At a recent meeting of Saltcoats Town Council, Mayor Gordon Barnhart announced his intention to run for re-election for the Presidency of the Municipalities of Saskatchewan. Municipalities of Saskatchewan is an organization of 440 cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern communities across the province that Barnhart has led as President for the last four years.
In 1906, municipal leaders saw the need for a collective voice and formed the Union of Saskatchewan Municipalities. The name was changed in 1967 to Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). In 2019, the SUMA Board decided to change the name to Municipalities of Saskatchewan to better reflect the broad needs of its membership. The word “urban” represents cities but not necessarily the villages, towns or northern communities. This new and more inclusive name is being widely received by other levels of government, the media and the membership in general.
Barnhart’s desire for re-election stems from wanting to continue current projects the organization has begun and see them through to completion. One near and dear to Barnhart’s heart is the infrastructure deficit. He sees that many municipalities are struggling with ageing water mains and water treatment plants. Increased requirements to attain potable drinking water has also increased the need for new water treatment plants at a huge expense. Government grants are available, but there is not enough money to meet the need. “If a community cannot achieve potable water standards, a boil water advisory is imposed which is a black mark on the community,” explained Barnhart.
Another idea Gordon is encouraging is regional cooperation, suggesting that communities share facilities such as arenas, swimming pools, and recreation facilities. “If communities could get together and share operating and capital costs, they would move a long way forward,” explains Barnhart. “Even sharing staff such as qualified water operators would be a step in the right direction.” Towns can keep their hometown pride even while sharing facilities and services.
Gordon has also noticed that there is some friction between Councillors and Administration. He would like to see “greater harmony between parties”. Barnhart, if re-elected, intends to continue to push for more education for Administrators and Councillors on good governance.
With modern technology such as Zoom, Barnhart is able to offer leadership in his home town as well as lead Municipalities of Saskatchewan. If re-elected, he feels his past experience is a definite asset to not only Saltcoats but to communities across the province. “If I become President again, I also become a member of the Board of Directors of Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the national lobby group that tries to guide federal services to municipalities across this nation.”
Barnhart encourages all Mayors and Councillors to attend the annual convention of the Municipalities of Saskatchewan. The convention this year, due to Covid 19, will be held virtually, which means that every municipality can afford to have all Councillors attend for approximately the cost for one member to attend in past in-person conventions. “Each Council member, who is registered, can vote for the leadership of Municipalities of Saskatchewan”. The convention will be online from February 7-10, 2021.
