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October 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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Calling all RM Administrators
Back by Popular Demand: SARM Procurement Bootcamp
Register for this event through the main convention registration form by 10 AM on October 31, 2023.
Does your RM need to make a major purchase? Do you have a large infrastructure project to complete? The SARM Procurement Bootcamp is an engaging day-long workshop designed to sharpen the public sector purchasing skills of new and experienced Administrators alike. Participants will learn how to lead sound and efficient processes to acquire the goods and services they need in a way that is trade-compliant, effective, and gets the best value for their RM’s dollar. Our facilitator is Larry Berglund—an expert on public-sector procurement. Spaces are limited for this training, so register soon!
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Capacity: 30 RM Administrators
Location: Queensbury Convention Centre, REAL District, Regina
Date: November 7, 2023
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $150 per participant (includes lunch and refreshments)
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Assignment: There are brief case studies to read in advance of the workshop; a quiz will take place at the end of the workshop.
Questions: Contact Dustin Resch, SARM Manager of Programs, at dresch@sarm.ca.
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Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | | |
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2023 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995 to formally recognize the selfless devotion of the province's volunteers, and as a way to present role models to Saskatchewan citizens.
Nominations will be received until October 31, 2023. Online nominations are encouraged, but nominations will also be accepted by mail, courier or in-person.
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Has your municipality collaborated on something innovative you want to share?
Established in 2006, the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards (SMAs) celebrate the hard work of Saskatchewan’s municipal governments, and aim to recognize their innovation and excellence. The SMAs are awarded to both rural and urban municipalities, and provide provincial exposure for the municipality and the initiative.
The 2023 Saskatchewan Municipal awards will be awarded to:
- Top municipal led initiative (rural, urban, or cooperative)
- Top rural municipal led initiative
- Top urban municipal led initiative
- Regional cooperation (a joint initiative involving at least one rural and one urban municipality)
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Celebrate a municipally led initiative by submitting a nomination before 4pm on Tuesday November 21, 2023. | |
Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative | |
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Applications Open for the 2024 Agriculture Student Scholarship
This year's theme is farming and environmental sustainability.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the idea of environmental sustainability within farming and the importance of public perception on modern farming practices. The scholarship encourages conversations about where our food comes from and how everyone along the value chain shares a role in communicating about food production.
Scholarships will be awarded to Saskatchewan students in Grade 12 and/or recent high school/GED graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in fall 2024.
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The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. | |
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This award is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
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Future Supply Plan – 2030 and Beyond - STAGE 3
Join the conversation about Saskatchewan’s power future
In 2022, SaskPower started talking to Saskatchewan people about how the province is powered. That’s because the power system is changing, and SaskPower is in the process of updating their long-term power supply plan.
In Stages 1 and 2 people were asked about their values, priorities, and about the power supply options they preferred. This information was used to develop scenarios that show what the SK power system could look like in the future.
Now, in Stage 3 there are four ways to participate and give feedback on how to power the province in the future:
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Immersion Workshops
These in-depth, two-part workshops are a good fit for those who want to dive deep with us on the nuances of supply planning. All participants who attend and participate in both Part 1 and 2 are eligible to receive a $100 VISA gift certificate.
- Session 1: NOV 7, 11:30AM to 1:30PM or NOV 8, 9 – 11AM
- Session 2: NOV 14, 11:30AM to 1:30PM or NOV 15, 9 – 11AM
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Essentials Workshops
These two-hour, in-person and online workshops are intended for those who are keen to grow their knowledge of supply planning. Our team of experts will visit 5 Saskatchewan cities and offer 3 online sessions to hear from you! Participants will have a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card at the end of each in-person and online workshop.
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Swift Current: NOV 9, 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Register here!
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Yorkton: NOV 16, 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Register here!
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Saskatoon: NOV 21, 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Register here!
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Saskatoon: NOV 22, 2 to 4 pm – Register here!
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Prince Albert: NOV 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Register here!
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Regina: NOV 29, 5:30 to 7:30 pm – Register here!
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Regina: NOV 30, 1:30 to 3:30 pm – Register here!
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Online: DEC 5, 9 to 11 am – Register here!
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Online: DEC 6, 9 to 11 am – Register here!
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Online: DEC 7, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm – Register here!
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Discovery Kit
If you want to explore potential pathways to net zero from the comfort of your home or office, the Discovery activity kit is for you. Include family, friends, coworkers, or students and enjoy the freedom to learn and engage on your own terms! Participants who mail their feedback by Dec. 15 will be entered into a draw to win a $250 VISA gift card.
Order Discovery kits starting NOV 1.
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Survey
If you only have 10 minutes to spare, this is the way to give us your feedback quickly! Everyone who completes the survey will have a chance to win 1 of 10 $250 VISA gift cards.
Survey opens NOV 9.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - November 2023 | |
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Deadlines
November 1:
- Weed inspector to submit report to administrator
- Owners of O&G wells and pipelines to submit statements
November 10:
- Submit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- Submit & return monthly EPT funds
November 15:
- Submit MEPP
- Submit CRA source deductions
- Submit list of lands in arrears (previous year's taxes) to reeve
NOTE: (November 15): Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant (MRS) – all municipalities will receive their online link to the declaration of eligibility via email. Declaration must be submitted by January 31st of the next year. Council resolution required.
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: November 2
- Board Meeting - November 7
- Committee Meeting: November 23
Monthly Reminder(s)
- Advertise list of lands in arrears (previous year's taxes)
- Notify of charges (noxious weeds) to owner or occupant of land
- Members of council who previously filed a public disclosure statement to submit an annual declaration
- File annual public disclosure statements on or before November 30th
Special Days
- SARM Midterm: November 8-9
- Remembrance Day: November 11
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 out the SARM Interactive Publications & Social Media information page for the multiple ways SARM shares information.
