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August 2024
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
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2025 SARM Calendars
The SARM Calendars will be provided in the following formats for 2025:
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Online Calendar: Access the SARM website calendar at sarm.ca/resources/calendar/
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Outlook Calendar: Once the 2025 calendar has been finalized, SARM will distribute a link to download a digital copy that can be imported directly into your Outlook account. Simply click on the SARM provided calendar link and download the file. Once the calendar has been downloaded, click on the file and select “Open as New” or “Import”. This gives you the option to add the file into Outlook as a new separate calendar or integrate the content with your current calendar.
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Rural Sheaf: Each month we will outline important dates in the Rural Sheaf electronic newsletter.
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The dates for 2025 will be added to these electronic formats this fall, so watch for further details in the coming months.
Note: The printed desktop, wall, and pocket calendars will no longer be available.
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Fraudulent Convention Emails
It has come to our attention that a fraudulent email scam has been circulating to members regarding the acquisition of SARM convention visitor/attendee lists. SARM is in no way affiliated with these companies sending out these emails and does not release convention attendee information to outside parties.
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With data breaches and cyber attacks on the rise, we are reminding you to stay vigilant against phishing attempts.
Hackers use deceptive practices to trick people into sharing their data. The most common technique is email phishing. Hackers send messages that appear legitimate or look like they're from someone you trust so that you engage with the message or click on malicious attachments.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid falling victim to these types of scams:
- Double-check that the sender's email address matches who they claim to be
- Don't click a link or download from someone you don't know, or weren't expecting
- Don't reply to a suspicious email or message from an email you don't recognize
- Inform your IT solutions partner or provider about any suspicious or potential attempts
If you receive an email from @eventdatarxinc.com, @dataseccentric.com, @e1businessdata.services domains, or any other unknown email addresses, please disregard it, block it, and delete it.
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RM Directory on SARM's Website
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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SARM Demographic Survey
Rural Municipal Councils
When we know more, we can do more. That’s why SARM is counting on your insights and participation in our demographics survey. The survey, designed to help SARM better understand the diversity and demographics within your RM councils, will allow us to better support and serve both you and your communities.
By completing the survey, your input will:
- Help SARM better understand the diversity and demographics within your RM councils.
- Provide insights that identify existing relationships and foster overlooked ones.
- Translate data into effective actions and outcomes.
- Allow us to help you continue doing your important work.
Who can participate:
Taking the survey is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete. As a thank-you, all participants who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win FREE Midterm Convention access!
RM offices received a separate email from SARM on August 1st with a survey link to pass onto their councils. If you have any questions or require a link, please contact Amy Roettger at aroettger@sarm.ca.
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Invasive Plant Control Program
Claim Deadline: October 31, 2024
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - September 2024
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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Deadlines
September 1:
- To publicize waterworks annual financial overview
- To assess nominal fee for O&G Equip that has had no production over the last 12 months
- To publicize previous year's financial statement / summary and auditor's report
September 10:
- To remit and return monthly EPT funds
- To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
September 14:
- For Council to authorize use of voters list (optional)
September 15:
- To complete tax roll
- For CRA source deductions remittance
September 23:
- For returning officer to complete their Oath of Election Official
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September 24:
- To publish/post call for nominations (Odd Numbered Divisions & Reeve)
September 30
- Earliest cut-off for supplementary assessments
- For RM to receive a petition for an advance poll
Meetings
- Committee Meeting: September 12
- Committee Meeting: September 17
- Board Meeting: September 18-19
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
Special Days
- Labour Day: September 2
- National Truth & Reconciliation Day: September 30
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Armtec Price Increase
Corrugated Steel Pipe and Couplers
Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, in partnership with SARM, would like to keep its valued members informed regarding an upcoming price increase in the Culvert Program with Armtec for the purchase of CSP (corrugated steel pipe and couplers).
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Effective September 1, 2024, Canoe’s Armtec prices are expected to increase by up to 30%. Any order placed before September 1, 2024, will be honoured at the current price. | | |
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Canoe urges members to be aware of this change and to take advantage of the current prices in August before the price increase takes effect.
To take advantage of current Armtec prices and to place an order before September 1, 2024, contact Colleen Wall at (306) 931-2898 ext. 3111 or colleen.wall@armtec.com.
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Free Online Training
Saskatchewan Safety Council
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The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers free online training courses on various subjects that include fall protection, ground disturbance, hearing protection, mental health, WHMIS, agricultural safety, and more.
Sign up for their online learning management system to take advantage of these free opportunities today!
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Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) Program
The Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program is a Ministry of Highways funded program, administered by SARM, and governed by a Program Management Board, which is made up of voting representatives of both organizations.
