The annual Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) Convention is an important event that brings together representatives from Saskatchewan’s cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities. This year, over 1,000 representatives gathered at the REAL District in Regina to network, share new ideas, and connect with others. For attendees like William Perrin, a councillor from the village of Spy Hill, SUMA provides an opportunity to learn about different options for things like infrastructure, which can be challenging for small communities with limited resources. Debbie Hunter, a councillor from Candle Lake, comes to SUMA looking for options to help fund projects in her community without having to rely solely on raising taxes, which can be unpopular among residents.
Randy Golden, the president of SUMA, highlighted the importance of the association in representing up to eighty percent of the province’s population. He emphasized that while there are many issues to discuss at this year’s convention, infrastructure is expected to be the primary focus. The deficit in infrastructure funding is a major concern for communities across Saskatchewan, with needs ranging from roads and sidewalks to safe drinking water and wastewater drainage. Golden stressed that these are essential services that communities must provide in order to maintain a high quality of life and support growth in the province. SUMA is scheduled to run until Wednesday, April 17, allowing participants to engage in meaningful discussions and share best practices.
One of the key motivations for individuals like William Perrin and Debbie Hunter to attend SUMA is the opportunity to learn about innovative solutions and funding options for their respective communities. For Perrin, attending the convention provides insights into what options are available for addressing infrastructure needs in small villages and towns like Spy Hill. Hunter, on the other hand, is interested in finding alternative sources of funding for projects in Candle Lake that do not involve raising taxes, which can be challenging for residents. Both councillors recognize the importance of being proactive and exploring different avenues to meet the needs of their communities.
As the voice of municipalities across Saskatchewan, SUMA plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of local governments and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to provide essential services to residents. President Randy Golden highlighted the pressing issue of infrastructure funding, which is a top priority for communities in the province. With growing demands for improved infrastructure, including roads, drinking water, and wastewater systems, municipalities are facing significant challenges in meeting these needs. By participating in events like the SUMA Convention, representatives can share ideas, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen their advocacy efforts to secure the funding needed to support their communities.
The SUMA Convention provides a platform for municipalities to engage with government officials, industry experts, and other stakeholders to discuss pressing issues, share best practices, and explore solutions to common challenges. By bringing together representatives from diverse communities across the province, SUMA fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing among municipalities with varying resources and priorities. Through networking opportunities, workshops, and keynote sessions, participants can gain valuable insights, establish connections, and exchange ideas on how to address infrastructure issues, funding constraints, and other critical issues facing local governments. Ultimately, the convention serves as a space for municipalities to come together, learn from each other, and work towards a shared vision of sustainable and thriving communities in Saskatchewan.
In conclusion, the annual SUMA Convention is a vital gathering that allows municipalities in Saskatchewan to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation. With a focus on infrastructure funding and other pressing issues, representatives from cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities gather to share best practices, advocate for their communities, and build partnerships with stakeholders. By actively participating in events like the SUMA Convention, local government officials can gain valuable knowledge, resources, and support to address the challenges they face and work towards building stronger, more resilient communities across the province.
