Whereas a number of abandoned rail lines were transferred to the Trans Canada Trail Foundation; and

Whereas over the years the Trans Canada Trail Foundation paid the taxes but has not maintained the property and noxious weeds have spread on this property; and

Whereas the Trans Canada Trail Foundation has ceased to pay their taxes for the past two years and wants to gift the property back to the municipality; 

Be it Resolved that SARM investigate a way to hold the Trans Canada Trail Foundation responsible for the property they acquired.   

Response from Honourable Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Muniipal Affairs:

·         Municipal Affairs appreciates the issues that can arise for a municipality when a property owner fails to pay property taxes or adequately maintain a property.

·         Saskatchewan’s municipalities already have authority to address the specific problems outlined in this resolution.

·         Through The Municipalities Act and The Tax Enforcement Act municipalities have a range of options available to collect unpaid taxes on a property so no additional measures are necessary to collect unpaid taxes.

·         Regarding the issue of ensuring property owners maintain property, The Municipalities Act provides municipalities with broad bylaw powers including the authority to set guidelines for property nuisances.

·         With a bylaw in place, municipalities are able to take action to enforce compliance.