The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act will amend The Cities Act, The Municipalities Act, and The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010 to cut through red tape and create a heightened degree of transparency into municipal and civic affairs.
"Saskatchewan residents rely on the services provided by municipal governments every day and it is vital that we review and update the provincial municipal legislation so that it evolves with the expectations of ratepayers and the responsibilities of mayors, reeves and councils," said Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz. "Thank you to all residents and municipal representatives who provided their feedback to ensure that we continue to modernize our legislation to meet the evolving needs of growing municipalities."
According to a government release, the amendments include:
- Improving public access to municipal information by requiring municipalities to post meeting minutes, financial statements, and bylaws on a public website starting in 2027. In advance of these changes taking effect, government will begin posting municipal financial statements to saskatchewan.ca in January 2026.
- Supporting local governance by requiring municipalities to offer orientation training after each general election in order to better support council members in their roles. Additional amendments will also strengthen provisions related to harassment by making harassment of municipal employees an offence under the municipal Acts.
- Red tape reductions including improving the fairness and efficiency of property assessment appeals; more efficient tools to address dangerous animals, illegal dumping, and collecting tax arrears from delinquent oil and gas companies; replacing special service areas in rural municipalities with a simpler taxation tool; and removing duplicate forms for newly elected councillors and unnecessary reporting requirements to government.
The amendments followed consultation with stakeholders and the public through 2024. Once the motion is passed, the conditions would come into effect immediately. The amendments and the Acts themselves will continue to be scrutinized while the Ministry provides inservice to municipal leaders and works to implement the amendments.