LONG TERM INFRASTRUCTURE AND COLLABORATION TOP OF MIND AT MUNICIPAL MINISTERS’ MEETING

Saskatchewan's Minister of Municipal Affairs Darryl Hickie joined representatives from across the country last week at the annual meeting of provincial and territorial ministers responsible for municipal government.

Minister Hickie was one of the many voices promoting long term infrastructure planning and a collaborative approach to developing infrastructure strategies and programs to help fund municipal infrastructure needs. Federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Denis Lebel joined the Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government for part of the meeting which was held this year in New Brunswick.

"It is essential that we work together at all levels of government to ensure long term infrastructure planning and funding has everyone's needs in mind," Hickie said. "It was important to have Minister Lebel at the table with the provincial representatives and I am confident that our messages of asset management and collaboration were heard."

Minister Hickie made a presentation to his provincial and territorial colleagues based on the work of the ministers' municipal infrastructure working group, which Saskatchewan chairs. The presentation focused on research done relating to improving projections of infrastructure need, encouraging asset management by municipalities and identifying options to finance municipal infrastructure. Provincial and territorial ministries will review the recommendations over the coming year to determine which are appropriate to individual provinces' and territories' circumstances.

Minister Hickie emphasized all levels of government must collaborate and take a long term asset management approach to infrastructure planning to support Saskatchewan municipalities. Infrastructure services such as drinking water, wastewater, transportation and recreation are critical to providing a high quality of life. The provincial government is dedicated to helping municipalities deliver these essential services.

Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government meet each year to discuss issues and make recommendations for the development of municipal strategies, planning and legislation.

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For more information, contact:

Nicole Fellinger
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2687
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca