Lumsden Town Council Brief: New Businesses, Development Plans, Infrastructure and E-Scooter Regulations

October 13, 2026 | Lumsden News Now | River Valley Podcast

Lumsden Town Council's October 13 meeting covered several important issues affecting the community, including new business developments, proposed zoning changes, infrastructure improvements, future school funding, and electric kick scooter regulations.

New Businesses Planned for Third Avenue

Two new businesses are preparing to open at 65 Third Avenue, in the former brewery building. A café and retail market is targeting a mid-November opening, while a retail butcher shop had originally planned to open October 15.

However, town administration reported that renovations had begun without a building permit being issued. The application remained under review, with building officials awaiting additional information. Council discussed possible enforcement measures, including additional inspection fees.

Public Hearings on Development Bylaws

Residents will have an opportunity to provide input on proposed changes to Lumsden's development regulations.

The amendments address mixed-use buildings, commercial signage, and parking requirements. They could affect how residential and commercial properties are developed or redeveloped within the community.

Public hearings are scheduled for October 27 at 7 p.m., with information available through the Town of Lumsden.

Future School Land and Development

Council reviewed proposed provincial legislation known as the Building Schools Faster Act, which could allow municipalities to require an additional two percent land dedication from new subdivisions to help acquire land for future schools.

Councillors generally supported applying the requirement to residential subdivisions while maintaining flexibility for commercial and industrial developments.

The possibility of developers providing cash instead of land was also discussed.

No additional land dedication requirement was adopted at the meeting.

Drainage Improvements and Infrastructure

Public works crews continue addressing drainage concerns, including ditch grading along Eighth Avenue.

Council discussed existing culvert arrangements that create drainage bottlenecks, with more extensive repairs potentially required in the future.

Other municipal work includes seasonal winter preparations, wastewater treatment plant repairs, and investigation of a possible water service leak in the Maple Bay area.

Council also received positive feedback from a resident regarding drainage improvements completed near her property.

Municipal Finances and Highway 734

Council accepted September's bank reconciliations and received an update on improvements to the town's financial reporting system.

Following a closed-session discussion, council accepted a recommendation from the joint annexation committee to establish a reserve for future improvements to Highway 734 and other potential development-related impacts.

Administration also reported that five properties were involved in the town's tax enforcement process. November 23 was identified as an important deadline for addressing outstanding arrears.

School Fundraising and Playground Improvements

Local school fundraising efforts received recognition during the meeting.

A fundraising golf event brought in approximately $16,000, while the school's apple fundraiser sold 756 boxes.

Council also acknowledged the successful completion of the school playground, a project supported by the school, town, RM, Lions Club, and community volunteers.

A separate proposal for accessible playground equipment was referred for further consideration, including potential grants and community partnerships. No funding commitment was confirmed.

Cemetery Plots and Community Requests

Council discussed allowing town administration to handle suitable requests to repurchase unused cemetery plots, particularly when residents who originally purchased burial plots later choose cremation.

A request to waive facility rental fees for a community toy exchange was also considered, although the final decision could not be clearly established from the meeting transcript.

Councillors also discussed a request for advertising support in a provincial Royal Canadian Legion publication, with several expressing a preference for supporting the local Legion branch directly.

Electric Kick Scooter Regulations

Electric kick scooters returned to the council agenda, with discussion focusing on provincial legislation and municipal enforcement.

Saskatchewan's regulations establish a minimum operating age of 16, helmet requirements, and a maximum motor-propelled speed of 24 kilometres per hour.

Provincial regulations also require municipalities to authorize electric kick scooter operation on designated public roads through local bylaws.

Council discussed concerns about unsafe riding and questions surrounding enforcement responsibilities between the RCMP and municipal bylaw officers.

The electric kick scooter bylaw was discussed at the final-reading stage, although the outcome of the vote could not be conclusively established from the meeting transcript.

Looking Ahead

The October 13 meeting highlighted several issues that will continue to affect Lumsden, particularly commercial development, infrastructure planning, school-related growth, and municipal regulations.

Residents interested in proposed changes to mixed-use development, commercial signage, and parking requirements can participate in the October 27 public hearings.

Lumsden News Now is a local news initiative of the River Valley Podcast, covering developments and community issues affecting Lumsden and the surrounding area.