The board of the Urban Municipalities Association has rolled back a suggestion of municipal amalgamation.

On the weekend, President Gordon Barnhart made a controversial suggestion of consolidating various municipalities across the province.

The board of SUMA has issued a strong statement saying it is not in favor of municipal amalgamation, particularly forced amalgamation.

SARM president Ray Orb welcomes the clarification.

He says “The statement clearly states their position and I hope the relationship between SARM and SUMA can continue to grow.”

Orb adds, “I think we need to put this behind us and continue to co-operate on various issues.”

Municipal amalgamation has been a controversial issue for decades in Saskatchewan.

The board of SUMA statement says municipal autonomy is essential in preserving local identity and meeting local priorities.

The Saskatchewan government says it does not favour any type of forced amalgamation of municipal government.