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March 2023
Note: certain 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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That's a Wrap on #SARMAnnual2023
If you missed anything during convention, you can review all three days using the provided links, or visit SARM's channel on YouTube to see this, and more.
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SARM Annual Convention on YouTube
Live Stream Links:
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Enjoy some of the candid photos from this year's convention and trade show below. | |
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To date SARM members have donated $4+ million to the life saving operations of STARS.
If you haven't donated, please give it some consideration as STARS has had a major impact on saving lives in rural Saskatchewan in over 500 communities. Most people can say they know of someone who has benefited from this valuable life-saving service.
RM donations can be sent directly to SARM (and can be included with regular payments, it doesn't need to be a separate cheque).
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A presentation was made to STARS representatives at the 2023 SARM Annual Convention with the total RM contributions. | |
At the 2017 SARM Annual Convention, a resolution was passed asking that RMs voluntarily contribute a minimum of $2 per capita per year to the STARS Helicopter Air Ambulance program. | | |
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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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NAMS+ Workshop
NAMS+ is offering an early bird special for their upcoming spring Asset Management workshops. Purchase your workshop seat before the end of February 2023 and receive 3 hours of support from NAMS+.
The workshop will run each Tuesday from April 4 - May 9, 2023 at
1:00-3:15pm CST. Each session is delivered by NAMS Canada AM experts.
Online workshops include:
- 6 x 2 1/4 hour sessions online
- Using your own data with ongoing technical support and content mentoring for course duration
- More time between sessions to advance work with your own data
- More effective use of your time with no travel time, no travel costs or out of office required
Subscription and waived set up fees to the NAMS+ templates and modelling tools ($1,500 value) until June 30, 2023
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Municipalities: Apply by May 1 for Targeted Sector Support Initiative Funding
The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants of up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs and are funded under one of the following streams; dispute resolution and relationship building, capacity building, regional co-operation, and municipal transition.
This is the fifth project intake under the TSS Initiative, which is funded through the provincial government's Municipal Revenue Sharing Program. The Saskatchewan Association of Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) administers this funding on behalf of the TSS Steering Committee.
The TSS Steering Committee consists of representatives from SUMA, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) and the Ministry of Government Relations.
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Interested municipalities can learn more and apply here or email info@targetedsector.ca for more information.
Applications for this intake will be accepted until Monday, May 1, 2023.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - April | |
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Deadlines:
- Forward Auditor's Statement to SMHI
- Receive notification of proportioned assessment for separate and public school divisions
- Remit and return monthly EPT funds
- Remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- CRA source deductions remittance
- MEPP remittance
- Apply for crop exemption with SMHI
Reminders:
- Budget should be prepared and adopted as soon as practical each year
- During April & May council can consider applications for withdrawal of lands as shown on lists supplied by SMHI
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Meetings:
- Municipal Oversite: APR 6
- Ag & Economy: APR 11
- Board of Directors: APR 12+13
Special Days:
- Good Friday: APR 7
- Easter Sunday: APR 9
- SUMA Convention: APR 16-19
Click on the link below to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified.
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Respect in the Workplace Training
Since 2019, SARM has been fortunate to offer the Respect in the Workplace Training at half the cost due to SARM’s partnership with the Respect Group. This program is designed to empower your team with the skills to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Our goal is to have our members, both council and staff, certify themselves through the training. The program takes approximately 90 minutes and is done online in one sitting, but we recommend you break it up. You can come and go from the modules. The focus of the training is on culture change but of equal importance is the legal risk and liability avoidance it affords.
The certification costs $20.00 per person. Councils and staff simply register for the training. SARM will invoice the members on a quarterly basis based on your activity. It’s as simple as that.
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Linked below, in both English and French, are the registration and access instructions for Respect in the Workplace. You will also see the “Respect in the Workplace One pager”. Providing these instructions to your users simplifies the registration process for end-users and reduces possible confusion or challenges.
For helpdesk support, please go to:
https://support.respectgroupinc.com
Let’s have a goal of all our members to become Respect Certified.
