CANORA - The 2023 SUMA (Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association) Convention and Trade Show in Saskatoon on April 16-19 was attended by Canora Mayor Mike Kwas with all six fellow councillor member: Eric Sweeny, Brad Gabora, Jacqueline Fetchuk, Dave Wasyliw, Kerry Trask and Denise Leslie.
Kwas said it looked like the event was well attended and included numerous useful activities and sources of information.
“Myself and fellow councillor members had a great opportunity to network with other municipalities that face the same challenges we have. We all attended different workshops and were able to take in many of the variety of booths at the trade show.
“What we find beneficial is the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships, especially with my peers and other community council members. It’s always a great way to familiarize ourselves with various provincial cabinet ministers.”
Most resolutions debated at the convention were topical for Canora and area, since many municipalities are facing the same challenges as the Town of Canora, according to Michael Miykytyshyn, Town of Canora Chief Administrative Officer. One of those resolutions was regarding landfill decommissioning.
“Changes to provincial regulations are requiring many municipalities to change their waste management practices, at a significant cost. For example, Canora will be closing its landfill and is working towards the construction of a transfer station to replace it. Council has recently discovered that construction estimates for the station have more than doubled since planning began. Canora was fortunate enough to obtain about $1.8 million in grant funding to decommission the landfill afterwards, but there is now uncertainty moving forward whether or not this funding will be close to sufficient.
“Looking further ahead, paying for all of these landfill closures does not include the increased operating costs that are going to come with the new waste management systems.”
Another resolution discussed the federal carbon tax and how it affects municipalities.
“When the tax was announced by the federal government, there was some discussion about a program to offset the increased carbon fees for municipalities. To date, there isn't one. Municipalities pay the full amount of the carbon tax and have had to absorb the additional expense, which again is substantial.”
Mykytyshyn said other resolutions of interest included a proposal from municipalities to the province to allow golf carts as an urban mode of transportation.
“Canora already permits the operation of golf carts directly to and from the golf course.”
The issue of municipalities paying PST on construction projects was also raised. Currently municipalities are eligible for a rebate on GST paid, but not the PST. PST on larger construction projects can be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
