For the first time in nearly 30 years, a Saskatchewan municipality has been designated as an Approval Authority.

What’s more, Corman Park is now the only rural municipality with this special designation. Director of Planning and Development Doug Ramage says this means subdivision submission approvals will be transferred from the Province to the RM.

“What it would allot for is a more clear and coordinated process. Applicants and those looking to invest in the region can work more directly with the R.M.”

He says this change will enhance efficiency by keeping conversations local and remove the middleman, being the Province.

“It really recognizes the R.M.’s growing regional importance, and the need for local decision-making in one of Saskatchewan’s most active development markets.”

He adds that this designation demonstrates that the province has a significant amount of confidence in the R.M.’s ability to manage growth responsibly.

“It is very unique for a rural municipality to receive this designation, and I think it is a reflection of the growth and development in the Saskatoon region and the leadership that Council and the R.M. have demonstrated.”

Ramage explains that not only will this benefit the growth of Corman Park, but also Saskatoon and surrounding area through enhanced market opportunities.

“In terms of looking at investment, things like consistency and predictability are a lot of the driving factors in that. I think that having a single entity to work through the subdivision approval process can help with that.”

Corman Park applied for the designation in October, and it became effective April 1st. Ramage says the RM has already been transferred 41 subdivision applications and is now updating its approval process to be better equipped for the job.