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December 2023
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. It is viewed best as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
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SARM Member Emails
It’s been a while since administrators let us know they were receiving too many emails from SARM, and that the messages were getting lost or not read. To corral this, SARM began publishing all pertinent information, including the SARM calendar, classifieds, reminders, and action items in the Rural Dart (RD) or the Rural Sheaf (RS), sometimes in both, many times with the pieces running more than once.
For easy reference and access, the weekly RD and monthly RS publications are posted online at sarm.ca/about/publications/ where other SARM communication pieces such as annual reports, new releases, and the Rural Councillor (RC) are also kept.
SARM will continue sending information this way, which we hope alleviates any potential missed messaging.
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SARM RM Directory
Don't forget to update the RM Directory on the SARM website. This will ensure that SARM and the public are kept up to date with current RM council details. This is also where we pull the information for SARM's convention name badges.
To access your RM Directory profile on the SARM website, please log in here and click on the “Manage your RM Directory Listing” link that is located under the Administrator’s Access for Updates heading on the Members Only homepage.
If you require any assistance, please contact coordinator@sarm.ca.
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In Memoriams for the year 2023 must be submitted to SARM by January 26, 2024, to be included in the 2024 SARM Annual Convention Guide. Please use the online form linked below for all submissions. | |
Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | |
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RMs, show your appreciation and submit nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
(candidates must be nominated by an RM)
Everyone knows that reeve, councillor, or administrator who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the interests and well-being of Saskatchewan’s RMs. We see their passions encompassing areas such as community development, economic sustainability, and social initiatives.
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This award recognizes individuals with outstanding contributions to rural life in various aspects. Nominate anyone who you have seen exemplify one or more of the following, those who have:
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shown outstanding agricultural stewardship through a commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible land use, and environmental stewardship.
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introduced innovative practices or technologies in agriculture, contributing to the growth and sustainability of rural communities.
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made significant contributions to education and knowledge dissemination in rural communities.
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played a crucial role in improving healthcare access, services, or awareness in rural areas.
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dedicated their time and efforts to volunteer work that enhances the quality of life in rural communities.
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made outstanding efforts in community development, infrastructure improvement, or the implementation of programs that positively impact rural life.
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have made significant contributions to the economic development of rural areas through business entrepreneurship.
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Community Rink Affordability Grant Program
The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $1.6 million in 2023-24 for the program which, provides funding for community-owned indoor skating and curling rinks.
In 2022-23, a total of the 581 ice surfaces received funding, including 376 skating rinks and 205 curling rinks. A $2,500 grant is available for each ice surface, per year for municipally-owned facilities, schools, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations.
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) administers and delivers the program on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.
Applications can be submitted until January 16, 2023.
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The deadline for submission of the declaration is January 31, 2024.
Please ensure the declaration is submitted by the deadline, even if the municipality does not meet all eligibility requirements.
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ClimateWest Adaptation in Action Program
ClimateWest has launched the Adaptation in Action Program and is now accepting proposals for projects that advance climate adaptation in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba and build resilience to our changing climate.
The Adaptation in Action Program aims to support impactful projects that:
- Build understanding about the range of plausible future climate conditions and how these may impact communities, businesses, governments, and/or organizations
- Bridge Indigenous and Western scientific knowledges to better advance climate adaptation and resilience
- Identify and assess climate risks and vulnerabilities that result in learnings that can apply across the region
- Develop information or communications materials that enable adaptation action and investment
Key Details
- Open to Indigenous communities and organizations; non-profit organizations; municipalities; research centres; businesses; other organizations; or partnerships assembled for the project
- Up to $50,000 per project
- Projects must must be completed within two years (i.e. on or before March 31, 2026)
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Application deadline February 20, 2024
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Gopher Survey
Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture is collecting information about ground squirrels and other burrowing rodents. Participate in this survey to help better forecast their populations. The survey closes January 15, 2024. The ministry is looking for as much information as they can gather about the species in your area, control practices used and their effects, predators, and other factors that you see as important so we can better understand burrowing rodent populations, control, and the factors that affect these.
