Growing Urban Population Requires Infrastructure Investment

The release of the 2011 Federal Census population figures today confirms that Saskatchewan’s urban centres are experiencing an increase in population. Newly released figures indicate that approximately 82% of Saskatchewan residents are living in our cities, towns, villages and resort villages, and 57% of the total population lives in cities. One of the fastest growth rates within a CMA in the country is occurring within Martensville, which has a growth rate of 55.5%.

"Urban governments provide for critical needs such as roads, recreation facilities, water and waste water delivery needed to sustain these populations," said Mayor Jim Scarrow, SUMA’s Vice-President of Cities. "With this population growth, further investment in urban infrastructure is needed by the other orders of government to ensure a sustainable future for these communities."

At the recent SUMA Convention in Regina, delegates called upon the Government of Saskatchewan to implement an interim infrastructure program to address the infrastructure demands urban governments are facing. "Our cities, towns and villages are on the front line attempting to renew current infrastructure and build new to address the growing population in this province", said Mayor Scarrow, "SUMA is working with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and other partners to develop a long-term, sustainable municipal infrastructure program." We must accelerate our efforts to create a made-in Saskatchewan solution that will repair, replace existing facilities and fund new roads, parks and essential services in response to rising urban populations. The reality is aging infrastructure is a barrier to future growth in this province, and so investing in urban infrastructure is crucial to the economy of this province."