Resolutions

2026-07 Northern Bylaw Enforcement

Year: 2026

Resolution

Whereas consistent and equitable enforcement of municipal bylaws is essential to uphold community standards; and

Whereas limited staffing and administrative workload hinder the ability to provide equitable enforcement across all areas of northern jurisdiction;

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to develop and implement a rotating schedule of bylaw enforcement officials throughout the northern jurisdiction to reduce administrative burdens and ensure consistent, fair, efficient, and visible enforcement of municipal regulations.

Provincial Response

Dear Randy Goulden;

Thank you for your April 29, 2026 letter regarding resolutions passed at the 2026 Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Convention.

Ministry of Government Relations' Response

  • The Ministry of Government Relations recognizes and appreciates the importance of consistent, fair, and visible enforcement of municipal bylaws in maintaining community standards and supporting public well-being.
  • We also acknowledge the operational challenges many northern municipalities face, including limited staffing capacity and administrative workload pressures.
  • Each incorporated municipality in northern Saskatchewan is governed by their own independent council that is responsible for local decision-making, including the development, adoption, and enforcement of municipal bylaws.
  • Municipal bylaws are entirely at the discretion of individual councils. As such, a provincially coordinated bylaw enforcement model across municipalities would present challenges, since:
    • Not all municipalities have the same bylaws in place.
    • Enforcement expectations differ.
    • Accountability rests with individual councils.
  • It is important to respect the independence and authority of each municipal council, including their right to determine how bylaws are written, implemented, and enforced within their jurisdiction.
  • That said, the Government of Saskatchewan does support regional collaboration where municipalities choose to work together voluntarily.
  • One key program available is the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative, which:
    • Allocates approximately $1.5 million annually from Municipal Revenue Sharing.
    • Supports projects that strengthen core municipal operations.
    • Encourages regional cooperation and shared service delivery models.
  • Through the TSS Initiative, municipalities may explore collaborative approaches such as:
    • Shared bylaw enforcement services.
    • Regional staffing arrangements.
    • Joint administrative or governance capacity-building projects.
  • These types of initiatives are locally driven and voluntary, allowing municipalities to collaborate while still maintaining their individual authority and governance structures.
  • Overall, while the goal of improving bylaw enforcement is well understood and supported, any regional or shared approach would need to be developed collaboratively by participating municipalities, respecting their autonomy and differing local needs.

     

Congratulations on another successful convention. I look forward to continued discussions with SUMA 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

 

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