Contact James Tansey at james.tansey@gov.sk.ca if you need more information.
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Feedback on Regulations Under The Plant Health Act
The Ministry of Agriculture is modernizing the pest legislation to reflect the current conditions in Saskatchewan. The Pests Declaration Regulations, The Bacterial Ring Rot Control Regulations, and The Late Blight Control Regulations are being reviewed to align them with the new Plant Health Act.
Your feedback is important; please complete the survey linked below. The deadline to submit your feedback has been extended to January 4, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact Raul Avila, Provincial Specialist, Pest Regulatory, at 306.787.7474 or by email at raul.avila@usask.ca.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - January 2023 | |
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Deadlines
January 1:
- Deadline to start tax enforcement list
January 10:
- Deadline to remit and return monthly EPT funds
- Deadline to remit taxes to SMHI, Conservation & Development (C&D) and regional parks
January 15:
- Deadline for CRA source deductions
January 20:
- Deadline to submit statement to organized hamlet board
January 28:
- Deadline to submit annual convention resolutions
January 31:
- Deadline to submit nominations for Lt. Gov's Award for Outstanding Service in Rural Sask
- Deadline to file annual EPT return
- Deadline to forward tax liens to ISC (previous year's arrears)
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: January 11
- Committee Meeting: January 16
- Board Meeting: January 17-18
Monthly Reminder(s)
- Reminder to submit Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant (MRS): all municipalities must submit an online declaration of eligibility on or before January 31st (a council resolution is required)
- Reminder to appoint a weed inspector
- Reminder to submit Fidelity Bond coverage to council at first meeting of the year
- Reminder to appoint Board of Revision members and secretary
- Reminder to appoint District Planning Commission members
- Reminder to appoint library board members, if applicable
- Reminder to appoint Development Appeals Board members
- Reminder to set amount of coverage required under Workers' Compensation by resolution at first council meeting of the year
- Reminder that MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment are due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
Special Days
- New Year's Day: January 1
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View the SARM Interactive Online Calendar to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified and should be viewed as the most current | |
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Check the Highway Hotline to help make informed travel decisions this winter season.
The Highway Hotline operates around the clock, seven days a week throughout the winter months, ensuring regular updates to keep the public informed.
The Highway Hotline can be downloaded as a smartphone app available for free in the Google and Apple online stores, accessed at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or by calling 511.
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The SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have partnered to deliver free winter webinars once again in 2024 | |
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Weed Inspector & Land Manager Webinar
January 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The webinar will focus on Noxious and Prohibited Weeds: Plant families and identification presented by Cory Jacob, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
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Pest Control Officer Webinar
February 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The webinar will focus on pesticide education presented by Kevin Patrick, Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
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Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers
2024 Donations
Over the years, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers has tirelessly worked towards creating safer communities by facilitating anonymous tips from concerned citizens that help law enforcement agencies solve crimes. Their success is a testament to the trust and support that they receive from the public, the media, and their partners. They are proud to have made Saskatchewan a safer place to live, work, and raise families.
As they continue their mission to combat crime, they are reaching out to you, their valued partners, to request your support. Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is funded by contributions from urban and rural municipalities, individuals, small businesses, major corporations, community service clubs as well as civic, social, and professional organizations. The program does not receive federal or provincial funding.
Your generous donation would enable them to:
- Maintain the financial viability of the program.
- Enhance the reach of our anonymous tip program, encouraging more residents to come forward with vital information.
- Continue to educate and engage the public in crime prevention initiatives, through awareness campaigns, and public events.
- Provide rewards to tipsters whose information leads to a charge or an arrest for a crime, further incentivizing citizen participation in crime prevention.
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Winter Welfare for Livestock Animals
As temperatures drop, the maintenance energy requirements of livestock animals increases and they require more feed to maintain an appropriate body condition score. Feed testing is available to producers. Reach out to your local livestock and feed extension specialist to learn more or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1.866.457.2377.
