Vol. 10 No. 5, November 2005 The newsletter of the Urban Municipalities Association SUMA Publication Agreement No. 40027298 Inside this issue City mayors push for President Don Schlosser offers some thoughts on Revenue Sharing, and offers support on behalf of SUMA Revenue Sharing this fall members for their colleagues in Prince Albert. PA Mayor Don Stiglitz The case of the missing Revenue The bigger goal, beyond closing Municipal Rural Infrastructure makes it clear in an interview that Sharing funding was still high on the Revenue Sharing gap, is to Fund (MRIF) and the need to he’s optimistic about the future the agenda list for city mayors return to some annual “escalator” quickly access the announced of forestry in his city. Regina City and mangers at their Sept. 28-29 index, so that the size of the pool New Deal funding from federal Councilor and SUMA Board meetings in Swift Current. Their grows with the expansion of four gas taxes. The mayors also member Fred Clipsham offers news release and letter requesting provincial tax bases: personal and tackled the unfair 25% provincial a suggestion for an alternate use a meeting with Premier Lorne corporate income, vehicle fuel holdback fee for offenses ticketed for the pulp mill. Calvert gave further support to and other consumption subject by local police, the double- Continuing the positive theme, the SUMA-wide lobbying cam- to the provincial sales tax. These counted spring announcement of the Town of Craik is demonstrating paign to obtain at least $10 million goals were recorded in a unani- $25 million in federal funding for what is possible when you embrace more for urban municipalities this mously passed SUMA convention urban transit, and the interest in the right idea at the right time. fall. (A meeting with the Premier resolution last February. legislative amendments to permit has been tentatively set for a local hotel tax. SUMA’s annual Convention City mayors agreed to take back November 28.) is getting closer, and there’s to their councils, for adoption and An interest in controlling local information in this issue about A mid-year adjustment to the transmission to the provincial expenses also led to discussions the convention and expanded Revenue Sharing pool is expected government, another strongly about the need for further trade show. SUMA’s new Executive to correct the fact that no increase worded resolution on the return legislative protection against Director offers his observations from was included in the 2005 provin- to a true Revenue Sharing municipal liability, and imposed the most recent round of regional cial budget after three successive formula. It is also expected that costs resulting from fire and meetings, including the challenges years of modest increases. At a Review Committee under the policy service salary arbitrations. facing municipalities across the least an additional $10 million Municipal Forum will report by Concerns were also raised with province. He also has some first is expected for the 2006 budget, the end of November, confirming Corrections and Public Safety impressions on his new job. or a $20 million increase if there the ongoing need for uncondi- Minister Peter Prebble about the This issue also has short updates is no fall adjustment. These tional Revenue Sharing transfers. cost of possible new fire staffing on New Deal funding and efforts to increases would still leave the standards proposed by the Other revenue concerns discussed persuade the provincial government urban grant pool at less than the National Fire Protection Associ- with Government Relations to reduce the education tax burden total Revenue Sharing transfer ation (NFPA 1710 and 1720), Minister included the on property ratepayers. With a new achieved 20 years ago (without but the Minister committed to shifting rules for infrastructure session of the provincial Legislature adjusting for inflation). respecting “municipal terrain.” project approval under the beginning November 7 and the City mayors also confirmed at the province’s mid-year financial update meeting that they will be looking following soon after, things may have to SUMA Vice-President Phil changed by the time you read this! DeVos to serve as chairperson New Deal Update and spokesperson for their President’s Message ...... 2 The new secretariat established by Saskatchewan Government caucus, although other mayors • Relations to manage funding under the federal government’s will continue to host their semi- • Executive Director’s Column . . 2 “New Deal for Cities and Communities” is now preparing to annual meetings on a rotating • Sustainable Living Project disburse funds to municipalities. Federal dollars were expected basis. Both SUMA and the Poised to Expand ...... 3 caucus have agreed, in principle, to reach the secretariat by November first, with the funding to • A look at SUMA’s Natural be paid out within 60 days. to committing more resources to Gas Savings Program ...... 3 preparing policy agendas and Kathy Rintoul, the director of the secretariat, told participants 2006 Convention and undertaking follow-up actions. • Trade Show ...... 4 at the SUMA regional meeting at Swift Current in October that What remains to be seen is municipalities must submit their Infrastructure Investment Plans whether the provincial govern- Prince Albert looking for • new forestry opportunities . . . 5 and then sign individual funding agreements with Government ment will also commit to Relations before the cheques go out. Rintoul stated that the secre- developing a coordinated “urban • UMAAS Update ...... 6 tariat will work with municipalities to facilitate the funding flow. agenda” rather than a piecemeal SUMA Advantage ...... 7 response to priority issues. • Education Property Tax Coalition Gathering Support A combined call by a coalition of provincial support to education Party Leader Brad Wall noted property tax is decades out of five Saskatchewan organizations to 45 per cent for 2005 and 2006. that his party had included a date and badly needs reform. for the provincial government to However, the spokespersons commitment to both short and The Association stated that the produce a plan for increased called on the province to continue long-term education property tax property tax is a larger cost funding for K-12 education over to provide more funding to raise relief in its 2004 policy renewal for businesses than even the the long term is gathering the province’s level of funding to package. corporate capital tax. additional support. The coalition, at least 50 per cent in 2006 and to “It is also the case that the consisting of the Provincial at least 60 per cent by 2008. Education continued on page 3 Calvert government raised the Association of Resort On the political front, the PST a year and a half ago, and Communities of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Liberal Party have already collected more than the Saskatchewan Association expressed its support for the enough to go beyond what they of Rural Municipalities, the coalition’s position later the same already committed to do in terms Saskatchewan Chamber of SUMA has a day. In a news release Saskatch- of property tax relief,” Wall Commerce, the Saskatchewan ewan Liberal Leader David observed in his letter. new address! School Boards Association and Karwacki said reform of the SUMA, made the call at a news In October the Saskatchewan SUMA’s offices are education portion of the property conference in late September. Real Estate Association also now located at: tax should be the number on tax Spokespersons at the news weighed in, stating that the next reform priority in the province. conference acknowledged that budget offers a rare opportunity 200 – 2222 – 13th Ave. the province has committed $110 In a letter to SUMA President to make a strategic change in Regina, SK S4P 3M7 million to increase the level of Don Schlosser Saskatchewan taxes. The SREA said the November 2005 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages 1 the pulp and paper mill is sched- blessed with abundant sources of uled to close in the new year. feedstock for ethanol production. While this is a terrible blow for I hope that many more plants like the province’s third-largest city, the one in Weyburn will soon There are several topics I’d like their existing infrastructure Prince Albert Mayor Jim Stiglitz spring up around our province. to touch on in this issue of Urban without placing an even heavier expressed determination and As I write this, regional meetings Voice. With the provincial burden on their ratepayers. optimism in a telephone interview are being held in each each of Legislature re-convening about a day after the first meeting of the Many municipal Councils have eight regions. These Spring and a week before Urban Voice goes Task Force established by the provided copies to SUMA of the Fall regional meetings are impor- to press, some of my thoughts on provincial government to address letters they have sent to the tant events for SUMA members Revenue Sharing may be outdated the closure. Please read Mayor provincial government and their to share information and discuss by the time you read this. If so, Stiglitz’s comments elsewhere in local MLAs. Over and over again issues of concern on a regional that would be a good thing, Urban Voice. because as I write this we are still these letters convey a sense of basis. They also provide opportu- waiting to hear that the province optimism that communities are On a more positive note, I am nities for SUMA staff and repre- will provide an additional $10 ready to seize economic develop- delighted to report that Weyburn’s sentatives from the provincial million to urban municipalities ment opportunities, if they are new ethanol plant is now in government and other organi- in the current 2005-06 fiscal year. given the tools to do the job. production. I anticipate that the zations to pass along the latest SUMA has also requested the the Proper funding is one of those official opening ceremonies will information on various subjects, provincial government provide tools, or course. Another tool is be held during the second half of and to answer any questions you an additional $10 million in the the Clearing the Path initiative November. This plant marks an may have, face-to-face. I would 2006-07 budget to help munici- being spearheaded by SARM, important step forward for the like to take this opportunity to palities deliver the services their which aims to streamline regula- ethanol industry in Saskatchewan, thank the regional directors for residents require, and to help tory approval processes and make and particularly for grain their hours of hard work in meet the ever-increasing costs of it easier for new businesses to producers around Weyburn, helping to organize the regional operating the facilities that make establish in rural and smaller who will provide the feedstock meetings. I also acknowledge our communities desirable places communities around our prov- for this plant. the many contributions made ince. SUMA continues to support by SUMA staff members to the to live. Ethanol is attractive as an Clearing the Path, believing that regional meetings. On top of the alternative vehicle fuel with clear Many smaller municipalities have everyone in Saskatchewan will usual travel schedule, this fall environmental benefits when made it clear in the letters they benefit from an environment that our staffers faced the additional compared with gasoline. As the have sent to Cabinet ministers encourages more economic challenge of packing and moving price of oil has risen in recent and MLAs that their prime development. offices during this busy period. months, the economics of ethanol concern is for unconditional I thank them for the dedication SUMA continues to watch the production have also become funding that will enable them to and hard work. provide services and maintain situation in Prince Albert, where more attractive. Saskatchewan is

