Resolutions

Whereas urban municipalities in Saskatchewan require sufficient protection to accommodate and manage their future growth effectively, ensuring sustainable and strategic urban development; and

Whereas the current The Planning and Development Act, 2007, lacks the necessary mechanisms for urban municipalities to safeguard their growth boundaries or regulate development on lands adjacent to their boundaries; and

Whereas unchecked and uncoordinated development in rural municipalities on the boundaries of urban municipalities undermines economic efficiency, hinders orderly growth, and exacerbates land-use conflicts; and

Whereas amending The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to provide growth protections will promote balanced, sustainable, and regionally coordinated development, benefiting both urban and rural communities.

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to amend The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to include enforceable provisions that:

1. Clearly define and protect designated urban growth boundaries;
2. Empower urban municipalities to establish and regulate development zones within a defined radius of their boundaries;
3. Mandate regional collaborative planning processes to align development priorities;
4. Ensure that the growth protections are equitable, legally binding, and reflective of the long term needs of Saskatchewan's urban municipal centers; and
5. Support a growth planning horizon of 25 to 35 years.

Acts affected: The Planning and Development Act, 2007