Today we travel to the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. A vibrant city is located, offering scenic riverbank trails, diverse cultural festivals, and a welcoming prairie spirit. 

Welcome to Season 9 of Muni-Cast

MuniCast is brought to you by SUMA, the voice of Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities. 

MuniCast discusses topics important to municipal leaders, including local governance, best practices, education, and more. 

In Season 9 we are meeting SUMA’s Board of Directors. 

SUMA has adopted a new, modern governance structure built from a thorough governance review and member consultation. 

This new structure is a caucus model with a 7-member Board and 34 representatives from villages, resort villages, towns, cities, and northern municipalities across all regions, marking the beginning of a new chapter for SUMA. 

To follow up on our first episode of Season 9 we continue to dive into the SUMA Board Members. 

And Today we are honoured to sit down in person and speak with SUMA Vice President, City of Saskatoon, and Councillor for the City of Saskatoon, Councillor Randy Donauer.

Our interview with Councillor Donauer. 

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Learn More About SUMA: 

Website: https://suma.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-association

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suma.connect

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask

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Listen to the Show: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4

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Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.

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Follow the Cross Border Network: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ 

Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/

MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network

©2025

We’re pleased to welcome Dawn Kilmer, SUMA Vice President of Towns and Councillor for Prince AlbertJoin us as we unpack the Board’s role, the benefits of SUMA for Municipalities in all regions of Saskatchewan. ***************************************************

Learn More About SUMA:

Website: https://suma.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-association

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suma.connect

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask

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Listen to the Show:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4

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Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.

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Follow the Cross Border Network:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/

Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/

MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network

©2025

Today, we head to Cow Town, Saskatchewan, the last stop along the trans Canada Highway before heading west into Alberta, and the gateway to the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

Welcome to Season 9 of MuniCast!

MuniCast is brought to you by SUMA, the voice of Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities. MuniCast discusses topics that are important to municipal leaders, like local governance, best practices, education, and so much more.

In Season 9, we are meeting SUMA’s Board of Directors. SUMA has adopted a new, modern governance structure built from a thorough governance review and member consultation.

This new structure is a caucus model with a 7-member Board and 34 representatives from villages, resort villages, towns, cities, and northern municipalities across all regions, marking the beginning of a new chapter for SUMA. To follow up on our first episode of Season 9, we continue to dive into the SUMA Board Members.

And Today we are honoured to sit down in person and speak with SUMA Vice President of Towns, and Mayor of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan Michelle McKenzie.

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Learn More About SUMA:

Website: https://suma.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-associationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/suma.connect

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask

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Listen to the Show:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4***************************************************

Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.

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Follow the Cross Border Network:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/

Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/

MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network

©2025

We’re pleased to welcome Shanon Zachidniak , Councillor for the City of Regina and SUMA Vice President; City of Regina.

Shanon brings municipal experience and a Regina perspective that will help listeners understand how the new governance model works in practice, the priorities guiding the Board, and what members can expect from SUMA’s renewed approach to representation and decision-making. 

Join us as we unpack the Board’s role, the benefits of SUMA for Municipalities in all regions of Saskatchewan. 

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Learn More About SUMA: 

Website: https://suma.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-association

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/suma.connect

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask

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Listen to the Show: Apple:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4

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Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.

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Follow the Cross Border Network: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ 

Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/

MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network

©2025

To launch season 9, we’re pleased to welcome Randy Goulden, Councillor for the City of Yorkton and SUMA President. Randy brings municipal experience and leadership perspective that will help listeners understand how the new governance model works in practice, the priorities guiding the Board, and what members can expect from SUMA’s renewed approach to representation and decision-making. Join us as we unpack the Board’s role, the benefits of the caucus model, and the priorities that will guide SUMA moving forward.

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Learn More About SUMA:

Website: https://suma.org/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnect

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-association

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suma.connect

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask

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Listen to the Show:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4

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Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.

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Follow the Cross Border Network:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social 

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ 

Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/

MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network

©2025

Libraries have long been pillars of knowledge, community,and accessibility, but as the world shifts toward digital media and instant information, their role is evolving. In this episode, Reimagining Libraries, Director of Advocacy Sean McKenzie sits down with Jason Barnhardt and Malcolm Eaton from Praxis Consulting, along with Jeff Barber from the Regina Public Library, to explore the enduring value of libraries in today’s society, both in larger cities and smaller communities.

