The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s annual convention has wrapped up, closing out four days of discussion, debate, and collaboration among municipal leaders from across the province. From larger urban centres to smaller communities, the focus this year was clear—working together to build stronger, more sustainable municipalities for the future. The convention once again provided a valuable space for delegates to connect, share ideas, and tackle the challenges

For communities across Canada, reliable infrastructure isn’t just a priority—it’s essential. And for more than two decades, one federal program has quietly helped make that possible. The federal Gas Tax Fund—now known as the Canada Community-Building Fund—delivers over $2 billion every year to more than 3,600 municipalities, supporting roughly 4,000 infrastructure projects annually. From public transit and roads to clean water and community spaces, it provides predictable, lo

Manitoba’s economic future doesn’t begin in boardrooms or big city towers—it begins in its communities. Across rural Manitoba, local leaders, businesses, and municipalities are shaping the province’s economic story in real time. From main streets to manufacturing floors, from agricultural innovation to emerging tourism opportunities, the strength of Manitoba’s economy is deeply connected to the strength of its regions. That’s where the Rural Manitoba Economic Development...

Sylvan Lake is growing—and fast. What was once a small lakeside town has steadily evolved, with its population climbing from just under 16,000 in 2021 to nearly 18,000 by the end of 2025. With that growth came a familiar question for many Alberta communities: when does a town become a city? In 2022, Sylvan Lake’s Council first explored that possibility and chose to remain a town. This year, the conversation returned—armed with new data, updated financial considerations, and a

Across Canada, municipal politics is often called the most accessible level of government — the place where community voices meet real decision-making. But as we explored in Part One of “Is Harassment Getting Worse?” Series, that space is changing. Harassment is no longer occasional — for many women in municipal leadership, it’s becoming a constant backdrop to public service. In this second part of our series, we continue that conversation — going deeper into how harassment i

The numbers are sinking in. The details are being finalized. And across Alberta, municipalities are taking a closer look at how February’s provincial budget is really affecting them—beyond the headlines, beyond the announcements, and into the day-to-day reality of running a community. Because while budgets are crafted in the legislature… their impact is felt on the ground. That reality was front and center at the recent Alberta Municipalities Municipal Leaders Convention in E

Two provinces. Two budgets. Two visions for the future. In recent months, both Alberta and Saskatchewan have tabled their provincial budgets, documents filled with promises, priorities, and projections meant to guide their respective paths forward. For many, budget season signals optimism… a renewed sense of direction… maybe even a little hope for what lies ahead. But what happens when your community doesn’t fit neatly into just one of those visions? Enter Lloydminster, a pla

Across Canada, municipal politics is often described as the most accessible form of government... the level closest to the people. It’s where community meets decision-making, where local leaders step up to shape the places we call home. But increasingly, it’s also becoming a space where harassment is not just present — it’s persistent, personal, and, for many, escalating. From hostile emails and social media attacks to intimidation in public spaces, the tone of political enga

Today, we’re diving into a story that has shaken the halls of Niagara’s regional government and ignited debates across the province of Ontario, and possibly even Canada. It’s a tale of letters, leadership, and the future of local democracy. Just a few weeks ago, Niagara Region Chair Bob Gale sent a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, calling for what he described as ‘urgent municipal governance reform’ in Niagara. His proposal? Consolidat