dollars from the Provincial which should inspire optimism Government in its mid-term and encourage creativity for all budget review. The ongoing those in attendance. As expressed support and follow-up from all by President Don Schlosser upon I am writing this report from bylaw enforcement services and municipalities is essential in the his return from Ottawa a few Theodore, Saskatchewan. This the operation of regional waste pursuit of our objectives. weeks ago, words such as sustainable development and great village along the Yellow- management systems. The “Dawning of a New head Route is hosting communities capacity building will soon It is also week number six on Direction” theme of our 2006 from the North East region in our become part of our municipal the job for me. I have spent most Convention, is most appropriate series of fall regional meetings. lingo. We hope that the of my time getting to know my to launch a new century for To date, SUMA staff has met Convention will introduce options SUMA co-workers, our board Saskatchewan’s municipalities. with elected officials and and solutions to the challenges members, our communities, our The convention committee has administrators in Luseland, Swift ahead! strategic partners and key govern- lined up an exciting program Current, Glaslyn and Birch Hills. ment representatives. Mostly, The issues and challenges which I have acquainted myself with are being raised at these meetings SUMA’s extensive agenda and are significant: floods, plant pressing issues. In the next few closures and lay-offs, decaying days, the Executive and the Board infrastructure, fuel increases, and will review our 2006 budget. limited revenue streams are just a Again, strategic representation few of the topics which have been (through policy and research) and discussed at these meetings. member services will continue to More impressive,though, are the be major components of SUMA’s determination and optimism being operations for 2006. demonstrated by municipalities in In conjunction with the City the face of adversity. Many towns Mayors’ Caucus, SUMA has and villages are also exploring renewed its demands for new initiatives to increase expanded revenue sharing from efficiencies and further share the Provincial Government. Draft services. These include the discussion papers from sectoral designation of primary committees are currently being transportation corridors with circulated for final approval and adjacent municipalities, the will provide a basis for the next construction of water distribution phase of the assessment. systems to tap into existing water Meanwhile, SUMA continues to plants, the sharing of municipal request an additional 10 million