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The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership. | |
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Winter 2023 modules
Municipal Economic Development Fundamentals
This module helps find answers to key questions about economic development – what is economic development, who are the players, what role can the municipality play and what are the returns? The course objectives will assist participants to: develop an understanding of economic development principles & theories; review the context for economic development; discuss concerns and problems common to economic development in Western Canada; and introduce processes and skills applied in economic development.
Date: Saturday, April 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: TCU Place, Saskatoon
(21 spots available)
Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities
Get to know how Council and staff plan for municipal success. Everything from setting strategic priorities and community engagement to developing action plans and the financial framework to achieve the desired outcomes.
This interactive and engaging session will see participants gaining insight into how to move from Thought to Action with tips and tools to make sure everyone is aligned and committed to common goals. This module will provide attendees with an overview of financial planning – the budget process, with a focus on where the money comes from. Learn about the relationship between assessment and taxation, tax tools, municipal borrowing and investments and an intro to asset management.
Date: Saturday, April 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: TCU Place, Saskatoon
(14 spots available)
Human Resources in the Municipal Workplace
As employers, Councils need to know: what are your responsibilities to your employees who carry out your directions and deliver municipal services? This highly interactive session gives participants an overview of the labour market, the role of Council and administration, the legislative framework, how to deal with conflict, the hiring and dismissal processes, the importance of orientation and motivation, and how to manage performance.
Date: Saturday, April 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: TCU Place, Saskatoon
(only 6 spots left)
Strategic Communications for Municipalities
Formerly known as Public Relations and Communications for Municipalities, this module teaches how to effectively communicate with your ratepayers as well as the media. Learn how to become proactive. Special tips will be given on public speaking and techniques used by print, radio, television, and other media.
Date: Saturday, April 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: TCU Place, Saskatoon
(22 spots available)
Community and Land Use Planning
Online course –https://www.southeastcollege.org/courses/mldp-community-and-land-use-planning/
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*Dates for all modules are subject to change. Spaces are limited – register by April 6th to secure your spot. | |
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 Mount Hope No. 279, Mower Operator, APR 14 - Close
RM of Moose Jaw No. 161, Full-Time Public Works Position, APR 24 - Close
RM of Webb No. 138, Municipal Administrator, APR 23 - Close
RM of Mount Hope No. 279, Assistant Administrator, APR 5 - Close
RM of Fertile Valley No. 183, Full-Time Supervisory Position, APR 20 - Close
RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Permanent Equipment Operator, APR 15 - Close
RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Full-Time Working Foreman, APR 15 - Close
RM of Chester No. 125, Seasonal Grader Operator/ Labourer, APR 7 - Close
RM of Harris No. 316, Equipment Operator, APR 6 - Close
RM of Perdue No. 346, Administrator, APR 10 - Close
RM of Biggar No. 347, Seasonal Grader Operator, MAR 31 - Close
RM of Vanscoy No. 345, Community Planner, MAR 31 - Close
RM of Meadow Lake No. 588, CAO/Administrator, APR 30 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Humboldt No. 370, For Sale: 2005 Capital I One Way Plow, APR 30 - Close
RM of Storthoaks No. 31, For Sale: Set of Six Used Grader Tires, APR 23 - Close
RM of Enterprise No. 142, For Sale by Tender: Used 2014 G960B Volvo Grader, APR 17 - Close
RM of Craik No. 222, For Sale: Road Speed Signs, APR 16 - Close
RM of Birch Hills No. 460, For Sale by Tender: 1990 Grumman Pumper Truck, APR 12 - Close
RM of Frenchman Butte No. 501, For Sale by Tender: Used 2016 872G John Deere Grader, APR 10 - Close
RM of Snipe Lake No. 259, For Sale by Tender: 2006 140H Caterpillar Grader, APR 3 - Close
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Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $485-million investment by federal and provincial governments in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture. With a focus on anticipating, mitigating, and effectively managing production risk, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with SARM to deliver the Pest Biosecurity Program with $3.9 million per year for five years.
The Pest Biosecurity Program, available to RMs and First Nations (FN), south of the Northern Administrative District, is made up of 5 programs that will provide RMs and FNs with resources when dealing with issues regarding invasive plants, rats, gophers, nuisance beavers, clubroot and other pests as declared/designated under the Saskatchewan Pest Control Act and Weed Control Act.