Both Jason and Malcolm were key players in a study SUMArecently hired Praxis Consulting to conduct into the provincial library system, and to make recommendations on what could be improved. Jeff has been the Library Director and CEO of the Regina Public Library since 2005 and has also worked within the Southeast regional library in Weyburn, been head of Access Services in the University of Saskatchewan, and is a past president of the Saskatchewan Library Association, as well as past Chair of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council.

From ebooks to streaming services, technology has reshapedhow we access information, yet libraries continue to offer something irreplaceable. However, they are not without challenges. Funding remains an ongoing concern, and the demands on these institutions are increasing. What needs to change to ensure their future? This episode examines the essential services they provide, the unique structure of Saskatchewan’s one-card system, and how regional collaboration ensures that resources remain available to as many people as possible. This discussion dives the pressing issues and possible solutions that could shape the next chapter of library services.

Saskatchewan communities are facing significant challenges in healthcare access, affecting the quality and availability of care for residents. Key findings from recent research reveals gaps in service delivery outside larger urban centers including limited resources, staffing shortages, and geographic barriers. Mental health services face similar struggles, with individuals encountering difficulties in accessing support due to systemic barriers and regional disparities. Tackling these issues requires innovative solutions to improve healthcare access and ensure equitable support for all residents.

In this episode, Accessing Health Services in Saskatchewan with the University of Regina and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Advocacy Advisor, Kerri Martin, sits down with Dr. Nuelle Novik, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, and a researcher with the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), and Rebecca Rackow, Assistant Executive Director and Dave Nelson, Senior Program Consultant, with the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the challenges faced by residents in small and remote communities when accessing healthcare services.

To learn more about the state of healthcare in Saskatchewan access the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit's report on The Current State of Health Care in Rural Saskatchewan here.

To learn more about the state of mental health in Saskatchewan in comparison to other provinces across the country access the Canadian Mental Health Association's recent report The State of Mental Health in Canada here.

Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities are dealing with evolving environmental regulations, which makes collaborative waste management essential for a long-term sustainability. Effective waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions, extends landfill lifespan, and helps municipalities remain environmentally responsible. By working together, communities can share costs, access funding, and implement innovative waste diversion strategies.

In this episode, Collaborative Waste Management with the Ministry of Environment, SWRC, ARWMAS, and TSS, Advocacy Advisor Augustina Osaseri sits down to discuss opportunities for effective waste management in Saskatchewan with

• Michelle Heggstrom, Manager of Compliance Assurance for the North Central Region with the Ministry of Environment, Government of Saskatchewan,
• Pamela Barry, Senior Policy Analyst and Research Officer for Waste Stewardship and Recycling with the Ministry of Environment, Government of Saskatchewan,
• Joanne Fedyk, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council,
• Anne Mathewson, Executive Director of the Association of Regional Waste Management Authorities of Saskatchewan, and;
• Richard Beck, TSS Coordinator with SUMA.

From dangerous animals to noise and debris and many areasin between, bylaws are municipal regulations that cover areas not enforced by provincial and federal law. However, despite their importance in keeping a community safe, enforcement of bylaws is a challenge faced by many of Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities. In this episode, Bylaw Enforcement for Public Safety with the City of Yorkton and the Town of Allan, Advocacy and Communications Advisor Cheyenne Geysen sits down with Jordan Hafichuk, Mayor of the Town and Allan, and Nicole Baptist, Bylaw & Safety Supervisor with the City of Yorkton, to unpack some of those challenges and look at the perspective of bylaw enforcement seen by their communities.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced the creation of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service in 2024. After a comprehensive search and hiring process, Robert Cameron was appointed as the Chief Marshal of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service effective January 1, 2024.

Public safety, and policing in particular, are extremely important topics for SUMA members. In this episode, Behind the Badge with Chief Marshal Robert Cameron, learn more about what this new service will mean for SUMA members, the reason for creating the Marshals Service, and how they will work with other established policing services including the RCMP and municipal police services.

During the episode Chief Cameron refers to the "James Smith" incident. More information about the tragedy can be found here: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/trnsprnc/brfng-mtrls/prlmntry-bndrs/20241001/12-en.aspx