200 – 2222 – 13th Avenue Regina, SK S4P 3M7 Phone (306) 525-3727 Fax (306) 525-4373 [email protected] http://www.suma.org

The UrbanVoice, published six times per year, is the official newsletter of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association. Articles, letters and photographs are invited. All material is subject to editing. Subscriptions $18 per year.

SUMA EXECUTIVE 2004 SUMA DIRECTORS Mayor Don Schlosser, President Councillor Michael Fougere . . . . . Regina Mayor Phil DeVos, Vice-President, Cities Councillor Fred Clipsham...... Regina Mayor Allan Earle, Vice-President, Towns Councillor Randy Goulden . . . . . Yorkton Mayor Barry Gunther, Vice-President, Mayor Terry Haggart ...... Eastend Villages, Resort Villages and Northern Mayor Sharon Armstrong . . Wynyard Municipalities Mayor Gordon Hall. . . . . St. Walburg Mayor Cecile Caisse ...... Pinehouse STAFF Alderman Donna Birkmaier . . Laurent Mougeot ...... Executive Director Councillor Terry Alm ...... Saskatoon Mervyn Norton ...... Senior Policy Analyst Mayor Jim Stiglitz. . . . . Prince Albert Brenda Oliver . . Manager - Member Services Councillor Dawn Luhning . . . Moose Jaw Cam Baker ...... Policy Analyst Mayor Rolly Zimmer ...... Tisdale Michelle Paetsch ...... Manager - Mayor Erhard Poggemiller Kerrobert Finance and Administration Mayor Dave McCall . . . . Indian Head HJ Linnen Associates . . . . Communication Services Staff Writers . . . Mervyn Norton, Cam Baker 2 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages November 2005 Craik Mayor Presents Development Have Confidence, Mayor Advises Message to Public Policy Forum In response to a question “We choose to reduce the size wondered why the two councils poplars, with the CSLP supplying about why Craik has been of our ecological footprint, didn’t just talk to each other. effluent irrigation. If the federal successful in overcoming while at the same time helping Today, the RM and town do just government implements a system obstacles to new development, to revitalize rural Saskatchewan,” that, with their offices in the of carbon credits, he adds, at $15 Mayor Rod Haugerud told the Craik Mayor Rod Haugerud told same building and sharing one per tonne those trees will produce audience at the SIPP forum his audience at a presentation boardroom for their meetings. annual revenues of $375,000. The that a strong sense of sponsored by the Saskatchewan CSLP will also participate in a confidence is essential. The Mayor also recounted how Institute of Public Policy (SIPP) demonstration project that may the residents in the community “I’ve learned that in elected at the University of Regina. make Craik the first zero-waste took ownership during the office, the only people you will During his talk Mayor Haugerud community in North America. construction of the highly energy- hear from are those who are talked about the history, present efficient Eco-Centre, bringing Mayor Haugerud also revealed mad at you,” he said. “I won’t and future of the Craik coffee, baking and hot chocolate that the 14 house lots for a kid you. There are people who Sustainable Living Project to people working on the building. planned eco-village on 127 acres don’t like what we’re doing, (CSLP), which is drawing Volunteers from all over the world of land owned by the RM are but you have to be willing to attention from around the world. also showed up to work for a few almost ready for sale. The houses take a chance.” “What is it that makes a town of hours or a few days, he said. that will be built there must Asked how other communities about 450 people and an RM of adhere to the same energy- Haugerud expects that the could emulate his community’s 350 think they can do this?,” efficiency principles used in the community will have an success, the Mayor advised Haugerud asked rhetorically. Eco-Centre. There’s already a industrial hemp processing finding out what makes a “Both have histories of leadership line-up of 25 potential buyers plant in operation by next year, community unique. “We have and taking chances,” he said. from across Canada, and one producing a fabric trademarked a reservoir, we have land and “The RM was one of the first to from North Dakota. One “Crailar” from hemp grown in we have 5,000 vehicles a day offer a form of Medicare, and the condition is that the homebuilders going by on the Louis Riel the area. “That will help us keep town owns and operates it’s own must make their new dwellings Trail. Plus, in a small anywhere from $1 million to cable TV system. Our community accessible to the public, in effect community you can get a $1.5 million in the community hospital was one of the last to be making them a collection of demonstration project up and by reducing freight costs to ship absorbed into a larger health demonstration projects. running quickly,” Haugerud agricultural production out of the region.” said. “I’d like to see the area,” he said. “We have two interested parties corridor between Regina and Mayor Haugerud also noted that from Calgary,” Haugerud The Mayor also said the CSLP Saskatoon become the home when he was first elected in 1997 chuckled. “Maybe we’ll have has partnered with a federal of many demonstration there were letters from the RM people moving from Calgary agency, Forest 2020, which has projects.” on the Council agenda. He to Craik.” planted 100 acres of hybrid Natural Gas Savings Program Offers Savings and Stability Mayor Dave Schappert of we’ll save $15,000 to $20,000 in do long-term hedging like we heading even higher. Some Langenburg first learned about our current contract. When you do,” explains Roger Magneson SUMA members have contracts SUMA’s Natural Gas Savings look at today’s price, the savings from CEG’s Saskatoon office. with CEG at $5.40 per gigajoule. Program at an annual Convention, may go even higher. This is “Saskatchewan is about the Even at that price Magneson says and he’s glad he did. Langenburg good!” she adds. longest, and it has to adjust its his company is “making a little costs about once a year. We use bit of profit.” (SaskEnergy, the has an assured price for natural The Village of Loreburn opted the futures market to lock in gas province’s Crown utility, makes gas of $6.50 per gigajoule – the for a three-year contract that at a certain price, and that allows its profit from its transmission standard measure used by buyers provides a stable price until us to offer our customers one, and distribution system, which and sellers of natural gas – until November 2006, says Village three and five-year contracts.” imposes delivery charges on all October, 2009. Clerk Muriel Stronski. “We were suppliers of natural gas.) “The cost went up when we looking at where prices are today Not surprisingly, most recent were in negotiations (with CEG at our last council meeting, and contract renewals between CEG Surveying the gas futures market, Energy Options, SUMA’s partner thank God we chose a three-year and its municipal customers have Magneson says most of the price in the program), but it’s certainly term,” she says. been for five years. That provides escalation is in the near future. municipal customers with cost “For CEG, the best buying oppor- better than the going rate today,” The Natural Gas Savings certainty at a time when natural tunities continue to be on longer, says Mayor Schappert. “We’re program was created 13 years gas market prices are above $10 multiple-year terms,” he says. pleased to have that rate until ago as a partnership between per gigajoule, and perhaps 2009. Finding out about the SUMA and CEG Energy program was one of those times Options, which has supplied it was worthwhile to be at natural gas to commercial, Convention,” he adds. institutional and industrial Thank Yo u Sheila Newlove, administrator for customers in western Canada for The following is a portion of a note received at the SUMA office. 