(File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Tax enforcement

Nipawin using method to collect rent from tenants for landlords in tax arrears

Apr 26, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The Town of Nipawin is increasing their ability to collect tax arrears from landlords.

The tax enforcement method through the Municipalities Act allows the town to collect rent from tenants renting properties that are in arrears.

“This is new for us. We haven’t done it in the past,” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michele Sorensen told northeastNOW.

She said collecting rent from tenants is just another tool the town can use to collect tax arrears so other ratepayers aren’t responsible for “holding the bag.”

Section 321 (1) of the Saskatchewan Municipalities Act states: “If taxes for which the owner is liable are due on any property occupied by a tenant, the municipality may send a notice to the tenant requiring the tenant to pay the rent, as it becomes due, to the municipality until the taxes, including costs, have been paid.”

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“We’re just going to try the process and see how it works for us,” said Sorensen.

The landlord would receive notice prior to enforcing this portion of the Municipalities Act, then the tenant would receive notice that they would need to start paying their rent to the town instead of the landlord.

Council also approved the town’s new brand guide at this week’s meeting. Sorensen said the purpose of the brand guide is to enhance the town’s brand recognition, convey its values, and maintain its identity.

“It’s a working document that serves as a reference for creating and using all of our materials, so that everything is consistent going forward,” explained Sorensen. “The next step in the branding will be using these guidelines on all of our publications, documents, any correspondence that goes out.”

She said it’s important to maintain consistency in the town’s branding.

“We want every department to use the same consistent guidelines so that when people see our brand, they recognize it, and it’s all Town of Nipawin recognition.”

The town’s Exceptional by Nature branding began earlier this year, featuring a new logo and town website.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK