Looking to enhance all communities through a network of mentors, a new program has been launched for councillors and municipal administrators in Saskatchewan.

The Municipal Peer Network is a province-wide initiative that has nine experienced volunteer mentors with an average of 24 years of municipal governance experience. SUMA, SARM, the Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan, the Rural Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Saskatchewan are all part of the program.

Saskatoon Councillor Randy Donauer is a mentor and is excited to help, saying it can be overwhelming going from the local campaign trail to being in charge of millions of dollars with little training.

"When your out at night, in a blizzard and driving down the road it's always nice to look ahead and see somebody's taillights and know that there's somebody out there and the road is still okay," said Donauer. "It's nice to be able to just chat with somebody who's been around a few more years and they've seen a few things."

Moose Jaw City Councillor Crystal Froese can vouch for the idea behind the program saying it would have been nice to have someone she could call after being elected, adding that somebody, somewhere has likely faced a similar issue in the past.

"We're all facing infrastructure issues, we're facing issues with water and resources and economic development and land use planning and so I think there's a common thread, no matter what size of city we are," said Froese. "Having a mentorship program, we'll be able to access that (experience) no matter what size of community you are."

Another potential use of the program could help to avoid awkward situations between councillors. There's always the potential for one councillor to feel something isn't being dealt with the way that it should, but if the issue is with another councillor, it can be difficult to raise those concerns.

"Sometimes there can be interpersonal relationship issues as well when you're navigating through the initial process," said Froese.

“Through the Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network, hometown leaders have the chance to receive one-on-one help from a municipal mentor who has proven successful in resolving inter-municipal disputes,” said Gordon Barnhart, President of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association. “Together, the mentor and peer can find solutions at the local level.”

The network currently has nine experienced volunteer mentors who are mayors, reeves, councillors, and administrators with an average of 24 years of municipal governance experience. They are trained in coaching, communication, facilitation, and dispute resolution according to a release issued by the group.