18 years. CEG employs market the Town of Imperial, describes To the SUMA Board of Directors: the program in one word, intelligence and hedging “Excellent.” Imperial has all of strategies to offer customers I wish to thank again the SUMA Board and staff for my retirement its major and smaller facilities long-term price certainty in what dinner and the wonderful send off it was. It was truly a grand time under the contract. “We saved has become a volatile market. and a memorable experience for me, Marlene and our two children, Jon and Abby, who were able to join us. about $6,500 under the old “The utilities in British Columbia, contract, and CEG estimates Alberta and Saskatchewan don’t I especially want to thank all who were so kind to come forward and offer their generous comments and humorous anecdotes. I should add that I also appreciated very much the many personal Education Property Tax Coalition continued from page 1 best wishes directors, spouses and friends extended to me and my At the news conference on farms, in business,” Didur said. family on my retirement. October 21 SREA spokesperson At the same time, the Association Keith Schneider Al Didur and Yorkton Mayor also called on the provincial Phil DeVos, in his capacity as government to restore “a real chair of the provincial city provincial-municipal revenue mayors’ caucus, called for a two- sharing plan, to gear aid for pronged attack on the antiquated municipalities to economic property tax by reducing by 50 growth.” per cent the school share of taxes Project Engineers for: Didur and DeVos stated that a on property and by restoring a reduction in property tax would Contact: true provincial-municipal revenue directly benefit more people than • Municipal Infrastructure J.W. (Jim) Campbell, P.Eng. sharing arrangement, with the any other single option under • Water and Wastewater level of aid to municipalities tied 1601A - 4th Avenue consideration, would free • Urban Streets and Transportation to changes in the economy. Regina, SK S4R 8P9 substantial cash in the economy • Subdivision Planning and Land Development “Property tax affects a wide and help new businesses increase Phone: (306) 757-8694 • Solid Waste Fax: (306) 757-4202 cross-section of Saskatchewan in value more quickly, improving • Golf Courses and Recreation E-mail: [email protected] people: in towns, in cities, on their chances of success. November 2005 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages 3 Municipal Marketplace on Tuesday, February 7th. We Tradeshow enjoy recognizing these deserving individuals in front of their peers. Wow – we’ve expanded. Municipal Marketplace is now the largest trade Networking show of its kind in western Canada. With over 150 displays, you will have Convention is more than what you the opportunity to meet with the learn through sessions – it is SUMA’s primary suppliers to the municipal main event that brings you together market. Our strategic partners will be with other elected officials and there, along with many new companies administrators every year. Networking that can provide you with what you with your peers is fun and informative. need in your community. From the This is where you hear specifics on Saskatchewan municipalities will in federal and provincial funding. new and innovative to the tried and what others are experiencing and how examine new directions at the 101st Regional Cooperation is key to true, the trade show is the place to be. they are handling issues. We encourage SUMA annual convention February 5 remaining sustainable. Sharing you to make use of social events and SUMA is also sending you through 8, 2006 in Regina. You will services within the region will also breaks to network with members – complimentary passes so you can want to register early to ensure you play a major role. What role can renew acquaintances and meet new invite your town foremen, senior are able to attend the break-out immigration play in increasing your people – expand your network. sessions of your choice as well as population and workforce? You are purchasing staff and public works people to attend the trade show. qualify for the early bird registration the leaders in your communities. Fun? fee. The convention program and Are there new directions you can be In this way you can meet together registration forms are included with taking? Are there best practices that with these suppliers. Delegates have Yes we have some of that at this issue of the Urban Voice. you are not aware of? These sessions indicated they consider the trade convention, as well. Sunday night will address all of these issues. show a major component of the is Mardi Gras at SUMA! Stroll down convention. In return, the trade show New directions – going Bourbon Street – temp your taste exhibitors underwrite a major portion buds with some Cajun cuisine – beyond best practices Cabinet participation of convention expenses, which allows at convention listen to the sounds of Louisiana Jane SUMA will challenge members us to keep our registration fees as or try your hand at the SUMA casino to look at what is new, what is Premier Calvert and Minister Len low as they are. We recommend that tables. Come on out and enjoy it all! innovative. In our programming we Taylor have been invited to address you take the time to attend the trade will go beyond best practices to new our delegates. Government Relations show while you are at convention. Monday night the Board of Directors technologies and concepts that you will set up an office at the Queensbury invite you to Hospitality Night at the Breakfast will be available in the trade Regina Inn. Drop by and mingle with can consider for your municipality. for the entire convention to enable show area on Monday and Tuesday Our education sessions on Sunday, the minister and his staff to meet with friends, and maybe even sing a song mornings at 8:00 a.m. By attending or two. February 5 will cover energy you. Other cabinet ministers and their the trade show you will be eligible conservation, water technology, staff are being offered meeting space for a major delegate draw on each of Tuesday night is the President’s recycling and waste management, for the same purpose – to allow you the two days. At your request, we Banquet. The festivities will feature purchasing practices, local policing, the time to meet with them to will be providing refreshment breaks dinner, awards ceremony and disaster planning and tourism. discuss your specific concerns. in the convention area, as well as the entertainment provided by highly Please check the SUMA website trade show area. It is our hope that talented improvisational comedian New directions in community at www.suma.org for updates. this will not deter you from spending Roman Danylo. development and leadership The last day of convention is time in the trade show. Partners Program The two main sessions will deal Cabinet day. First, you will have the with new directions in community opportunity to participate in dialogue Awards and recognition While you are attending the SUMA sessions with individual cabinet development and community Long serving elected officials convention your partner is welcome members. This will be followed by leadership. What new directions will and municipal employees will be to register for the Partners’ Program. the Bear Pit with the Premier and we be looking at? Sustainability is the recognized on your behalf by Full information is included with this his Cabinet. key word these days – it plays a part SUMA at the President’s Banquet issue of Urban Voice.