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SARM’s administration of the RIRG program is governed by a service agreement between SARM and the Ministry of Highways. The RIRG service agreement was recently signed to extend SARM’s administration of the program for five years to March 31, 2029. Both SARM and the Ministry of Highways are delighted with the opportunity to continue supporting the construction and maintenance of rural roads that empower Saskatchewan’s thriving resource economy. | | | |
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After hearing from SARM members and studying the impact of inflation on maintaining roads at primary weights, the Ministry increased the funding for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program in the 2024-25 Provincial Budget. Based on the funding received, the Program Management Board was able to increase the Clearing the Path assistance amount by $300 per kilometer. This increase makes payment for standard corridors $1300 per kilometer and premium corridors $1500 per kilometer. CTP applications are accepted on an ongoing basis here: https://fs4.formsite.com/SARM/CTP-New-App/index. | |
Based on feedback from SARM members on the significant increases to the cost of building rural bridges, the Program Management Board has increased the maximum amount of assistance for bridge capital projects from $500,000 to $1,000,000. The assistance rate continues to be up to 50%. | | | |
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With the return of program funding to pre-stimulus levels, the roads eligible for funding will once again be limited to Class 5, 4, and 3 rural roads. This and additional policy updates will be available in the upcoming edition of the RIRG Policy Manual to be released on the SARM website at the announcement of the next intake for project applications. | |
The next intake for capital projects in the road and bridge and large diameter culvert construction programs will take place this fall (2024) with project approvals anticipated in January 2025. Start planning now for your application! | | |
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Rural Road Classification Committee (RRCC)
The Rural Road Classification Committee (RRCC) represents SARM’s membership in the classification of rural roads. This Committee, established in 2000 as a joint effort with the provincial government and SUMA, allows members to submit change requests for road classification.
RMs can apply for road classification changes through the following online form:
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WorkSafe Regional Workshop 2024
Join WorkSafe in Estevan for their regional workshop, an unparalleled opportunity for employers to gain cutting-edge insights and practical solutions for workplace health and safety. This year's lineup is especially powerful, featuring:
- Industrial ergonomics
- Insights into workplace disability prevention mitigation and the return-to-work process
- Update from the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
- Safety association updates
- Impact of the Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in the province
- Help with planning your psychological health and safety strategy
Don't miss this chance to elevate your company's safety protocols and ensure a healthier, more productive workplace. Join WorkSafe on November 14th to shape the future of workplace safety in Saskatchewan!
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CleanFarms Fall Collection Days 2024
Attention farmers: Do you have unwanted pesticides or livestock/equine medications? Safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural pesticides and livestock/equine medications – no charge! Please see attached poster or follow the links below for more information, dates, locations and for what’s in and what’s out.
Did you know?
Herbicides account for about 50% of all pesticide use globally. Pesticides are used to control all types of pests and they include herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, nematicides, fungicides, and others.
All of these unwanted, old or obsolete pesticides can be brought into one of the collection days this fall!
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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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Canadian Safety Train Express
Saskatchewan Key Insights YTD
The Canadian Safety Train Express has compiled a report with the current railway crossing and trespassing incidents trends and statistics throughout Saskatchewan.
There were 12 total incidents from January 1 to July 31, 2024.
Southeast Saskatchewan accounts for 41% of the overall incidents in the province.
Saskatoon is the city with the highest incident rate in Saskatchewan.
Monday is the day when most incidents occur. Over 33% of incidents happen on a Monday.
March and July account for 50% of the incidents in Saskatchewan year-to-date.
Read the full report through the link below and visit canadiansafetytrain.ca for more information.
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Building and Technical Standards Fall Workshops
The Ministry of Government Relations Building and Technical Standards Branch (BTS) will be hosting workshops this fall on legislative framework and integrated systems training. The deadline to register for these workshops is November 1, 2024. Please see further details below:
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Legislative Framework Training Workshop and Challenge Exam
The objective of this workshop is to provide a better understanding of Saskatchewan’s construction legislation and regulations for the successful application of the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020.
Date: November 6 and 7, 2024
Times: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days.
Location: Royal Hotel Regina, 4025 Albert Street, Regina
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CAN/ULC S1001 'Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems' Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is intended to equip participants with an understanding of the requirements of CAN/ULC-S1001 ‘Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems’ and the requirements of its application as required by the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and the National Fire Code of Canada 2020.
Saskatoon
Date: November 4, 2024,
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Saskatoon Inn, 2002 Airport Drive
Regina
Date: November 5, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Royal Hotel Regina, 4025 Albert Street
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If you are interested in additional training, you can find more information on the BTS course page linked below. If you have any questions about the workshops, please contact us at 306-787-4113 or btstandards@gov.sk.ca. | |
Sask Continues Monitoring Wildlife for CWD, Initiates Mandatory Testing for Bovine Tuberculosis | |
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In response to detecting bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) in 2023 in a captive cattle herd, the Ministry of Environment will make game testing mandatory in specific wildlife management zones (WMZ) this hunting season.
For the 2024-25 season, those hunting draw elk in WMZ 37 and elk and white-tailed deer during the regular season in WMZ 48 will be required to submit heads for testing within one month from the time the animal was harvested. Voluntary submissions of moose and mule deer harvested in WMZs 37 and 48 are also encouraged.
