|
March 2025
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
| | |
That's a Wrap on the 2025 SARM Annual Convention
If you missed anything during convention, you can review all three days using the provided links, or visit SARM's YouTube channel.
| | |
SARM Annual Convention on YouTube
Live Stream Links:
| | | Enjoy some of the candid photos from this year's convention and trade show below. | | |
Municipal Legislation Consultation Update
Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations
The Municipalities Act, The Cities Act, and The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010 form the foundational legislative framework for all municipalities in the province. These acts provide the necessary powers and authority for council decisions, policies, and bylaws, while outlining municipal responsibilities.
In the summer of 2024, the Ministry of Government Relations initiated a comprehensive review of this legislative framework, focusing on The Cities Act, The Municipalities Act, and The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010. The primary objective of this review is to identify potential amendments that could enhance municipal governance.
| |
| | As a part of the consultation process, the Ministry of Government Relations conducted 13 online public surveys in late 2024. The results of these surveys are now available for review through the link below: | | | |
| | At the 2025 SARM Annual Convention, the Ministry of Government Relations encouraged municipalities to provide any additional feedback they might have. If you have further comments or suggestions, please share them with SARM so they can be relayed appropriately to the Ministry of Government Relations by emailing consultations@sarm.ca. | | | | Thank you to all rural municipalities, councilors, and administrators who participated in the surveys and continue to contribute to this ongoing consultation process. | | |
MLDP Winter 2025 Modules
Registration for April Sessions
The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules or workshops developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. The modules target specific issues of importance to urban, rural and northern municipalities. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership.
| | |
Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities
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.
Saturday, April 12th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
| |
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.
Saturday, April 12th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
| |  | |
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.
Saturday, April 12th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
| |
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.
Saturday, April 12th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
| |
*Dates and location are subject to change.
For more information or to register for a module, visit MLDP.ca.
| | | |
Update New Council Member Details on SARM Website 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.
The RM Directory 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.
| | Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | | |
18th Annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards Winners
Congratulations to the 18th annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards winners. On March 13, at the 2025 SARM Annual Convention, winning rural governments received their Saskatchewan Municipal Awards. On April 15, winners from Saskatchewan's urban municipalities will receive their awards at the 2025 SUMA Convention.
For those who missed the presentation at the SARM annual convention, click the link below to learn more about the winning projects.
| | |
The Agricultural Health & Safety Network
Scholarships & Awards
| | |
Regan Keisig
RM of Tullymet No. 216
| | |
Zayden Anderson
RM of Marquis No. 191
| | |
RIRG 2024 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2024 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration by March 30, 2025 using the online Statutory Declaration Form.
This form requires completion annually to confirm that the Road Authority has maintained the Corridor(s) to a safe and suitable level as described in their CTP Incremental Maintenance Funding Agreement.
For all following CTP programs beginning in the 2025-26 program year, the Statutory Declaration shall only be accepted from January 1st to March 30th of each year.
| | Targeted Sector Support Initiative | | |
The Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative is a cost-shared grant program that uses a portion of Municipal Revenue Sharing ($1.5 million per fiscal year) to support projects that strengthen municipalities’ core operational capabilities through increased regional cooperation.
Projects under this program are intended to assist in supporting more efficient and effective municipal service delivery, and enhanced governance and administrative capacity in Saskatchewan. Partnering municipalities can apply for up to 75 per cent on eligible project costs to strengthen their core municipal responsibilities.
The TSS Steering Committee will be accepting applications for funding until April 30, 2025.
| | |
SCIC Program Deadlines
April 2025
The following are upcoming important deadlines for the SCIC's programs in the month of April. Please see further details below.
| | |
|
AgriStability
The deadline to enrol, cancel, or pay your AgriStability program fees is April 30, 2025.
Note: Fees paid after April 30 (or 30 days from the date of your Enrolment/Fee Notice, whichever is later) will have a 20% penalty added.
| | | | |
SARM Interactive Online Calendar - April 2025
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.
| | |
Deadlines
April 1:
- To forward Auditor's Statement to SMHI
- To receive notification of proportioned assessment for separate and public school divisions
April 10:
- To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
April 15:
- For CRA source deductions
April 30:
- To apply for crop exemption with SMHI
| | | |
Meetings
- Committee Meeting: April 17
- Committee Meeting: April 22
- Board Meeting: April 23-24
Monthly Reminder(s)
- MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment is due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
- During April & May council can consider applications for withdrawal of lands as shown on lists supplied by SMHI
- Budget should be prepared and adopted as soon as practical each year
Special Days
- SUMA Annual Convention - Saskatoon: April 13-16
- Good Friday: April 18
- Easter SUnday: April 20
| | |
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The new program year for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will begin on April 1, 2025. Program details and forms will be posted on the SARM website in the coming weeks.
| | |
Saskatchewan Blue Cross Cards and EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
The Saskatchewan Blue Cross group benefits plan for SARM members now includes enhanced support through Homewood Health and Cleveland Clinic Canada, giving you and your family access to tailored, on-demand support for your mental and physical health.
Homewood Health’s EFAP program connects you to confidential, professional mental health and wellness services. Whether it’s counselling for anxiety, stress, or grief or coaching for work-life balance, parenting, or financial planning, Homewood is here to help. Their Enhanced Mental Health Care program even offers longer-term support for more complex needs, including up to 20 specialized counselling sessions. Register at homeweb.ca to access these resources today.
Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Express Care Online (ECO) service offers on-demand virtual medical consultations for your physical health. Available 24/7 across Canada, ECO lets you connect with a nurse practitioner for diagnoses, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more—all from the comfort of your home. Simply download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online app to get started! (Apple | Android)
| | |
With these changes, there will be new ID cards mailed out with new ID numbers on them. Here are the things that will be required once your cards are received:
- Effective March 4, 2025, update your pharmacy and your dentist with your new ID number.
-
Download the new app “SK Blue Cross Member App” and re-register. (Apple | Android [coming soon!])
-
If you use the online portal, visit www.sk.bluecross.ca/portal, click register, and follow the prompts.
-
Save your new digital ID card to your Apple or Google Wallet.
| | | Linked below is more information on the enhancements that are being made. Please share this information with all employees. The code to register online is now listed in the EFAP & Virtual Care Registration Guide linked below. | | |
The Need for Change:
- Saskatchewan continues to receive the lowest per capita investment from the Federal Government.
- Persistent digital divide for individuals living on First Nations and in rural and remote communities.
- 53% of the province does not have access to broadband 50/10 high-speed.
- Saskatchewan is currently the only province without a provincial plan related to improving broadband infrastructure.
- A large portion of the Saskatchewan population lives in rural areas, where connectivity is a concern.
Call to Action:
As a committee we’ve outlined five key calls to action for the Provincial and Federal Government to develop of a Provincial Broadband Plan and receive greater investment in broadband infrastructure – outlined in the 2025 SBAC Briefing Note linked below.
To further our cause, our ask of you is to continue to raise this issue and ask questions with your local MLA and the Provincial Government. Together, we can achieve broadband parity for all Saskatchewan residents, regardless of address.
| | |
Ship and Rail Compensation Canada
– Rail Fund
Do trains carrying crude oil pass through your municipality? If yes, the Ship and Rail Compensation Canada – Rail Fund is a resource you should know about!
The Rail Fund compensates anyone affected by major rail accidents involving crude oil.
Municipalities and residents can access compensation from the Rail Fund for damages that exceed the liability limit of the railway company involved in the accident. It includes all the following damages and losses:
| |
- Personal injury or death
- Emergency response costs
- Clean-up costs
- Environmental reinstatement
- Property damage
| |
- Economic loss
- Loss of subsistence living and cultural losses
- Loss of hunting, fishing, and gathering opportunities for Indigenous People
| | | | |
The Rail Fund recommends that local leaders and first responders integrate claims preparedness and cost recovery into their emergency response plans.
