SARM calling for provincial funding to deal with derelict buildings, yard sites

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) offices in east Regina. (David Prisciak)

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is calling for support as the number of derelict buildings and abandoned yard sites continue to increase across the province.

According to SARM, many RMs lack the funds, legal powers, and technical know-how to effectively manage derelict buildings.

Pointing to issues such as heightened fire hazards, structural failures, increased criminal activity and health risks, SARM says an increase of derelict buildings and properties represents significant financial burdens for RMs and jeopardizes public safety.

Environmental regulations have led to the cost of disposing of derelict properties to rise dramatically.

The association is asking the provincial government to support its member RMs in this challenge, in the form of a grant and incentive program.

SARM pointed to the District of Kitimat in British Columbia, which has developed a grant program to demolish derelict buildings and properties.

“Derelict buildings and yard sites are not only an eye sore but also threaten community safety. SARM invites the provincial government to step up and assist in the removal and remediation of these buildings,” SARM President Bill Huber said in a statement Wednesday.

“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.”

In the proposal, the grant funding would target the decommissioning of impacted sites, landfill management and clean-up of the buildings.

In a statement to CTV News, the Government of Saskatchewan said it is aware of the issue and is working within its means to rectify it.

“The Ministry of Government Relations meets with SARM throughout the year and has heard from municipalities about the challenges that derelict properties cause,” the statement read.

“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.”