Yorkton Mayor says SUMA networking important

YORKTON - Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley said there are always opportunities to learn at the annual SUMA convention.

“For me it’s connecting with all the different communities, the one-on-ones with mayors and CEOs,” he said.

In such conversations Hippsley said it’s possible to put forward an issue happening locally, and having the other person say “well here’s what we did.”

Such offered ideas just might result in a budget saving down the road, or at least help smooth an issue, offered the Yorkton mayor.

One-on-ones of a sort with senior government officials are also an important aspect of the SUMA event, offered Hippsley.

Members of Yorkton Council were able to meet with Saskatchewan Minister of Highways Lori Carr, and then with Minister of Government Relations and Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Don McMorris.

Both meetings provided the city with the ear of the provincial government on local issues, and allowed discussion of how the two levels of government might work together on some things, said Hippsley.

As for the official events associated with the convention, Hippsley said while there were many topics brought up by delegates, he added most have been brought up in the past too.

But, one item dd catch greater attention.

“I don’t know if it was new, or just accelerated, but it was mental health, addictions and homelessness,” said Hippsley, adding the three are certainly connected.

Hippsley said as part of the province’s City Mayors Caucus he has been “chair of a working group on the issues since 2020,” so seeing it get more attention at the convention was gratifying.

Interestingly, while often seen as a city issue, Hippsley said communities of all sizes are seeing the issue.

The Yorkton mayor did suggest the province is aware of the issue.

“The province has stepped up and are really recognizing it (the problem),” he said, adding there is now targeted money for 500 beds to help those with addictions “get back into the world.”

Hippsley said he also found it interesting that water was something being discussed, in particular the management of the resource.