To help prepare in advance, municipalities can download the new Compensation Checklist and include it in their emergency response binders. After all, being ready for the unexpected is the most effective way to help your community recover!
| | |
SCRWA Membership Registration for 2025
The Saskatchewan Rural Crime Watch Association is a grass roots non-profit association, that has been incorporated since November of 2020. The goal of the Saskatchewan Rural Crime Watch Association (SRCWA) is to advocate on behalf of our members and promote the creation of local crime watch groups in Saskatchewan. We provide support services and are striving to build a network across the province.
Local rural crime watch groups are volunteers who serve as the ‘Eyes and Ears’ of their communities and it's about neighbours looking out for neighbours. They support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity which aides in crime reduction and prevention.
Please join us, in our effort to make Saskatchewan communities safer by becoming a member of the SRCWA, in one of two ways:
Full Memberships
- Any local crime watch group/association with similar objectives to the SRCWA.
- Eligible to sit on the SRCWA Board, can nominate members to the board of directors, and vote in elections.
- Can submit resolutions and vote on resolutions at the annual general meeting.
- Must confirm that their Executive has had criminal record checks within the last six months prior to joining.
| | | |
Associate Membership
- Person or entity other than a Local Crime Watch Association (Examples: municipalities, non-government organizations)
- Subject to restrictions and approval by the SRCWA Board
Both memberships provide access to communications from the SRCWA and access to signage that can be used in your community to help deter criminal activity. Members are also eligible to attend the AGM and receive additional communications from the SRCWA.
The SRCWA kindly asks for your support by becoming a member. The annual membership fee is $50.00. Cheques can be mailed to the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities at 2301 Windsor Park Road, Regina, SK, S4V 3A4. Please click the link below to access the membership form. Fill out the form and submit it with your cheque.
Your support will assist us in the growth, development and sustainability of Rural Crime Watch Groups throughout the province. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Tim Brodt via email at tim.brodt@edenwold-sk.ca or via phone at 306-539-9117.
| | |
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers attended the SARM and SUMA Conventions, were present at 14 community events and met with representatives and officials at Rural, Urban, First Nations communities on 16 occasions to present and discuss the benefits of Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers. Sgt. Flynn also met with 10 RCMP detachments to collaborate with members on promoting the use of the program within their communities.
The program continues to have a successful social media presence with unsolved crimes posted to our website and a following of over 50,000 to the program’s Facebook page with a solve rate of 50% for all crimes that are posted to the page.
Program Results
| | Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers acknowledges the tremendous financial support from all sponsors and asks all Rural and Urban municipalities to consider a $200 donation to the program in their annual budget. | | |
Partnership Program
Mental Health Presentations
The Partnership Program is a unified effort. It consists of people living with mental illness, their family members, and mental health advocates. Each member shares important information in a one-hour, anti-stigma, public awareness presentation. The program has been studied by the Mental Health Commission of Canada to be a best practice in reducing stigma. What sets us apart is the contact-based education in our presentations. People with the lived experience of mental illness get to share their story of recovery.
Each presentation consists of three speakers:
-
People with Lived Experience – They share their story of recovery with schizophrenia and a range of other mental illnesses.
-
Family Members – They have a loved one who lives with a mental illness. They share their story of what that feels like.