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How to submit a sample for testing
The process to submit a sample for CWD or for bovine TB is the same. Hunters can visit cwdsk.ca to register and receive a unique tracking number. Game heads should be double bagged, with the tracking number securely attached to the bag and dropped off at any designated CWD drop-off location. Heads submitted for bovine TB testing will also be tested for CWD.
Samples for CWD testing can be submitted from elk, moose, and deer harvested anywhere in the province.
Sampling stations and on-site technicians to extract samples for testing will be at select locations. Visit saskatchewan.ca/bovinetb for dates and locations near you.
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Chronic Waste Disease
Potential Carcass Disposal Bin Locations
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Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, infectious disease of deer, elk, and moose that affects the central nervous system. The disease is endemic in southern Saskatchewan and has been detected in 62 of 80 Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs). The movement of CWD-infected carcasses from endemic areas of the province and disposal of carcasses and carcass waste on the landscape poses the risk of environmental contamination and introduction of CWD into new areas.
In an effort to reduce the spread of CWD the province is expanding the carcass disposal program. Disposal bins will be set up across select areas of the province for hunters to dispose of carcasses, carcass waste, and meat from CWD positive animals free of charge. Proper disposal of carcasses and carcass waste prevents consumption by wildlife or pets, minimizes environmental contamination, and reduces exposure to susceptible species. Locations for carcass disposal bins have been selected in areas of the province where CWD prevalence rates are low or where the disease has not yet been detected in an attempt to minimize spread.
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The Wildlife Health Program is asking for assistance in identifying locations for carcass disposal bins in RMs no 558, 555, 426, 395, and 005. The bins will be available to hunters from August 25, 2024 – January 31, 2025. Each disposal bin will have a bin monitor who will monitor the bin regularly and contact the Wildlife Health Biologist to schedule bin empties with the waste hauling company when carcass waste has been disposed of to ensure timely pickups.
Please contact Ruth Aschim, Wildlife Health Biologist, at ruth.aschim@gov.sk.ca or 306-221-5171, if your RM is interested in hosting a CWD carcass disposal bin or would like more information on the program.
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The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Perdue No. 346, Seasonal Mower Operator, Aug 30 - Close
RM of Laird No. 404, Administrator, Aug 31 - Close
RM of St. Philips No. 301, Grader Operator, Sep 2 - Close
RM of South Qu'Appelle No. 157, Seasonal Equipment Operator, Sep 16 - Close
RM of South Qu'Appelle No. 157, Seasonal Mower Operator, Sep 16 - Close
RM of Stonehenge No. 73, Office Assistant, Sep 21 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, For Tender: Flat Deck Trailer, Sep 9 - Close
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, For Tender: TrailTech Trailer, Sep 9 - Close
RM of North Qu’Appelle No. 187, For Sale: 2007 Volvo Mc90b, Sep 22 - 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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Member Purchasing Highlight
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New SARM Procurement Advising Service Available!
Do you find it difficult to navigate the regulations of public sector purchasing, trade regulations, tenders, RFPs, etc.?
SARM’s Member Purchasing department has expanded its services to provide dedicated guidance, coaching, support, and education to rural municipalities on their procurements. The goal of procurement advising is to support rural municipalities to get the best value possible for the goods and services they need in the most efficient way.
SARM’s procurement advising services are provided to SARM members free of charge as added value with their SARM membership. To access SARM’s procurement advising services, simply reach out to the Procurement Advisor and complete and return the Service Agreement. Procurement advising services can be provided by telephone, email, video call, or in person (akozak@sarm.ca; 306-761-3722).
SARM also remains in close partnership with Canoe Procurement Group of Canada so that SARM members can continue to access the exceptional array of supplier programs they offer.
Learn more about SARM Member Purchasing on our website.
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Municipal Leadership Development
Program (MLDP)
Fall Registrations Open Shortly!
Check Back Soon for Updates!
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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. | |
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
For more information about the MLDP program and the currently available modules, visit the Municipal Leadership Development Program website.
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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:
- 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
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SARM Executive Director Jay Meyer joined SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau on The Evan Bray Show yesterday to discuss the SBAC and the work that still needs to be done to bridge the gap in broadband access across the province. | |
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SARM President Orb & VP Huber stopped by The Evan Bray Show this morning to talk about the upcoming leadership changeover, reminiscing on the past & embracing the future of SARM while discussing priority advocacy efforts on behalf of rural SK. | |
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SARM is pleased to hear the federal government took the appropriate action today, imposing binding arbitration on all parties and extending the current collective agreements to end the rail stoppage and ensure our harvests can move to markets. | | |
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SARM is urging a return to pre-June 25, 2024 capital gains inclusion rates for agriculture. This is vital for sustaining family-owned farms and securing Canada’s food supply. | | | | |
