SASKATOON – The 120th SUMA President’s Gala was held in Saskatoon at TCU Place on Tuesday, April 15, with more than 1,100 municipal leaders in attendance.
The Life Membership Award was granted to Mike Strachan of Torquay. The award recognizes individuals whose careers exemplify commitment and dedication to community and significant contributions to urban government in Saskatchewan.
Strachan was elected mayor of Torquay in 2009 and held that position until deciding not to seek re-election in 2024. He has been on the SUMA board of directors since 2012.
Starchan reflects on the upgrades to Torquay’s water treatment plant as a proud moment during his time as mayor.
“It was a two-million dollar water treatment plant and for a community of 215 people – that's a pretty big accomplishment,” Strachan said.
Strachan took his work both as mayor and SUMA board member seriously. He is proud of his work on governance review and the strides the board has taken to represent northern municipalities.
Strachan also served on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for two and a half years as vice-chair of the rural forum. He has spent time on the 小蓝视频 East Transportation Planning Committee, the physician recruitment agency of Saskatchewan, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Saskatchewan Association of Resource Recovery Corporation, and the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.
Don Cody was also honoured with the Scoop Lewry Award. The Scoop Lewry Award recognizes outstanding service in municipal government on a local, provincial and national basis. The award is dedicated in memory of long-time Moose Jaw mayor L.H. “Scoop” Lewry.
Cody has nearly 50 years of public sector experience and began his career as an 小蓝视频 and cabinet minister from 1971 to 1984. Following his time in provincial government, he became a business owner in Prince Albert. In 1994, he served as mayor of Prince Albert until 2003. Cody returned to council chambers in 2012 as a city councillor. He held that role for 12 years until he decided not to seek re-election in 2024.
Cody describes his time in municipal government as very rewarding. He has been part of many revitalization projects in Prince Albert. The city built several buildings – the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, an entertainment facility, a new courthouse, and the Forestry Centre, which now functions as the northern campus of the University of Saskatchewan. Cody also sat on the SUMA board and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. He points to the creation of revenue sharing as one of his proudest accomplishments.
The event also included the presentation of the Meritorious Service Award, given to municipal staff with more than 20 years of service. These recipients are outstanding individuals who have become role models in their communities.
Meritorious Service Award winners:
- Dean Acaster – North Battleford – 20 years of service – Roadways department
- D. Chris Adams – Waldheim – 32 years of service – CAO, Administration
- Jeff Carey – Lumsden – 28 years of service – Firefighter and public works department
- Crystal Campbell – Lemberg – 23 years of service – CAO, Administration
- Rob Campbell – North Battleford – 30 years of service – Firefighter, captain
- Chris Exner – Lumsden – 28 years of service – Community coordinator
- Steven Flynn – Swift Current – 20 years of service – Recreation and waterworks department
- Marlene Funk – Swift Current – 20 years of service – EMO coordinator
- Joe Gagne – North Battleford – 25 years of service – Public works department
- Borden Kishalowich – Esterhazy – 45 years of service – Fire chief
- Nicole Lerat – Rosthern – 34 years of service – CAO, Administration
- Rick Manshande – Nipawin – 21 years of service – Recreation and public works department
- Mitch Mazurek – North Battleford – 35 years of service – Roadways department
- Monica Merkosky – Lumsden – 35 years of service – CAO, Administration
- Kent Silbernagel – Swift Current – 20 years of service – Firefighter
- Kenneth “Bud” Wall – Swift Current – 20 years of service – Parks and recreation department.