4 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages November 2005 “PA is far from finished!” On October 4th, Prince Albert forest industry here,” Stiglitz said “Over the next few months we’re Mayor Jim Stiglitz was shocked in a telephone interview one day going to bring in many experts, when he got the phone call after the first meeting of the task and we’re going to learn a lot informing him the Weyerhaeuser force. “The forest is still here, about forestry,” Stigliz says. pulp and paper mill would close, and we have the Forestry Centre “Our future may not be in paper laying off almost 700 employees. here, so we have all the experts production; I have a feeling we’re It was, he recalls, a depressing close at hand.” at the crossroads of positive day. However, even before the change.” Stiglitz represents the City on the day ended, his spirits were lifting. task force. He has cleared many The Mayor concedes the mill “Premier Calvert and I talked a events from his calendar so he closure will create some short- couple of times, and before the can concentrate on his number term pain in the community. day ended, he had struck a task one priority, developing a viable Some workers are worried, and force to explore options for the future for forestry in PA. the local papers are filled with Mayor Jim Stiglitz knows the forest is job vacancies for tradespeople, still there. The question is, How will it mostly in Alberta. Stiglitz be used? expects some workers will take jobs that enable them to commute Weyerhaeuser is our largest to jobs on a fly-in, fly-out basis. employer, and they’re surprised Weyerhaeuser will be missed, he to learn it’s our fourth-largest,” adds, because many groups relied Stiglitz says. “My colleagues on the company’s good corporate on Council and I are keeping citizenship. Businesses remain a positive attitude; we believe optimistic, he says, perhaps something positive will come because many business operators out of this.” remember the dire predictions for “Thanks to everyone around the city when Burns Meats closed Saskatchewan for your telephone its processing plant in 1981. calls and emails with your ideas “Prince Albert has grown by and good wishes. PA is far from leaps and bounds since Burns finished,” Stiglitz declared. closed. Some people think that A letter re the pulp and paper mill closure in Prince Albert