-
A Mental Health Advocate – They share an overview of schizophrenia and other major mental illnesses, common stigmas, and share mental health
| | |
For more information about the Partnership Program, click the link below to review the program brochure
If you're interested in booking a presentation in your community, please contact David Field, Rural Partnership Program Coordinator, at 306.584.2369 or david@schizophrenia.sk.ca.
| | |
Free Crisis Support for Canadian Farmers
National Farmer Crisis Line
24/7, Confidential Help When You Need It Most
Farming doesn’t come with days off—it’s a job that requires everything you’ve got. When stress piles up and the weight feels too heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone. The National Farmer Crisis Line (1-866-FARMS01) offers free, immediate, and ag-informed crisis support for farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers across Canada.
| |
-
ELIGIBILITY: Canadian farmers, farm families (relatives of farmers - living on or off farm), farm employees (staff who are employed on farms), and spouses and dependents of all farm employees.
-
PRIVACY: All information received through counselling sessions is confidential and in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (2004).
-
COST: It's free! no fees, no limits, just support when you need it.
-
ACCESSIBILITY: Operated by TELUS Health, you can call 1-866-327-6701, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Available in both English and French.
📞 Call 1-866-FARMS01 anytime — 24/7, 365 days a year.
| | | |
Call Before You Dig
Sask 1st Call
Monday through Friday (except holidays) - Emergency requests are available 24/7 by calling 1-866-828-4888.
For assistance with online requests, call 1-866-828-4888 during regular operating hours.
Sask 1st Call is a service for anyone planning to dig or excavate. The service provides underground facility screening and notification for safe excavation. The Sask 1st Call team is dedicated to the prevention of unnecessary damage, injury or death due to unsafe digging practices. We look forward to serving you for your own safety, and that of our communities.
| |
| | The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of LeRoy No. 339, Equipment Operators, Mar 25 - Close
RM of Meota No. 468, Development Coordinator, Mar 27 - Close
RM of Sarnia No. 221, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Mar 28 - Close
RM of Whiska Creek No. 106, Administrator, Mar 28 - Close
RM of Humboldt No. 370, Administrator Assistant, Mar 28 - Close
RM of Livingston No 331, Administrator, Mar 31 - Close
Prince Albert Rural Water Utility, General Manager, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Equipment Operator, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Enterprise No. 142, Grader Operator, Mar 31 - Close
Town of Pense, Public Works Foreperson, April 6 - Close
RM of Fish Creek No. 402, Operating Foreman, Apr 11 - Close
RM of Ituna Bon Accord No. 246, Equipment Operator, Apr 11 - Close
RM of Fertile Valley No. 285, Grader Operator, April 11 - Close
RM of Torch River No. 488, Equipment Operators, April 11 - Close
RM of Lacadena No. 228, Heavy Equipment Operator, Apr 12 - Close
RM of Lacadena No. 228, Laborer, Apr 12 - Close
RM of Redburn No. 130, Equipment Mower, Apr 14 - Close
RM of Redburn No. 130, Mower Operator, April 14 - Close
RM of Miry Creek No. 229, Seasonal Operator, Apr 16 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, Equipment Operator, April 18 - Close
RM of Sarnia No. 221, Administrator, Apr 18 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, Equipment Operator, April 20 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Apr 25 - Close
RM of Elmsthorpe No. 100, Equipment Operator, Apr 30 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Mervin No. 499, 2022 Mandako Hitch, Mar 25 - Close
RM of Mervin No. 499, Tenco Sander, Mar 25 - Close
RM of Enfield No. 194, 2013 John Deere Tractor with Loader, Mar 31 - Close
| | |
SARM Classifieds Submissions
Ad postings for the SARM Classifieds can be submitted through our online submission forms. For questions, contact 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca.
| |
| |
Pest Control Products Supply Program
Partnering with leading pest control product suppliers- Ecopest, our Pest Control Supply Program ensures you have access to everything you need, from Health Canada Approved Pest Control Products, to essential tools as well as specialized equipment for Pest Control. Designed to meet the demands of various environments, this program provides high-quality, eco-friendly products at competitive prices—all while adhering to strict safety and compliance standards.
