The time of year has swung around again, to where leaders of different centers across a wide region gather together to exchange ideas and thoughts at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Associations (SUMA) convention.

"It's always a great networking opportunity, every time we get together," shared Estevan's Mayor, Roy Ludwig, "We get together with like communities, the cities, towns and villages from throughout the province and talk about common concerns that we have, common problems."

"We get into what some communities are doing with like situations and problems like we have or issues that we may have as a community. We talk to other communities our size and hear how they are resolving some of their problems. It's just a good opportunity to get together and network."

Ludwig added that there are educational sessions throughout the day on a variety of subjects like how to run an efficient council, making good policies, running managing landfills, and risks at special events.

"From Canada Day events to parades, looking at some of the risks that come up and how we can head off some of the potential risks."

He added that there are also workshops how to hold efficient meetings, maintaining municipal infrastructure, how to work with consultants, and on emergency preparedness, which the City is looking forward to attending since we've gone through a few floods in the recent history,

Ludwig noted one informational session that will be of importance is preparing for legalized cannabis.

"That will be educating us on new federal legislation coming up on the recreational use of cannabis. We've had several meetings with the police board, we'll have to look at zoning requirement, we've got our land development officer already looking at that. Inspections, by law changes, there's quite a bit to do."

Ludwig added that all of the Estevan City Council is attending including himself and Jeff Ward, the City Manager.

"I'm very happy now that this year it's in Regina, all of Council was willing to go so we'll be able to do some good networking and divide up and make sure we attend all of these sessions and I think it will be very good."

"We're looking forward to it. it should be a good educational and networking session."

The new premier, Scott Moe is also expected to make an appearance with cabinet ministers who will answer any questions from the floor.

SUMA runs form February 4th - 7th.