Weyburn will have strong representation at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) Convention, which gets underway in Saskatoon on Sunday. Running through to Wednesday, the annual event brings together municipal leaders from across the province to network, learn, and advocate for their communities — and for first-time attendee Councillor Kellie Sidloski, it’s a highly anticipated opportunity.
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with other leaders in other municipalities,” Sidloski shared ahead of the convention. “You always find that there are common issues, common concerns.”
This year’s convention, as always, will feature several key events, including the presentation of municipal resolutions and the popular Bear Pit session, a Q&A with members of the provincial cabinet that traditionally closes out the event. Sidloski said she’s already thinking about possible questions to raise, but is also approaching the experience with an open mind.
“I think the first few days will maybe prepare me more,” she explained. “Talking with the other councillors and Mayor Richards, we can put forward some questions together.”
With all but one councillor attending, Sidloski emphasized that the convention also offers a chance for the Weyburn council to spend time together as a group and focus on shared priorities. One of those priorities is economic development, something she hopes to explore at the trade show component of the event.
“It’s a main concern for us to look at economic development for our community,” she said. “Getting ourselves out there, meeting people, going through that trade show, seeing if there are any opportunities that we can advocate for Weyburn and try and bring people here.”
In addition to building relationships and seeking development opportunities, Sidloski sees this first convention as a chance to prepare for the future. She hopes the experience will help lay the groundwork for potentially bringing forward a resolution specific to Weyburn at next year’s convention.