Whether you're managing agricultural, commercial, or residential pest challenges, our program makes pest control simple, effective, and sustainable.
|
| | |
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Learning Series
Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Partnerships team from the Ontario & Prairie region will be offering a learning series on DFO’s Organization and Legislation, Regulatory Review Process, Tools, and Forms/Information Requirements, and two targeted sessions for Heavy Equipment Operators and Site Managers.
These sessions will be hosted online through Microsoft Teams and will not be recorded and only be presented in English.
| | |
Session 1: DFO’s organization, legislation and an in-depth review of the Project’s Near Water Website highlighting resources/tools available
Do you have a project that is taking place in or near water? This session is designed to provide an overview of the key legislation used during DFO’s Ontario and Prairie Region’s project review, and to walk attendees through DFO’s Project’s Near Water Website step by step (including the available resources/tools) before requesting a project review.
| | |
Spring Session:
Date: March 27, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| |
Fall Session:
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| | | |
Session 2: Thorough overview of the Request for a Project Review form and information requirements
You have checked the steps outlined on the Projects Near Water Website and you determined you need to submit a request for review to DFO.
This session provides a thorough review of the form and information requirements. Examples of various project types will also be provided.
| | |
Spring Session:
Date: April 3, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| |
Fall Session:
Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| | | |
Session 3: Detailed review of the Application for Authorization/Permit form and Application Process
Your project plans from the Request for Review form were assessed by DFO and it was identified that your project will impact an aquatic species at risk, and/or result in the death of fish and/or the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, and your project will need an authorization/permit under the Fisheries Act/Species at Risk Act. Here is what you need to know!
| | |
Spring Session:
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| |
Fall Session:
Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| | | |
Session 4: Duty to consult
Overview of Duty to Consult, Information for Proponents – If your project requires an authorization/permit under the Fisheries Act/Species at Risk Act. A decision to issue an authorization requires DFO to address the Crown’s duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples when Aboriginal or treaty rights may potentially be adversely affected. This presentation will provide an overview of the duty to consult and accommodate, how this may affect review timelines and the role of the proponent during this process.
| | |
Spring Session:
Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| |
Fall Session:
Date: November 12, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| | | |
Operating Safely in and Around Water: Navigating Legislation and Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat
Two sessions will be offered for site managers and Heavy Equipment Operators engaged in work in or near water. It provides an overview of DFO’s key legislation, focusing on the responsibilities and regulations surrounding the protection of fish and fish habitat. The session will introduce site managers and operators to common threats that fish and fish habitat face due to construction and excavation activities. Participants will learn best practices to avoid impacts to fish and fish habitat, thus ensuring compliance with the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act. Lastly, we will go over DFO’s project review process and provide advice on what types of projects should be reviewed by DFO prior to the start of any in water work. The same presentation and content will be delivered at each session.
| | |
Spring Session:
Date: May 8, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| | | |
Fall Session:
Date: September 11, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
| | |
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:
- Tax Enforcement
- Municipal Investment Solutions
- Drainage Products and Solutions
- Saskatchewan's Property Assessment System
- Combating Crime in Saskatchewan
- Pest Control Product Compliance
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- And more
| | |
SARM Responds to the 2025-26 Provincial Budget Announcement
- March 19, 2025
| | | | |
SARM’s 120th Annual Convention & Trade Show Begins Next Week at Prairieland Park
- March 7, 2025
| | | | | | That’s a wrap on #SARMAnnual2025! Thank you to everyone who helped to make it a success. | | | | SARM also met with Hon. Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, this week in the lead-up to #SARMAnnual2025 for discussions around recreation facility power costs, residential and ag service connection costs, training funding for 1A licensing, broadband and cellular coverage, and renewable and nuclear energy. | | | | SARM met with Hon. Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations, yesterday to speak on many issues ahead of #SARMAnnual2025. Topics included The Municipalities Act consultation, oil & gas tax arrears, Communities in Transition (CIT) funding, boundary revisions, re-election procedures, effective tax ratios and sub-classing, and more. | | | | |