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Providing animals with access to sheltered areas and adequate clean, dry bedding will help reduce cold stress. Animals should be monitored for any signs of hypothermia, including shivering, pale extremities, decreased respiratory rate, clumsy gait, or frostbite. If any symptoms of hypothermia are present, producers should contact their herd veterinarian immediately for assistance. | | |
Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
Step into the role of internship supervision and shape the future one-on-one! The Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) offers a unique opportunity for Class A or Superior A Rural Administrators to provide individualized training and foster professional competency in future rural municipal administrators by helping them attain the necessary competencies and required hours for their “Rural Class C certification” throughout the 52-week internship period.
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Why Choose to be a MAIP Internship Supervisor?
- Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
- Tailored Development: Customize the internship experience to address specific skills and goals, ensuring maximum impact, offering practical guidance, feedback, and real-world insights that go beyond academic learning.
- Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
- Financial Benefit: Upon approval, SARM will provide the selected host rural municipalities with a $17,000 grant intended to cost share the intern’s salary. The supervising administrator of record will also receive a $3,000 honorarium upon successfully completing the internship supervision.
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If you would like to learn more about becoming a supervising administrator for a MAIP intern, please check out the information on the SARM website or call;
Dustin Resch, Manager of Programs, at 306.761.3945.
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Community and Land Use Planning
The Community and Land Use Planning module will cover a variety of topics including: the roles and responsibilities of council, administration and the public; the creation, adoption, and amendment process for Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws; the subdivision process; servicing agreements; the development permit process; the development appeal board process; enforcing bylaws; the building permit process as well as regional planning.
This module is now offered online through Southeast College.
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Date: Always Available
Location: Virtual
Cost: $75 + GST
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The Asset Register & Initial State of the Infrastructure Report
This is a technical capacity-building activity intended for key staff who would be responsible for managing and working with your municipal data.
It's a simple approach to using your own data to inform decision-making.
It's a powerful tool that you don't want to miss out on using.
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Use the code:
SOTIRstory
for FREE training
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What will motor vehicle incidents cost your business?
We all know that downtime is expensive, but rarely does anyone calculate the actual costs of a motor vehicle incident. What is your guess for a minor 'fender bender'? Maybe $200-$300?
For many organizations, when a vehicle stops moving, the productivity of the occupant(s) also grinds to a halt. Next thing you know, that person is doing something they are not paid to do (orchestrate a fix), or, someone else in the business is charged with doing so. Then somebody has to come up with an alternative vehicle, there are pick-ups, drop-offs, visits to insurance adjusters, body shops, premiums are paid, service invoices paid, etc. Next thing you know there are 3, 5, maybe 8 people whose time has been involved in one collision. The above says nothing of the costs and traumas involved with a more serious highway incident. What does that cost? Allow us to suggest that it all costs a lot more than $300.
$300 is the cost to put one driver through our Skid Smart Collision Avoidance program and, as a result, perhaps reducing the likelihood of that driver costing your business time and money.
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Historical Ownership Mapping Endeavour (HOME)
In 2005 R & M Computer Systems, along with Information Services Corporation (ISC), SARM, Saskatchewan Genealogical Society, Saskatchewan Archives, and the University of Saskatchewan, completed the Historical Ownership Mapping Endeavour (HOME).
This project was undertaken to draw and plot maps of each rural municipality that would identify the original Dominion Land Grantees (or homesteader) and the date of settlement for every rural property within the province.
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In addition to the paper maps, a CD was compiled that contains a searchable database; including an interactive map of the province, that the user can use to find their historical homestead.
These maps and/or CDs can still be ordered. Bulk maps can be ordered in minimum quantities of 30; with CDs coming in a minimum quantity of 5. Please email krmemelle@sasktel.net to learn more and to submit your orders. Should you only want to purchase a single copy of your municipal HOME map or one CD, you may contact the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society directly at 306.780.9207 and they can supply single copies.
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Peer to Peer: Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network
Municipal leaders can face diverse challenges and sometimes may need extra support. The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is available to assist.
The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network connects municipal administrators and elected officials with highly experienced peers, who can provide guidance, coaching, and a variety of options to help address local issues, use best governance practices, better understand roles and responsibilities, and other related matters.