On October 18, You will know from Prince Saskatchewan communities If there are extra costs at the Regina City Albert’s involvement in a it would achieve an important pulp mill to achieve this policy Councilor Fred regional waste authority that public policy purpose – objective, I would suggest that Clipsham wrote early in 2005 SUMA appealed guaranteeing a floor price for they be considered in the context to the Mayor of to the government on behalf of recycled paper fibre. This would of a provincial recycling policy. Prince Albert, Saskatchewan’s twelve regional mean paper fibre recycling would * * * Jim Stiglitz, with waste authorities to contribute no longer be a drain on solid a suggestion for $2 million to help cover the costs waste management budgets at I offer the above in the hope that a new use for the of recycling efforts. In the end, the local level. your task force finds a solution pulp mill. Mayor Stiglitz is a the provincial government that will keep the plant open and It would also tie in nicely with member of the Task Force estab- contributed $700,000 in one-time continue to provide employment (Environment) Minister Forbes’ lished to examine future options money, with the additional for residents of Prince Albert objective of an overarching paper for the mill. The following are promise that a paper stewardship and northern Saskatchewan. stewardship program for excerpts from Fred Clipsham’s program would be in place by The suggestions are my own Saskatchewan, and bring letter, edited with his permission. April, 2006 to ensure the costs of and not those of SUMA. Saskatchewan Environment one Note that the suggestions are his, paper recycling were covered by step closer to creating a policy Councilor Fred Clipsham, and not those of SUMA. the paper industry. framework which would mean City of Regina As you know, I chair SUMA’s * * * regional authorities would no (Copies of the letter were sent Task Force on Regional Waste Saskatchewan Environment longer have to come to the to Premier Calvert, Minister of Recycling, and through that duty recently hosted a workshop province for bail-outs when Environment David Forbes, I have learned a great deal about on recycling which included a markets for recycled paper fibre Minister of Highways Eldon recycling issues in Saskatchewan presentation by a representative provide inadequate returns. Lautermilch and SUMA.) and beyond. One of the biggest of Nova Scotia’s Recycling and most difficult issues is how Board. Her observations on that to deal with the enormous province’s success with paper volumes of waste paper fibre recycling was instructive – generated each day, in every they can recycle all they gather community. because there is a box board plant * * * (box board is used for corn flakes Materials recovery facilities with or kleenex boxes, etc.) in the Recycling should be much more locations in Regina and Prince Albert. province. than just a strategy to reduce landfilling costs. Recycling Which bring me to my proposal Does your community need a cardboard paper, tin and plas- should be a public policy for the Prince Albert Pulp Mill: tic recycling program? objective in its own right. I am no expert on the pulp Do you need a baler, cages, pallets or gaylords to efficiently Optimally, recycling policies process, of course, but if the pulp handle a recycling program? would be governed at the mill can be adapted to recycle provincial level, just as solid Do you need dependable reliable consulting to assist with a more and more paper fibre from waste management is. … recycling program? Are you getting the best dollar for your waste material?

We provide the best prices on a consistent basis to Village of Invermay Saskatchewan residents. FOR SALE: Why not join the growing list of Saskatchewan 1967 Dodge Fire Truck Communities that use Crown Shred & Recycling. 500 gallon tank with mid ship pump To help set up a program and market your material, call 306-543-1766 Contact Fire Chief Mark Eskre at 1-306-593-2150 for further information. Phone (306) 545-5454 • Fax (306) 545-6125 • E-mail [email protected] www.crownshredandrecycling.com

November 2005 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages 5 Register now for Sorting UMAAS Planning Out Recycling Issues for the Future Sustainability is at the top recycling industry. The of everyone’s list these days, presenters will share program The following article was after the implementation of the whether we’re talking about successes and discussions will submitted by Cathy Coleman, Act to deal with inevitable issues the environment or the focus on the provincial role in UMAAS Division 5 Director, and that will arise along the way. Administrator for the Town of communities we live in. regulating recycling and In our plan we also want to Watson. The upcoming SUMA landfilling, where the funding focus on bringing attention education session, being held comes from and how it’s spent, As one of the “New Kids on the to our members and municipal November 29th in Regina and as well as how solid waste Block” I was a little overwhelmed employers the value of continued November 30th in Saskatoon, management fits in as a self- to be informed that it was my education and professional will help you understand how financing utility model. This turn to submit an article for the development of municipal community interest in recycling session is a “must attend” for Urban Voice. I joined the group administrators. At the same time can lead to successful programs anyone interested in innovative of UMAAS directors at our we are endeavoring to ensure rather than a costly drain on ways of generating stewardship annual Convention in June of administration compensation municipal taxpayers. revenues and sustaining this year, and attended my first packages are fair and equitable recycling in their region. directors’ meeting in September. within the management market You’ll hear from senior As I sat back and listened to this place. By using our association officials from the provincial Register today – group – which is out of character with SUMA and Urban Voice we government as well as from fax your form to SUMA for me – I realized the wisdom hope to convey to councils the partnering groups within the at 306-525-4373. and dedication that these people professionalism and guidance that hold. I know that being a part of their administrator brings to the this group will enrich me and table. We also hope that councils Insurance Update help me in my profession. will recognize the importance of encouraging their administrator to My first big involvement was Health and Dental Info Now Online be involved in our association by to sit down with the group under attendance at workshops and our Elected officials and municipal employees who are members of health the guidance of Peter Krebs of annual convention. and dental insurance plans provided by Great-West Life can now access Prud’Homme, and work on our claims history and other information online at www.gwl.ca. The secure new UMAAS Strategic Plan for I have touched on a couple of site requires plan members to register the first time they visit the site. the next five years. In the last issues being addressed in our new Once plan members have registered they will be able to check of the few years we, as administrators, Strategic Plan, which remains a status of their latest claim and up to 24 months of claims history, view have seen many changes in our work in progress. Over the next health and wellness topics and review common questions. The site field, and we will continue to be five years our association will allows registered uses to enter information on claims forms online, challenged with big changes in continue its work to maintain the and then print them off. the future. integrity of our status as a publicly recognized, professional One of our objectives is to ensure organization specializing in New Enrollment/Change Form adequate access for training to municipal government prepare for the new Municipal SUMA has made some minor revisions to the Group Insurance administration. Enrollment/Change form, primarily to comply with privacy legislation Act and subsequent information requirements. Privacy information and space for an authorization are now provided at the bottom of the form. New forms will be sent out to municipalities as their old stocks run out.

