Creating Municipal Bylaws
Creating municipal bylaws involves several key steps to ensure they are effective, enforceable, and aligned with community needs.
Identify the need
A bylaw may be needed in response to public concerns, council discussions, emerging issues, or administrative recommendations.
Assess the issue
The municipality reviews the issue to determine whethReview and consult
The draft bylaw is presented to council and, where appropriate, to committees or the public for feedback. This stage may include discussion, amendments, and formal public input.
Draft the bylaw
Administration prepares a draft using clear, accessible language. The draft must align with applicable legislation, case law, and the municipality’s goals and policies.
Review and consult
The draft bylaw is presented to council and, where appropriate, to committees or the public for feedback. This stage may include discussion, amendments, and formal public input.
Council decision
Council considers the final draft and votes on the bylaw in accordance with legislative requirements. If approved, the bylaw is officially adopted.
Implementation and communication
Once adopted, the bylaw is implemented, enforced, and communicated to the community through appropriate channels so residents and stakeholders understand their rights and responsibilities.
**Bylaws are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and consistent with changing legislation, community needs, and municipal priorities.
Saskatchewan Government has excellent resources for developing bylaws. They have samples and an area where you can view current bylaws in different cities, towns, resort villages, etc.
Urban Municipalities in Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, cities, towns, villages, and resort villages are all classified as urban municipalities. Each municipality is established through a ministerial order that defines its official boundaries. Once created, every municipality is governed by an elected council and supported by administrative staff who manage day‑to‑day operations and deliver essential services such as road maintenance, utilities, and recreation facilities.
What Municipal Councils Can Do
Municipal councils have the authority to adopt bylaws that support the well‑being and effective functioning of their communities. These powers include the ability to:
✔Protect the health and safety of residents
✔Determine the type and level of municipal services provided
✔Regulate land use, development, and zoning
✔Borrow funds for municipal improvements
✔Set local tax policies and rates to fund municipal services
These responsibilities ensure that municipalities can respond to local needs, plan for the future, and maintain strong, sustainable communities.
Individual municipalities may be contacted using the Municipal Directory.
Saskatchewan currently has 766 urban, rural and northern municipalities. For listings, see the Municipal Directory.
In southern Saskatchewan there are 741 incorporated municipalities:
- 445 are urban municipalities. These include:
- 16 cities;
- 147 towns;
- 239 villages; and
- 43 resort villages.
- 296 are rural municipalities.
Currently there are no municipal districts in the province.
In northern Saskatchewan, there are 25 incorporated municipalities:
- 2 northern towns;
- 11 northern villages;
- 11 northern hamlets; and
- The Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD).
Unincorporated areas of southern Saskatchewan include hamlets and organized hamlets. There are 142 organized hamlets established by Minister’s Order.
Unincorporated areas of northern Saskatchewan are part of the NSAD and are administered by the Northern Municipal Services Branch. There are 11 northern settlements within the NSAD.