There are currently nine volunteer mentors who have widespread experience as administrators, mayors, reeves, and councillors. Mentors can be reached by phone and all conversations are confidential and free of charge.
To learn more or to find a mentor at www.saskpeernetwork.org.
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Additionally, over the coming months Infrastructure Canada will be hosting a series of webinars for potential applicants. Dates are: | |
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English Sessions
Tuesday, January 16, 2024,
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT (Planning and Design Stream)
Tuesday, January 24, 2024,
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT (Planning and Design Stream)
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French Sessions
Wednesday, January 17, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT (Planning and Design Stream)
Wednesday, January 25, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT (Planning and Design Stream)
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Tourism Growth Program (TGP) in the Prairie Provinces
Tourism drives economic development and diversification in many regions and communities across Canada. Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, the Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over 3 years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements other federal, provincial, and territorial supports for the tourism industry.
The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry.
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The following RM’s have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Sutton No. 103, Grader Operator, JAN 28 - Close
RM of Marquis No. 191, Maintenance Operator, JAN 19 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Payroll and Human Resources Administrator, JAN 19 - Close
RM of Mount Hope No. 279, Temporary Assistant Administrator, JAN 12 - Close
RM of Grandview No. 349, Seasonal Equipment Operator, JAN 12 - Close
RM of Maryfield No. 91, Administrator, JAN 8 - Close
RM of Milton No. 292, Administrator, JAN 5 - Close
RM of Tisdale No. 427, Full-Time Administrator, JAN 4 - Close
RM of Saskatchewan Landing No. 167, Equipment/Grader Operator, DEC 29 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Huron No. 223, For Tender: 2018 John Deere 770G Tier 3 Motor Grader, JAN 12 - Close
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If you have questions or would like to post in the SARM Classifieds contact: 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca
Please send your advertisement in a Word Document.
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Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) | |
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Clearing the Path (CTP) Corridors
Statutory Declaration Reminder
Rural Municipalities with a CTP Corridor:
This is a reminder to submit your 2023 RIRG CTP Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration if you have not already through the online form. This form is required to be completed annually confirming that the Road Authority has maintained the Corridor(s) to a safe and suitable level as described in their CTP Incremental Maintenance Funding Agreement.
If you have any questions, please send inquiries to info@RIRG.ca.
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Providing custom printing solutions
For all of your custom printing needs such as Bank Deposit books, Councillor Indemnity forms, minute paper, cheques, envelopes, ballots, and much more, Adventure Printing offers SARM’s members exceptional pricing, and the convenience of an
online ordering portal.
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Lifelong Learning: What Do You Want to Learn About?
Presented by: Southeast College
Municipalities have a lot to juggle on their plates in day-to-day operations. Working on various projects and with people, such as ratepayers, other staff, councils, and contractors, there is little time left to dedicate to further education or training. However, lifelong learning is key to being successful and keeping staff engaged.
Southeast College is a longtime partner of SARM and provides safety training, and business courses relating to municipal management, and can work with you to develop training to suit your needs.
In this session, there will be an overview of what Southeast College currently offers; and an opportunity to provide input into future programs and ideas.
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Date: January 31, 2024
Time: 10-11:00 am
Cost: Free
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SARM Webinars
SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:
- Fire Bans and Emergency Preparedness
- Municipal Safety Manual
- Civic Addressing
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- Tendering and Procurement Best Practices
- Mental Wellness in Agriculture – Fostering Resiliency
- Nuclear Power in Saskatchewan
- Principles for Positive Employment Relations
- And more
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Happy New Year to all. Here's to a great 2024 for rural Saskatchewan. | | |
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Happy holidays from everyone at SARM! In the spirit of giving, SARM would like to highlight the important work of STARS and encourage you to join us in giving this holiday season. | | |
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This was a good public policy that had bi-partisan support in the House of Commons. The carbon tax will drive up costs for all Canadians, especially those in rural SK who are trying to produce food for the world. | | |
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The minister and members of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations, along with SUMA, met at the SARM office to foster collaboration between local government and Saskatchewan's rural and urban communities. | | | | |
