Last month, rural municipal administrators from across Saskatchewan gathered in Regina for the Rural Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan Convention, an annual opportunity to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and strengthen the connections that help support local government across the province. The Rural Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan, or RMAAS, brings together senior administrators from Saskatchewan's rural municipalities w

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Over the course of the four-day convention, representatives from municipal associations across the country connected not only with delegates from their own provinces and territories, but with municipal leaders from coast to co

Canada's largest cities are calling on the federal government to help revitalize downtown cores and strengthen economic growth across the country. The Big City Mayors' Caucus, representing 23 of Canada's largest municipalities, has unveiled a series of priorities aimed at supporting vibrant downtowns, attracting investment, and addressing challenges that continue to impact communities from coast to coast. The caucus says strong downtowns are critical to Canada's economic futu

Canada's downtowns are the economic engines of our communities, driving investment, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and shaping the daily lives of residents across the country. Recognizing their importance, the Big City Mayors' Caucus, representing 23 of Canada's largest cities, has come together to advance a series of priorities aimed at strengthening downtown cores and supporting long-term economic growth. As Canada works to attract new investment and build a st

This past weekend, Edmonton became the centre of the municipal universe. From coast to coast to coast, local leaders from communities large and small gathered in Alberta's capital for the 125th Annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention and Trade Show. The annual convention is more than just a meeting. It's a unique opportunity for municipal leaders to come together, share ideas, tackle common challenges, explore new opportunities, and engage directly with federa

In the wheat heart of Southern Alberta, the Village of Barons is beginning a new chapter. Following a by-election at the end of May, former Barons Councillor Clinton Bishop is returning to local government after earning a decisive victory, receiving 71 votes in a three-candidate race for a vacant council seat. In a unique footnote to election night, one candidate did not receive a single vote. But the story did not end at the ballot box. At the first meeting of the newly con

Across Alberta — and really across the country — municipalities are facing a familiar challenge: how do communities grow, attract investment, and create opportunity in an increasingly competitive environment? For many municipalities, the answer is no longer just about traditional industry or infrastructure. More communities are looking at tourism not simply as a visitor experience, but as a serious economic driver — one that supports local businesses, creates jobs, attracts n

This week, we’re talking about the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention — one of the biggest events on the municipal calendar, where local leaders from across the country come together to debate policy, share ideas, and build relationships. But beyond the speeches and resolutions, what actually makes for a successful FCM experience? What should first-time delegates know before they arrive? And how important are the conversations happening outside the formal sessio

For more than 125 years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — better known as FCM — has been the national voice of local government in Canada. Since 1901, municipalities from coast to coast to coast have come together through this organization to advocate for stronger communities, better infrastructure, and federal policies that reflect the realities Canadians experience at the local level. Today, FCM represents nearly 2,000 municipalities and 20 provincial and territo