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By Cam Lee

Abandoned buildings

Provincial government announces pilot project to deal with derelict buildings

Mar 11, 2025 | 10:12 AM

A pilot project dealing with derelict buildings is in the works.

The Government of Saskatchewan is developing a program that would allow participating municipalities to work with local volunteer fire departments for fire crews to dispose of municipal-owned problem structures through training exercises.

In a news release, Environment Minister Travis Keisig said the province is making it easier for municipalities to tackle the derelict buildings, while also keeping safety and the environment in mind.

“This pilot project will be a great example of collaboration that benefits communities across the province,” Keisig said.

Municipalities have long been concerned about the dangers that the abandoned and dilapidated buildings pose. The buildings are not only safety concerns for the municipalities, but also economic issues by preventing redevelopment.

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“Municipalities are best placed to make decisions that best serve the long-term needs of their communities,” said Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz. He added the government will continue to work with stakeholders to make sure the province supports decisions that are locally-made, while also being carefully managed and cost-effective.

The provincial government project is supported by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM). The organization believes the project could be beneficial for rural municipalities.

SARM president Bill Huber said they are happy to hear the province initiated the program to remove and remediate derelict buildings that municipalities have been forced to acquire.

“Rural municipalities want to encourage families to live, work and stay in rural Saskatchewan, and nothing is more discouraging than a surplus of abandoned buildings,” Huber added.

Managing the structures have been problematic for municipalities, and they and SARM have raised concerns about the financial burdens and safety risks.

The news release said the details of the project framework are expected to be available to municipalities by the summer.

The government is expected to address regulatory or legislative changes stemming from the pilot project in the spring session.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com