• Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency Operating Effectively: Independent Review

  Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
  Date: 2026-10-26 23:00:00.0
  Tags: [Saskatchewan, Taxation, Governance, Infrastructure]

  The Government of Saskatchewan released an independent review conducted by Upfront Consulting regarding the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA), which manages a property assessment base valued at over $278 billion supporting approximately $2.63 billion in annual municipal and education property taxes. The review concluded that SAMA is operating effectively with strong professional competence and management capacity, while identifying four specific areas for improvement: board member appointments, advisory committees, stakeholder engagement, and conflict of interest guidelines. Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz and SAMA CEO Shaun Cooney noted that the findings will be used to enhance transparency, stakeholder participation, and the province's property revaluation cycle.

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• Small-town mayors face growth backlash as Edmonton grapples with population surge

  Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
  Date: 2026-10-15 21:49:05.0
  Tags: [Alberta, Municipal, Housing, Infrastructure, Governance, Taxation]

  According to the BILD Edmonton Metro 2026 State of the Region report, row house and apartment permits in regional Edmonton municipalities surged by over 600 per cent over a five-year period amid population growth. Regional leaders, including Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw, Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank, and Fort Saskatchewan Mayor Lisa Makin, highlighted constituent backlash against development and the ongoing challenge of balancing growth with demands for municipal services without raising property taxes. The data shows provincial housing starts increased 130.8 per cent between 2020 and 2025, with Edmonton issuing $3.2 billion in building permits in 2025, while regional municipalities experienced average permit turnaround times ranging from 5 to 26 days compared to Edmonton's 53.8 days.

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