SUMA convention draws 1,000 municipal leaders for policy talks and networking

More than 1,000 municipal representatives from across Saskatchewan are set to gather in Regina this week for the 2026 convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association.

The annual convention and tradeshow runs April 12 to 15 at the REAL District, bringing together delegates from cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern municipalities.

The event will focus on municipal priorities, networking and policy discussions, with a lineup of high-profile speakers that includes the provincial premier, the leader of the Opposition, the minister of government relations and federal and national municipal representatives.

Delegates will also take part in education sessions and visit more than 150 booths in the Municipal Marketplace, featuring products and services tailored to local governments.

Two keynote speakers headline this year’s program.

Warren Macdonald, a mountaineer and motivational speaker, will share his story of overcoming adversity after losing both legs in a 1997 climbing accident. He later went on to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and climb major rock faces including El Capitan and Alberta’s Weeping Wall.

Jack Lucas, a political science professor at the University of Calgary, will present research from the Canadian Municipal Barometer. His address will examine public engagement in municipal politics, drawing on survey data from thousands of Canadians, as well as mayors and councillors across the country.

Media are invited to attend the convention but must register on site and present identification to receive access. Key events, including the president’s address, premier’s address and the Bear Pit session, will also be available via livestream.