- Plant Health Network
- Beaver Control Program
- Gopher Control Program
- Invasive Plant Control Program
- Rat Control Program
The new agreement is effective April 1, 2023, and will be in place until March 31, 2028. Details on the programs will be posted on the SARM website in the coming weeks.
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Relating Municipal Well-being to Community Planning
Presentation at SUMA Convention - April 17th
SaskWellbeing and the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy recently partnered to undertake a province-wide survey of Saskatchewan municipalities where they were asked about mental health, culture, municipal economics, and environmental well-being, and how these important themes fit in with community planning and budgeting. Discover the lessons learned through this research on well-being initiatives in Saskatchewan municipalities at the upcoming SUMA convention at TCU Place in Saskatoon. SARM members who may be in attendance at the convention are cordially invited to attend this educational session on Monday, April 17th from 1:30-2:45pm.
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The preliminary results of the survey conducted last summer explores the quality-of-life approach to community planning. Survey respondents suggested several ideas on how municipalities can adopt and promote well-being in their communities. | | |
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Sign up for free webinars in April
Register now for free webinars hosted by Tourism Saskatchewan, beginning on February 1. These one-hour sessions will offer knowledge and advice on marketing, social media, worker recruitment, customer service and other topics of interest to tourism and hospitality businesses.
Sign up for the following:
New webinars will be added monthly. Check out the full list of upcoming Courses and Workshops on Tourism Saskatchewan’s Business Hub.
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Saskatchewan Tourism Week
April 24-30, 2023
Mark your calendar for Saskatchewan Tourism Week (STW), which will be observed on April 24-30, 2023. These dates align with the national celebration of Tourism Week in Canada.
Each year, STW brings attention to the importance of tourism, which generates over $2 billion in annual travel spending and employs almost 70,000 Saskatchewan residents in full- and part-time positions. The week is a time to acknowledge tourism businesses and operators, whose efforts drive a vibrant visitor economy, create jobs and enhance quality of life.
At the same time, STW will encourage people to plan spring and summer road trips through the province, try new activities, taste different flavours and discover unique, authentic experiences that set Saskatchewan apart from other destinations.
Learn more about Saskatchewan Tourism Week 2023 below.
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Governing Sustainable Municipalities Project - Public Talks & Stakeholder Roundtables
Saskatchewan’s municipalities are well-positioned to lead Saskatchewan into a more sustainable future. The Governing Sustainable Municipalities project’s objective is to support Saskatchewan municipalities’ efforts to advance their sustainability goals. This research and engagement project pays particular attention to the skills training and labour market dimensions of sustainability, to issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, and the engagement of underserved groups.
Activities and Deliverables (All events will follow a hybrid model allowing participants to attend in-person or remotely)
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Municipal administrators, government, and business are also invited to join an invitation only stakeholder roundtable closest to them. Please note these sessions are not open to the public. | |
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SCGA Dig Safe Breakfast
The Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) is dedicated to ensuring worker and public safety, environmental protection and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices in connection with underground infrastructure activities.
The annual SCGA DIG SAFE Breakfasts and presentations have been successfully delivering the Dig Safe message to front-line workers in Saskatchewan for more than 30 years. There are 23 sponsoring companies who work together with the SCGA on this important public awareness campaign.
Managers, Owners, Supervisors, Equipment Operators, Landowners and their crews who dig for a living are invited to a complimentary breakfast to see our brief safe digging presentation, including a made in Saskatchewan video you can share within your dig safe network or employees.
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The SCGA also extends the invitation to local fire and police departments, volunteer fire fighters, EMS and town or city councillors.
This year marks the return to the full in-person program since the pandemic. 20 locations will host a breakfast presentation including 6 new communities.
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Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers Spring Newsletter
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is proud to be recognized with the 2022 International Crime Stoppers Productivity Award for Total Seizures for programs serving a population of 300,000 to 1 million. The program saw an increase of 722% over the previous year. Sgt. Rob Cozine serving in his 11th year as Program Coordinator was able to return to travel in 2022 promoting the program through various community outreach initiatives, presentations and tradeshow attendance.
