Sask. pilot project to help municipalities deal with derelict buildings

Saskatchewan’s provincial government is developing a pilot framework aiming to help municipalities safely dispose of abandoned buildings, while giving firefighters an opportunity to hone their skills at the same time.

The pilot would see municipalities working with local volunteer fire departments to safely dispose of derelict structures owned by the municipalities through firefighter training exercises.

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The announcement follows a call for help from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), which said abandoned and run-down buildings are a big and costly issue for some local governments, and called for provincial funding to help address the problem.

According to the association, derelict buildings and yards put a financial burden on local governments, lower property values, and pose safety hazards due to the risks of fire, structural failures, increased criminal activity and health risks.

“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 issued in February.

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

The provincial government said the framework is expected to become available to municipalities this summer, and any regulatory or legislative changes that are necessary to support the pilot project will be addressed during the spring sitting.

Travis Keisig, Saskatchewan’s environment minister, said the goal is to help municipalities to address derelict structures, while also addressing concerns around safety and the environment.

“This pilot project will be a great example of collaboration that benefits communities across the province,” Keisig said in a statement.

Travis Keisig, Saskatchewan’s environment minister, said the pilot project “will be a great example of collaboration that benefits communities across the province.” (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)

Bill Huber, SARM’s president, said his association was happy to hear about the project.

“SARM is pleased to hear the provincial government is initiating a pilot program to assist rural municipalities with the removal and remediation of derelict buildings they have been forced to assume title on,” Huber said, quoted in a news release from the provincial government.

“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.”

Bill Huber, SARM’s president, said his association was pleased to hear about the new pilot framework, following SARM’s call for provincial funding on the issue. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)