6 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages November 2005 SUMA Sign Program Signal Industries (1998) Limited – a SUMA Strategic Partner since 1998 – has provided our members with quality signs (at a discounted rate), superior service and updates on legislated changes in signage since 1998. In this issue, SUMA is consumers who are seeking highlighting one of its strategic to purchase environmentally When researching sign prices for cost comparison purposes, partners, SUCCESS Office friendly products and services. it is important to remember there is a wide variety of qualities Systems. SUMA awarded the and standards of materials used in the manufacture of traffic To qualify as a certified user office machines program to control signage. Signal Industry standards include the following: of the Environmental Choice SUCCESS following a stringent Logo (the “EcoLogo”) Ricoh’s • Warranty: 12 years for Diamond Grade; 10 years for Request For Proposal process products had to undergo stringent High Intensity. based on quality of products, examination and provide proof pricing and service. SUCCESS • These warranties are for the full term, NOT pro-rated. that they met all the criteria of can be reached via the web the program. Standards dealt • Reflective visibility and grade – 3M reflective sheeting, www.successos.com, or through with such things as noise and (only available through Signal) offers brighter, more durable your contract administrator, dust emissions, recyclability performance and superior angularity at greater distances. Craig Charuk, at 721-4066, after useful life, energy saving 1-800-667-8173, email • Aluminum sub-strate quality in all signage is: features, ozone emissions, use [email protected] of CFCs in the manufacturing - Under 2 sq. ft. – 1.6mm (0.64) Aluminum process and creation of VOCs. - 2 sq. ft. or over – 2mm (.080) Aluminum SUCCESS Office Systems, All of the products presented Ricoh, and the Environment - Signal Aluminum is 5052 H36 or 38 by Ricoh for certification had For over 20 years, SUCCESS already met similar stringent Compare “apples to apples” by contacting Signal directly at Office Systems and Ricoh, the standards in the United States 1.800.565.9443 – proven performance, a guarantee of sign company’s main supplier of (Energy Star) and in Europe durability, and a solid knowledge base of legislated changes office equipment, have led the (Blue Angel), and they passed are all part of their service commitment to SUMA members. office automation industry in with flying colours in Canada. creating environmentally friendly There are 34 models of copiers products and processes, and in (including digital and analog, helping to build partnerships colour and black & white), among government, industry, 12 models of printers and 11 and environmental groups. models of facsimile machines Ricoh believes that good that are currently certified. corporate citizenship is good This certification is a major business… that you prefer to do achievement for SUCCESS business with companies you Office Systems and Ricoh. respect. Since we all live on this It will enhance the many planet together, each of us is already attractive and competitive obligated to do everything we features of the Ricoh product line. can to preserve it. SUCCESS Office Systems is very proud that all the systems have Environmental Choice been certified and will be working Program diligently to ensure that as new Environmental Choice is systems are released, they too Environment Canada’s will receive the EcoLogo sticker. ecolabelling program. Ricoh has Ricoh encourages customers to been certified by Environmental recycle their empty toner bottles Choice, which helps consumers and offers to take back the to identify products and services empties – free of charge! Toner that are environmentally friendly. bottles that are returned to Ricoh Participation in the program will be delivered to a recycler gives Ricoh the right to advertise who will re-use them in a waste- on the Environmental Choice to-energy process. The ten most website and receive a listing popular models of fax toner in the Environmental Choice cartridges are also recycled at Catalogue, an annual publication no charge to you, the customer. that is regularly consulted by Be Safe at Work Injury prevention is the key to safer workplaces. It’s also everyone’s responsibility, no matter who you are, or what kind of work you do. For more information on safety at work, call toll-free: 1-877-729-0999 Or visit our website: www.worksafesask.ca

SASKATCHEWAN

November 2005 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages 7 When it comes to water, quality counts.