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers received recognition from the Province of Saskatchewan as January was proclaimed Crime Stoppers Month in Saskatchewan. The program continues to have a positive social media presence with over 40,000 followers to the program Facebook page with a success rate of 45% for all crimes that are posted to the page.
Program Results
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| Statistic | 2022 | Inception | | Tips | 2070 | 39,250 | | Calls Received | 11,921 | 150,331 | | Arrests | 40 | 3539 | | Charges | 98 | 2590 | | Rewards Approved | 33 | 1766 | | Reward $ Approved | $15,330 | $448,941 | | Property/Cash/Drugs Recovered | $306,800 | $19,412,635 | | |
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$297 Million Investment to Set New Record for Municipal Revenue Sharing Program
Premier Scott Moe announced the overall Municipal Revenue Sharing Program in 2023-24 will set a new record with a more than $297 million provincial investment, benefiting municipalities and supporting their local priorities across Saskatchewan.
Total 2023-24 provincial funding for the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program represents a 13 per cent increase from the current fiscal year, and a 134 per cent increase from the 2007-08 fiscal year.
With this announcement, nearly $4 billion in provincial funding will have been allocated to support municipalities across Saskatchewan through the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program from 2007-08 to 2023-24.
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In partnership with your employer, Homeweb is introducing the Homewood Pathfinder Suite. Homewood Pathfinder is designed to enhance Homeweb - your current online mental health and wellness portal. It will assess the reason for accessing the program, determine how serious your concern is, your level of risk and your care preferences and offer you the right Employee Assistance Program service or resource at the right time. Where clinically appropriate you are able to book services or connect with a professional immediately, and through Pathfinder you can also manage service scheduling.
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Elected/Appointed officials and people with LTD benefits can sign up today and start using Homewood Pathfinder!
YOUR CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NAME IS:
Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM)
YOUR INVITATION CODE IS:
SAR995
To register a new account
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Visit: Homeweb.ca or click here
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Click ‘Sign Up’ to create an account and enter your invitation code
- Enter your name, preferred email address and a few other pieces of information to create your profile
- A key component of Pathfinder, Homewood PulseCheck will ask for a few additional details including how you’re feeling and your primary area of interest or concern
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What Does Member Purchasing Do for Municipalities?
Check out the SARM Member Purchasing infographic to learn more about what Member Purchasing does for RMs.
Hear about our Mission, Buying Group, and Partnerships, and see how this provides RMs with the best value on purchasing programs, how it helps reduces risk and reinvests in rural Saskatchewan while saving you time, and being there as a resource for advise if needed.
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Member Purchasing exists to serve SARM’s members and their communities by facilitating the efficient and economic purchase of goods and services.
It is our goal for all SARM’s member RMs to make Member Purchasing their first stop when they seek to procure what they need.
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Reach out to:
Amanda Kozak,
Member Purchasing Advisor
akozak@sarm.ca or 306.761.3722
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Kal Tire is offering a special promo to SARM members. Save $100, per tire, when you purchase any retread tire between March 12 and May 31, 2023.
Use coupon code SARM-100OTR.
All sizes - Cap & Casing and Cap only.
For inquiries, please contact your local Kal Tire or
Tia Harker at 639-740-5121 or Tia_Harker@kaltire.com
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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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SARM partners with The Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to call for support for the Saskatchewan cattle industry | | | |
SARM aims to attract the next generation to rural government | | | |
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SARM’s 118th Annual Convention & Trade Show begins next week at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park
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SARM Responds to the 2023-24 Provincial Budget | | | | |
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SARM Executive: President, Ray Orb
; Vice President, Bill Huber; Executive Director, Jay Meyer; and Advocacy Mgr, Brian Rakochy with Minister of Government Relations, Don McMorris discussing effective tax rates in rural Saskatchewan. #RuralMatters #RuralGrowth #SkPoli
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That’s a wrap! Annual convention is over for another year. Thanks to the many generous sponsors of #SARMAnnual2023. Without you the convention’s success would not be possible. #RuralMatters #SkPoli | | |
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The SARM Board taking a moment to catch up with Energy and Resources Minister, the Hon. Jim Reiter, at the Saskatchewan Legislative Building while attending the 2023-24 provincial budget announcement. #RuralMatters #SkPoli | | | | |
