|
February 17, 2026
Note: Certain email platforms distort the Rural Dart formatting. It is viewed best as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
| | In this edition of the Rural Dart... | |
- Advocacy
- Strategic Communications
- SARM Elections - Division 1, 3, & 5 Directors
- 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
- Risk Management
- Programs
- Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP)
- Spring 2026 Modules - Registration Deadline
- Important Notice Regarding MLDP
- Member Purchasing
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- Introduction to SARM's HR Service
| | - Public Engagement on How to Strengthen Federal Leadership in Emergency Management
| | - Power Your Strategy with GDM Inc.
| | |
SARM’s Advocacy Team, at the direction of the SARM Board of Directors, meets and speaks with members and outside agencies on issues important to RMs, including bringing concerns forth at the provincial and federal levels.
SARM, through its Act of Incorporation, is mandated to work on files of importance to rural municipalities (RM) and agriculture producers.
| |  |
| SARM’s Strategic Communications Team leads the initiatives, events, and public-facing components of the work we do for RMs. Strategic Communications is responsible for our conventions, the Rural Dart, Rural Sheaf, Rural Councillor, webinars, and many other events and initiatives. | | |
| |
2026 SARM Elections
Divisions 1, 3, & 5 Directors
As the nomination period for Division Directors for Division 1, 3, and 5 ended February 12th, 2026, at 5:00pm, SARM would like to announce that the following individuals have been ACCLAIMED to the SARM Board of Directors:
| |
- Division 1 Bob Moulding - RM of Abernethy No. 186
- Division 3 Shawn Kramer - RM of Maple Creek No. 111
- Division 5 Blair Cummins - RM of Blucher No. 343
| | | |
2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
Registration for the 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show is now open. The deadline to register and/or make any revisions to your registration is February 27, 2026.
Please ensure that all members from your RM who wish to attend convention are registered by the deadline. Registration is not required for any RM employees who will only be attending the trade show.
| | |
Name badges for RM councils and administrators have been mailed out, based on the SARM RM Directory. Any SARM members attending the convention must bring their badge to the venue, it will act as a ticket which will be scanned upon arrival.
If you have registered additional/new attendees, their name badges will be available onsite. In addition, if a name badge requires updating or correcting, it will be done onsite.
Non-members can register to attend by visiting the SARM website.
Please contact convention@sarm.ca if you have any further questions about convention.
| | SARM’s Risk Management Team is comprised of two distinct groups: Benefits & Insurance and Legal. These departments administer and facilitate various SARM and external partner insurance and benefit products, as well as provide legal solicitor services to member rural municipalities. | | |
| SARM’s Programs Team engages with provincial and federal governments, industry leaders, and program partners, as well as other stakeholders, to effectively deliver SARM programs. | | |
| |
Municipal Leadership
Development Program (MLDP)
Spring 2026 Modules - Registration Deadline
| | 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. | | Module information can be found below. The deadline to register is February 22, 2026. | | | |
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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
| |
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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
| | | |
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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
| |
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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
| |
*Dates and location are subject to change.
For more information or to register for a module, click the link below.
| | |
Important Notice Regarding MLDP
- SARM has decided to step away as the administrator of the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) after the Spring 2026 sessions.
- It is yet to be determined if another MLDP partner organization will take over the program.
- If any of your council or staff are interested in the current MLDP modules, it would be recommended to participate in the Spring 2026 sessions.
- Stay tuned for more information!
| | | SARM's Member Purchasing Team provides group purchasing and procurement advising services to save member municipalities money and time through the buying and procuring processes with the goal of being the first stop for all municipalities’ purchasing and procurement needs. | | |
| SARM’s Community Planning Team is driven by a proactive and collaborative approach with municipalities to support growth, certainty for investment and landowners, and the protection and promotion of what already exists in the community. | | |
| SARM’s Finance and Administration Team provides the budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions for SARM, the Insurance and Benefits Funds, all externally funded programs, and the Tax Loss Compensation Trust Funds administered by SARM. In addition, the team provides administrative assistance performing reception duties that include being the first point of contact for all guests and SARM members both in-person as well as virtually by phone and email. | | |
| |
SARM Classifieds
The following municipalities/towns/villages have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service.
| | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Sask Landing No. 167, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Feb 17 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Human Resources Coordinator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Chaplin No. 164, Administrator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Cote No. 271, Administrator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Marquis No. 191, Gravel Truck and Trailer Driver, Feb 22 - Close
RM of Lone Tree No. 18, Senior Grader Operator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Poplar Valley No. 12, Seasonal Grader Operator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Moose Jaw No. 161, Seasonal Public Works, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Wolverine No. 340, Administrator, Feb 28 - Close
RM of Fish Creek No. 402, Equipment Operator, Feb 28 - Close
RM of Britannia No. 502, Equipment Operator(s), Mar 3 - Close
RM of Britannia No. 502, Operations Coordinator, Mar 3 - Close
RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrator, Mar 4 - Close
RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrative Assistant, Mar 4 - Close
City of Lloydminster, Intergovernmental Relations Advisor, Mar 4 - Close
RM of Montrose No. 315, Administrator, Mar 6 - Close
RM of Lawtonia No. 135, Equipment Operator, Mar 10 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Administrator, Mar 10 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Heavy Equipment Operator, Mar 10 - Close
Town of Radisson, Administrator, Mar 10 - Close
County of Vermilion River, Chief Administrative Officer, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Round Valley No. 410, Assistant Administrator, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Round Valley No. 410, Equipment Operator, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Wood Creek No. 281, Grader Operator, Mar 16 - Close
RM of Wood Creek No. 281, Truck Driver, Mar 16 - Close
| | | |
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM Tecumseh No. 65, 2013 Schulte SDX-117 Snowblower, Feb 22 - 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.
| |
| SARM’s Member Services Team is dedicated to providing valuable services that meet the specific needs of SARM's member rural municipalities. | | |
| |
Introduction to SARM’s HR Service
SARM now offers Human Resources consulting services to members across Saskatchewan. We understand that this is a need for many RMs and we are excited to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s can access services including advice on people issues, hiring, terminations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, retention, change management, conflict resolution, training and many other HR related issues.
Our new HR service is being offered through our partner Knibbs HR Consulting. Knibbs HR is a Métis-owned Saskatchewan firm that has been supporting organizations since 2002 with practical, people-first HR solutions rooted in respect, clarity, and partnership. Their work helps organizations bring strategy, culture, and people systems into alignment while strengthening the internal confidence and capability of leaders and teams. Known for their objectivity, compassion, and actionability, Knibbs HR explains the “why,” shares knowledge generously, and leaves workplaces more equipped than when they arrived. Whether developing HR tools, guiding difficult conversations, shaping culture, or coaching leaders through change, they remain grounded in practical professionalism. Learn more at www.knibbs.ca.
This HR Service principally provides rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Service also works in collaboration with our Legal Services team, or your usual legal counsel to provide holistic advice and opinions when employment matters necessitate.
| | |
Fee: $230 per hour for HR Consulting
$95 per hour for Administrative and Support Services
How to Access Services:
If you have a human resources inquiry or require HR services you can contact: hr@sarm.ca.
| | | |
Public Engagement on How to Strengthen Federal Leadership in Emergency Management
The world is changing. Natural disasters in Canada are becoming more frequent and more severe, and the cost to Canadians is going up. This is straining Canada's emergency management system which frequently requires coordinated action from all levels of government. To build a stronger, unified, and resilient system, the Government of Canada is seeking input from Canadians and emergency management partners on priorities, gaps, and opportunities to strengthen federal emergency management in partnership with other jurisdictions.
Your input will help inform future decisions and guide actions that will ensure Canada can better prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies.
The public engagement period will close on February 28, 2026. If you would like to participate, email EMEngagement-EngagementsGU@ps-sp.gc.ca. Click the link below to learn more.
| | |
Not much longer until SARM 2026! See how GDM can power your strategy with our complete, accurate, and current Energy Infrastructure Data including:
- Municipal Boundaries
- Pipelines, Wells & Facilities
- Transportation Infrastructure
See us at Booth #2 and ask us about creating custom data exports for your municipality. Can’t wait until then? Contact sales@gdm-inc.com for more information.
| | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
