(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Dilapidated buildings

Nipawin asking SUMA to lobby for help dealing with neglected buildings

Oct 18, 2024 | 4:54 PM

The Town of Nipawin is looking to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) to lobby for help in dealing with dilapidated buildings.

The town has drafted a resolution for SUMA to advocate the provincial government for assistance to deal with these properties.

Nipawin’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michele Sorensen told northeastNOW the town was prompted to draft the resolution due to the number of dilapidated properties within Nipawin and the costs borne from demolishing the houses.

“It gets added onto the taxes of the property owner but in the meanwhile the town has to cover those costs until they’re recouped from the property owner,” Sorensen explained.

She said if the property is a tax enforcement house or a house that has been turned back over to the town, then it’s on the town to cover the cost.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

“We’re asking SUMA to advocate to the provincial government to provide financial assistance for assessment, maintenance, and demolition or repurposing of dilapidated buildings.”

The resolution states the Town of Nipawin is also asking SUMA to advocate the province to “amend legislation or provide additional regulatory frameworks to assist municipalities in enforcing property standards and expediting processes for dealing with abandoned or neglected buildings.”

Sorensen said the topic of dealing with neglected buildings was discussed informally at the last SUMA convention and several communities made note of the same problems. She said dealing with those properties is cost prohibitive.

“All municipalities in general, but especially those smaller ones, they don’t have the funds to be able to do the remediation that’s required,” said Sorensen.

The properties with asbestos are especially expensive to remediate, with hauling fees even higher as only certain landfills are able to accept those materials. Sorensen said it’s quite cost prohibitive to a number of municipalities.

The resolution will be submitted to SUMA, and their board will look it over. If they approve the resolution, it will be sent to all members for voting at the SUMA convention in the spring where they would cast their vote.

–

Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK