Urban Update: October 7, 2019

October 7, 2019

Learn More about the New Harassment Prevention Policy Template

All employers have a moral and legislative obligation to provide a harassment free workplace. To help municipalities respond to harassment in the municipal workplace, SUMA and SARM have launched a Harassment Prevention Policy Template . The template is applicable to not only council and administration, but also anyone who is visiting a municipal workplace.

On October 10 at 10 :00 a.m. , join Jana Linner from MLT Aikins LLP for a free webinar exploring the Harassment Prevention Policy Template and learning how you can advance a safe, harassment free workplace in your municipality.

Apply for Landfill Closure Funding

The funding program designed to support municipalities conducting Environmental Site Assessments for closed or closing landfills is now accepting applications.

The Landfill Environmental Site Assessment (LESA) Program, a partnership between SUMA and Ministry of Environment, is accepting applications from urban, rural, and northern municipalities in Saskatchewan who have applied to the Ministry's Environmental Protection Branch to close their municipal landfill.

Applications are being accepted until November 29.

LESA Guidelines

Apply today!

Help Build Better Lives

SUMA is advocating for Saskatchewan's hometowns this federal election. As part of our advocacy efforts, we are working closely with our partners at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

See how your hometown can make a difference by visiting buildingbetterlives.ca. And don't forget to check out SUMA's Federal Election Advocacy Hub.

Strengthen Your Asset Management Practices with MAMP

It's tough to make decisions about maintaining, replacing, and repairing municipal infrastructure. It requires weighing your community's budgetary needs against critical services such as roads, arenas, bridges, drinking water and wastewater systems.

To make good decisions, accurate data is needed. Its also important to know how your community may grow and how changing weather patterns could affect your assets.

Asset management helps you manage your municipal infrastructure assets and helps you make better decisions.

The Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP) is accepting applications for partner grants. See the MAMP question and answer for more information.

Filling the Gap in Affordable Housing Rentals

The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) has opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) for innovative and effective solutions or projects to address current and upcoming affordable rental housing gaps throughout the province.

Do you have an idea? Check out the EOI document. Information can also be found at Saskatchewan.ca.

The closing date for feedback is November 15.

LA FOIP Workshops

The Urban Municipal Administrators’ Association (UMAAS) and Rural Municipal Administrators Association (RMAA) have jointly scheduled a series of workshops on regulations and practical administration practices relating to a municipal administrator’s regular working routines involving Information Services Corporation (ISC) and The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (LA FOIP).

Workshops are happening October 15-24 in locations across the province. Register today!

New Online Volunteer Recruitment Program

There is a new-to-Saskatchewan online recruitment platform where nonprofits can post unlimited volunteer opportunities. Sign up and start posting volunteer positions today at www.volunteerconnector.org/apply.

Volunteers are also encouraged to share their experiences by completing a short survey. By sharing feedback, volunteers can help increase the understanding of volunteerism in Saskatchewan.

Take the volunteer survey

Reclaim Asphalt Pavement Survey

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) material is comprised of aggregate and aged asphalt; both of which are non-renewable materials. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is exploring ways to optimize use of RAP material in the province. MHI either transfers ownership of surplus RAP material to the contractor when produced as a result of a repaving/rehabilitation project, or stockpiles and uses the RAP for operations and maintenance. MHI’s maintenance crews also produce and use RAP as a result of their activities. The ministry would like to know how your jurisdiction uses RAP by taking a survey. The survey closes October 18 .

Take the RAP survey

October is Inclusion Month

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed October as Inclusion Month in Saskatchewan. Inclusion Month is an opportunity to celebrate the positive difference inclusion has made in the lives of people with disabilities and the contributions people with disabilities make in their communities.

Learn more!

Join the Wings of Saskatchewan Conference

You are invited to attend the Saskatchewan Aviation Council and the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association Wings of Saskatchewan Conference in Regina from November 6-8.

The airport session on November 8 will include the topics of airport funding, airport maintenance, and regulatory topics. Those interested in just the airport session and luncheon can attend for $50 per person.

See the proposed agenda and register now.

Advocacy Update

Natural Gas in Northern Communities

On August 22, members of SUMA's Executive Committee met with Minister Dustin Duncan and SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh. During the discussion, SUMA advocated for natural gas service to Saskatchewan's northern municipalities.

Recently, SUMA received a response from the Honourable Bronwyn Eyre, Minister responsible for SaskEnergy noting that engineers have examined the potential to reach more remote northern communities, but the eventual cost to homeowners would make natural gas more expensive than current fuel choices.

SUMA will continue to advocate for reliable and affordable energy sources for Saskatchewan's northern communities.