Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) held its annual convention in Regina from February 2 to February 5, 2020.
This year the Town of Carlyle was represented at the convention by Mayor Wayne Orsted, Alderman Kelly Lutz and Chief Administrative Officer Natalie Miller.
The Convention was held at the International Trade Centre and Queensbury Downs, which are located in what people know as the Regina Exhibition Grounds, also housing Mosaic Stadium. This was the 115th Annual SUMA Convention.
Queensbury Downs was the location for the meetings and seminars, with the Presidents Banquet and Awards Ceremony being held in the ITC. Sunday’s agenda featured educational seminars relative to municipal affairs.
Monday, SUMA president Gord Barnhart gave the President’s address, which was followed by Saskatchewan Premier Moe, who gave the Premier’s address.
As well, on Tuesday’s schedule, the attendees attended sector meetings, where the delegates split into groups to discuss issues pertaining to their communities. Some of the main topics in the town sectors discussions included health, policing and the environment.
This year a motion was made to change the name of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s name to the Municipalities of Saskatchewan. The new name was adopted and the reason for the name change was to encompass all communities in the province.
On Tuesday the keynote speaker was Paul Wells, senior editor of McLean’s Magazines. He spoke of the Federal Government’s relationship and issues pertaining to all Canadians.
Ryan Meili, leader of the Saskatchewan provincial government opposition addressed the Convention Tuesday morning. The afternoon was reserved for the Awards Presentations, followed by the Annual General Meeting.
At this year’s Awards Presentation Carlyle’s Mayor Wayne Orsted was one of only four recipients to receive the Honorary Service Award. It is granted to elected individuals throughout the province recognizing 20 or more years of involvement and dedication to their community.
Mayor Orsted first served Carlyle as Alderman from 1991 to 1997. He was elected Mayor in 1997 and held the position through 2000. Orsted returned as an Alderman in 2009 until 2014, when he was once again elected Mayor and holds that office today.
Mayor Orsted is most pleased seeing that the Town of Carlyle has progressed and grown during his years of service both as Alderman and Mayor.
He is very aware of the importance of the various groups and their volunteers and their roles in moving a community forward.
“The character of a community is defined by the hard work of these groups and individuals. A big thank you needs to go out to all of those involved”, states Mayor Orsted.
“The community is in a good position with residential and commercial lots available, the water treatment plant and lagoon having had the necessary upgrades for sustainability”, he adds.
The Mayor takes pleasure having received the award and the opportunity to serve and that Carlyle has benefitted by the hard work of those that have served on this and previous councils.