The same high standards a water project, consider your local Contact your local municipalities apply to provide quality credit union and Concentra Financial. drinking water and wastewater credit union or systems are applied by Saskatchewan The Village of St. Louis did. Their credit unions when it comes to water project is just one example offering municipalities an affordable of what’s possible at the local level. Concentra Financial to UDQJHRI¿QDQFLQJRSWLRQVIRUZDWHU 7KHYLOODJH¿QDQFHGDELJSDUWRI infrastructure projects. its $175,000 water pipeline project H[SORUH\RXU¿QDQFLQJ through Northgate Credit Union and In partnership with the Commercial and Commercial Leasing at Concentra options. Because when Leasing area (formerly known as Financial. Villagers have a new supply CULEASE) of Concentra Financial, of quality water thanks to a village it comes to water, Saskatchewan credit unions are an SURMHFWPDQDJHGDQG¿QDQFHGDWWKH attractive option for municipalities local level. ORRNLQJIRUDVRXUFHRI¿QDQFLQJ quality counts. for their water projects. “What we “We were delighted can provide is access to a range of to be involved in ¿QDQFLDOYHKLFOHVLQFOXGLQJOLQHV the village project,” of credit, leases and other services says Joan Boyer of municipalities may require on terms Northgate Credit that are commercial and market Union. “It was a competitive,” says Michael Fix, General matter of meeting Manager of Commercial Leasing, local needs at Concentra Financial. Joan Boyer the local level. Credit unions have been doing that If your municipality is looking for in Saskatchewan for more than 60 DQH[WHUQDOVRXUFHRI¿QDQFLQJIRU years.”

www.culeasefs.com ^^^JVUJLU[YHÄUHUJPHSJH www.saskcu.com

Elbow water treatment plant receives major upgrade The Village of Elbow has taken a big step production by 55 percent, and a new treated could not be turned on until a sufficient toward ensuring a reliable supply of high water reservoir to increase storage by recovery time had passed,” he said. By 3 p.m., quality water for its residents, following 60,000 gallons. the pumps were turned on and water was SaskWater’s $853,000 investment in the SaskWater Marketing and Communications restored to village residents. purchase and upgrade of the Elbow regional Manager Felechia Brodie said the new facilities SaskWater has since repaired the valve and water treatment plant. will accommodate growth in the community. installed an automated level controller to SaskWater took over ownership and operation “As a result, the water treatment plant will be monitor the reservoir level. Connected to the of the regional water treatment system on able to meet seasonal demands for high on-line monitoring system, the automated September 1, 2005, after purchasing it from volumes of water without sacrificing quality.” level controller will alert SaskWater’s operators the community for $375,000. The plant Several upgrades have already been completed if the reservoir level decreases. currently serves about 600 permanent residents at the facility, including the installation of SaskWater plans to install a new backwash in the villages of Elbow, Loreburn, and new equipment to measure turbidity (clarity) pump at the water treatment plant this fall, Strongfield, and rural users along the Line 19 and chlorine residual. A new on-line monitoring which will help maintain water pressure during Water Pipeline Utility, as well as the Harbor system provides 24/7 surveillance of the periods of peak demand or when the plant Golf Course. quality of water produced by the plant, and system needs cleaning. Located just north of Douglas Provincial repairs were made to the fire supply pump The current water intake is experiencing Park near the shore of Lake Diefenbaker, Elbow to ensure its operation should a fire occur in problems with sedimentation. As a solution, and its surrounding area is well-known as the community. the company plans to extend the water a recreational hot spot. The local population Village residents experienced an interruption intake deeper into Lake Diefenbaker and make grows exponentially during peak summer in water supply over the Labor Day weekend, additional changes to the plant piping to months, creating demand for high volumes caused by a valve breakdown at the plant. improve water quality in 2006. of water. In 2004, the Elbow water treatment SaskWater technologist Sean Kopchuk received In addition, SaskWater plans to invest another plant produced 36,000,000 gallons of potable a call from Elbow village Alderman Joel Perry $128,000 over the long term to replace aging water – equal to the annual water usage of a at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, informing him the equipment at the water treatment plant, community of 1,300 people. village’s water supply had shut off. Already including the supply pump. In the past, these peak demands on on his way to Elbow when he received the Elbow Mayor Richard Lindemann said he is supply have put pressure on the system, call, Kopchuk arrived at the facility at 10:35 very pleased with how the transition of the jeopardizing its ability to meet current a.m. and discovered a control valve had failed water treatment plant to SaskWater is and future regulatory requirements. To to open, causing a decrease in the reservoir progressing. “I am very impressed with the address this problem, SaskWater will invest level and an automatic shut-down of the plant. work [SaskWater’s operators] have been an estimated $468,000 in upgrades to the Kopchuk manually opened the valve and had doing,” he said. “I can sleep easier at night water treatment plant to improve water quality the plant running at full capacity within an knowing they’ve got things under control.” and increase capacity of the existing facility. hour after his arrival. However, “because of This will include the installation of a new the low reservoir level, the distribution pumps treatment unit to increase treated water

SaskWater provides competitively-priced, customer-focussed, quality water and wastewater services.

8 The Voice of Saskatchewan Cities, Towns and Villages November 2005