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Throughout centres in Saskatchewan, abandoned residences or business properties are the targets of photographers and social media posters looking to relive bygone days. For residents in those communities, such buildings are eyesores and potential hazards. That’s why the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is calling on the provincial government to pitch in with helping dispose of some of these derelicts.
A statement from SARM outlines that many RMs struggle with limited funds, legal powers, and technical know-how to effectively manage derelict buildings in a timely manner. Fire hazards, structural collapse, increased criminal activity and health risks are some of the unwanted side effects.
In some cases, RMs have assumed the titles through tax defaults, and those buildings become a burden in terms of maintenance and safety for councils. Increased costs on demolition and environmentally sound disposal add to the load.
“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. 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,” says Bill Huber, SARM President.
The release goes on to say that many jurisdictions in North America support the cleanup for local governments through grants. SARM advocates the creation of what it calls a Derelict Building Grant program for RMs to access. The resulting clean up could provide in-fill lots for development or green space for the community. Grant funding would target the decommissioning of impacted sites, landfill management, and clean-up of derelict buildings, and enable RMs to mitigate environmental risks, improve public health, and foster long-term economic opportunities in rural Saskatchewan.