Former Torquay mayor Mike Strachan has been honoured with a Life Membership Award from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), recognizing his 16 years of dedicated service and significant contributions to municipal politics at the provincial and national levels.
“It’s just something you don’t ever expect to be recognized for by your colleagues in the municipal sector,” Strachan said. “It’s pretty exciting.”
Strachan, who served as mayor of Torquay for 16 years, said he was notified in February that he’d been selected for the honour. The recognition, which comes from SUMA’s board of directors, is awarded to individuals with a lengthy municipal career and contributions to the sector at the provincial and national level.
His path to politics came about in an unconventional way. He recalled how, at the time, residents had approached his wife to run for mayor. She declined — but Strachan thought he might have the time to give it a try. He put his name forward, was elected, and ended up staying in the role for more than a decade and a half.
“Once I got in there, it was one of those things where you enjoy doing it — to see your community improve. I think for any municipal politician that gets involved, that’s what they want to see.”
During his time in office, Strachan also held broader roles within the municipal sector. He served as vice-president for villages, resort villages and northern municipalities with SUMA, and was a board member with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). He said the opportunity to meet with other leaders — from neighbouring villages to large city councillors — was a powerful reminder that many municipalities, no matter their size, face similar issues.
“I remember sitting down and having a conversation with the mayor of Calgary and a councillor from Montreal, and we were talking about the new water treatment plant in Torquay. We all have the same infrastructure needs.”
One of the projects he’s proudest of is that very plant. With a population of around 215 people, Torquay was able to complete a $2-million water treatment system — a project made possible through cooperation between all three levels of government.
“That’s huge. It just goes to show you that we can go farther when we’re cooperating together.”
Strachan stepped down as mayor in the fall, aiming to gain a seat in federal politics. He sought the Conservative nomination in the Souris–Moose Mountain riding but was edged out by Steven Bonk.
Now out of municipal government, Strachan said he’s enjoying life at a slower pace, spending more time with his family, especially his youngest child.
“My youngest has never known me not being there. It’s a whole different world for me right now, not being on the road so much.”
While he no longer serves as mayor or sits on boards, Strachan said the relationships and connections he made along the way are what stick with him most.
“I’ve always said, it’s never about the meetings — for me, it’s always about the people that you meet along the way.”
For those considering a run in local government, his advice is simple: stay curious, learn from others, and take advantage of the training and networking opportunities available through organizations like SUMA.
“Talk to your neighbouring municipalities, whether they’re RMs, small villages, or towns. Their issues aren’t that different from yours."
As for the lifetime membership, Strachan said he’s honoured to be included alongside names he’s long respected in Saskatchewan’s municipal world.
“It’s one of those things that you never really aim for — but to be recognized in that group is something I’m really proud of.”