply for approval of infrastructure-related project(s) and administration costs only once and within 24 months following restructuring. Demolition of abandoned buildings and orphaned sites can be included in the application even if the RM has not yet claimed the property through tax title proceedings. If the project is approved for funding under the CIT program, the RM must first claim the property through tax title proceedings and then clean up the site

Congratulations on another successful convention. I look forward to continuing our work together and future discussions on areas of mutual interest.

Sincerely,

Eric Schmalz

Minister of Government Relations

Minister Responsible for First Nations, Metis, and Northern Affairs

Minister Responsible for Provincial Capital Commission