REGINA — Eleven resolutions were debated and passed at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention in Regina on Monday.
Here are some of the notable resolutions:
Revenue tools/fiscal fairness
The City of Regina, in January, passed a motion for SUMA to advocate on its behalf to find additional revenue tools for municipalities and rework tax systems.
These items included:
- advocating that the Government of Saskatchewan enable municipalities to access alternative revenue options, including, but not limited to, new or improved taxation alternatives;
- advocating that the Government of Saskatchewan either collect its own education property tax directly or reinstate a grant to municipalities that compensates for the administrative burden of collection;
- advocating for the reinstatement of municipal payments in lieu for electrical revenues from SaskPower, restoring a vital source of municipal revenue;
- advocating that the Province of Saskatchewan exempt municipalities from Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on construction projects, thereby reducing costs and supporting infrastructure development.
During the resolution, Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski said current taxation tools don’t account for the growing demand for services municipalities face.
“The idea here [for taxation alternatives] is to spark conversation and open the dialogue.”
Regina is also hopeful to ease the roughly $9 million in PST it will pay to the province this year, which it can invest back into the city, noted Coun. David Froh (Ward 3).
“It will give us a fighting chance to make sure our communities are safe, prosperous and vibrant for years.”
The motion passed with nearly 90 per cent of voters in favour.
Northern bylaw enforcement
The Village of Air Ronge requested SUMA advocate to the provincial government to implement a rotating schedule of bylaw enforcement officials throughout the northern jurisdiction.
Village of Air Ronge Coun. James Hope Howard said the resolution intends to start enforcing bylaws.
“[This will] make sure these bylaws related to housing, related to lawns, related to abandoned vehicles, all the things that otherwise don’t get tackled.”
If implemented and successful, Howard implied southern Saskatchewan communities could see this in the future.
The motion passed by a close vote, with 61 per cent in favour.
Regional cost sharing
The Village of Borden requested SUMA advocate for mandatory cost-sharing agreements for essential regional emergency services.
“Small urban municipalities frequently host and maintain regional facilities that serve residents well beyond their municipal boundaries. While rural municipalities benefit from these shared services, financial contributions are inconsistent and often inadequate to cover true costs,” states the motion.
During the resolution, Village of Borden Mayor Cody Bradshaw said shared services should see shared costs.
“[If] we don’t [do this], the strain [will] show. Small urban municipalities are being pushed to maintain infrastructure services, and the other region depends on it. Over time, that means fewer services and tough decisions.”
The village also wants the province to look into incentives to promote collaboration of facilities and services across communities and help municipalities structure fair contribution models.
The motion passed with 89 per cent support.
Fire prevention
As Saskatchewan braces for another wildfire season, the Village of Air Ronge and the Town of La Ronge are committing to protecting their residents.
Through a motion, the municipalities want the provincial and federal governments to maintain existing fuel breaks and expand fuel mitigation efforts.
The areas called these “critical components of fire prevention and protection strategies.”
The Village of Air Ronge and the Town of La Ronge also requested CAT guard perimeters for fire guarding and prevention purposes remain in the area.
“[This ensures] functional, accessible, and effective throughout the fire season and as conditions warrant,” notes the motion.
More than 90 per cent of votes were in favour as the motion passed.
