SARM calls for provincial funds to help clean up abandoned buildings, yards

Abandoned buildings and yard sites are causing headaches for rural municipalities across Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is calling on the provincial government to provide funding to help mitigate the issue. According to SARM, the derelict buildings and yards put a financial burden on the local governments, and pose a safety hazard due to the risks of fire, structural failures, increased criminal activity and health risks due to both pests and mould.

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The abandoned sites also impact property values and detract from “the visual appeal and charm of Saskatchewan’s communities,” the association noted.

Environmental regulations have increased the costs associated with cleaning up the sites, SARM noted, leading to the call for provincial funding.

“Many RMs struggle with limited funds, legal powers, and technical know-how to effectively manage derelict buildings in a timely manner,” SARM said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Support from the provincial government could ease this challenge, helping communities remain safe, attractive, and economically vibrant.”

According to SARM, rural municipalities that have been forced to assume the title of an abandoned property also take on the financial burden to maintain, demolish or repurpose the site, and many of the buildings are unsafe for entry by the time the RM takes over the responsibility through tax enforcement proceedings.

“Derelict buildings and yard sites are not only an eye sore but also threaten community safety,” Bill Huber, SARM’s president, said in a statement.

“Rural municipalities want to encourage families to live, work, and stay in rural Saskatchewan, and nothing is more discouraging than a surplus of abandoned buildings and yard sites. Financial help from the provincial government would allow RMs to develop plans and take action on abandoned properties.”

SARM noted that many other districts in North America receive grants to help demolish derelict buildings and properties, and called on the provincial government to develop a similar program for Saskatchewan.

In an email from the Government of Saskatchewan, it said, “The Ministry of Government Relations meets with SARM throughout the year and has heard from municipalities about the challenges that derelict properties cause.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is currently reviewing policy tools that are available to municipalities to support their decisions when it comes to managing property in their communities.”