Click below or on the image for the full size PDF
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Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) 2023 Board Elections
The deadline for SAMA Board nominations has now passed. Please see a listing of the current nominees below:
- Allen Kreshewski - RM of Hazel Dell No. 335
- Gerald Muller - RM of Canwood No.494
- John Wagner- RM of Piapot No. 110
- Rod Quintin - RM of Dundurn No. 314
Candidates will be elected by delegates at the 2023 SARM Midterm Convention on November 8th at 2:45 PM for a three-year term and may be reappointed to subsequent terms.
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The seven-member SAMA Board of Directors is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council and consists of:
- three members named by the Ministry of Government Relations including the Board Chair;
- two members named by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM);
- one member named by the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) for urban and northern municipalities under 30,000;
- one member named by SUMA for cities with a population exceeding 30,000
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Gerald Muller
RM of Canwood No. 494
Learn more about Gerald Muller's platform for the 2023 SAMA Board election through the link below:
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Rod Quintin
RM of Dundurn No. 314
Learn more about Rod Quintin's platform for the 2023 SAMA Board election through the link below:
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For an additional fee candidates can submit their election platform to share with SARM members. | |
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Top 3 Reasons Small Municipalities in
Saskatchewan Resist Asset Management
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In our experience, we have seen this resistance and acknowledge these reasons, so we are here to help elevate Asset Management to the top of minds and to facilitate the transition toward improved infrastructures. | |
There is a lot of information out there about asset management, we’re here to help you take that information and translate it into action in your organization. | |
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Is your Council not putting Asset Management on the agenda?
This free 15-minute course provides useful information on how to get council engaged in asset management.
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SARM is pleased to be partnering with the Public Service Network on their Local Government Virtual Event on November 29th, 2023 from 9-11:05 AM.
This event will showcase key projects, best practices, and valuable insights to empower local government to embrace continuous change, foster a culture of innovation, and deliver exceptional citizen services. Together, let’s shape the future of local government and create a positive impact on our communities.
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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.
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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.
Linked below are the registration and access 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
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Transport Canada – Grade Crossings Information Session
Under the federal Grade Crossings Regulations, municipalities share responsibility for managing the safety at federally-regulated grade crossings. All federally regulated grade crossings must meet the requirements of the Regulations by November 28, 2024.
Transport Canada (TC) will be providing additional information sessions to share information regarding the requirements of the Rail Safety Grade Crossings Regulations (GCR) and the changes that were made in November 2021 to the GCR compliance deadline.
You are invited to attend the information sessions from Transport Canada on the GCR via MS TEAMS. Please express your interest in joining one of the sessions below by emailing Cassandra Boulay at cassandra.boulay@tc.gc.ca .
• English session on November 9th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM (EST)
• French session on November 10th from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM (EST)
In advance of the sessions, please find below helpful links including:
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The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is keeping everyone updated on the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan with this infographic highlighting key areas of success. | |
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Learn about Bovine Tuberculosis and Chronic Wasting Disease, and what to do if you suspect either
With hunting season here, now is a good time to learn about potential diseases that can affect wildlife or cattle in Saskatchewan.
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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.
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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 Keys No. 303, Administrator, NOV 10 - Close
RM of Reciprocity No. 32, Public Works Operator, NOV 25 - Close
RM of Reciprocity No. 32, Public Works Supervisor, NOV 25 - Close
RM of Milton No. 292, RM of Antelope Park No. 322, and Village of Marengo, Municipal Administrator, NOV 25 - Close
Resort Village of Cochin, Chief Administrative Officer, NOV 25 - Close
RM of Caledonia No. 99, Public Works Equipment Operator, NOV 19 - Close
RM of Lacadena No. 228, Foreman, NOV 18 - Close
RM of Moose Creek No. 33, MAIP Internship as an Assistant Administrator, NOV 10 - Close
Town of Lemberg, Chief Administrative Officer, NOV 13 - Close
Resort Village of the District of Katepwa, Acting Chief Administrative Officer, NOV 4 - Close
RM of Lake Johnston No. 102, Administrator, OCT 31 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Morris No. 312, For Tender: 2018 Cat 140M AWD Motor Grader, NOV 12 - Close
RM of Wood River No. 74, For Sale: 2010 160M Cat Grader, NOV 3 - 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.
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Canoe Winter Maintenance Equipment Program
This program provides ploughs, sanders, snow blowers,
and other equipment designed to handle even the iciest
roads, the biggest snowfalls, and the coldest temperatures.
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Municipal Leaders' Roles & Responsibilities
Presented by: MLDP
The 2023 Municipal Leaders’ Roles and Responsibilities seminar will be held virtually over Microsoft Teams. This webinar will provide information to newly-elected council members about their roles and responsibilities as a council member of their local government. The presentations would also serve as a good refresher for existing council members.
Participants will hear about the importance of open and transparent government, conflict of interest, code of ethics, decision making, council procedures, the rights and obligations of elected officials, administrators, and rate payers, and procurement best practices.
Those attending this seminar will be given credit for MLDP Module 1, so please ensure that everyone attending is registered separately (even if you are watching as a group) for tracking purposes.
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Date: November 30, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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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 is working with Saskatchewan livestock industry leaders on solutions to provincial issues. #RuralMatters | | |
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SARM is looking forward to seeing the results of this workforce study to better understand veterinary shortages and thanks the Ministry of Agriculture for taking action on this. | | |
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Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program assists RMs to build or upgrade local infrastructure. | | | | |
