With files from Keira Miller, Saskatoon Media Group
Both sides of the aisle had something to say as amendments were introduced to The Construction Codes Act inside the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly on Wednesday. Pilot framework on how to assist municipalities with the safe disposal of derelict structures was tabled, with the hopes to have it in place by the summer.
"Municipalities are in the best position to ensure the long-term safety and prosperity of their communities," Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. "By updating this legislation to support our derelict buildings pilot framework, the Government of Saskatchewan is helping local leadership practically and effectively address the challenges posed by municipally owned derelict properties."
The Government is working with municipal leaders to nail down details for the pilot, looking for strategic ways to deal with the derelict structures that can, "present economic, financial and social challenges for municipalities and can be costly to maintain or remove."
This legislation was initially announced back in March at the Saskatchewan Association for Rural Municipalities' annual convention, and made headlines with its inclusion of firefighters, as eligible municipalities and their local volunteer fire departments will have the ability to use eligible buildings for training purposes.
Environment Minister Travis Keisig confirmed that fire departments were asking for the opportunity, and that the government is excited to see where this continued collaboration pays off down the road.
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Clearing up the criteria for what kinds of buildings they are targeting, Schmalz went more in depth on the announcement during Wednesday's sitting period.
“It is important to note that only buildings which are owned by a municipality can be exempted from the Construction Code standards under the pilot project. It is also necessary that the municipality has a volunteer fire department, or a mutual recognition agreement with an organized fire department so that the demolition of a derelict building, by fire, can be used for training for firefighters,” he read aloud.
Responding, NDP MLA Aleana Young says although firefighters would appreciate the training, it’s ironic that the Sask. Party is also trying to pass a bill that will extend occupational disease coverage for certain types of cancers to firefighters.
“It seems odd to me that the government would be looking to rush through a piece of legislature, which if implemented would see those same firefighters going into derelict buildings, potentially being further exposed to dangerous chemicals and carcinogens.”
Calling firefighters the "cornerstone of our rural communities", this training should help boost skills in situations that can't be simulated at the average fire practice.