Rural Dart

May 6, 2025

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SARM Resolution Responses

SARM has received responses to several resolutions passed at the 2025 SARM Annual Convention. Click the links below to review the responses to each resolution.

Your Voice

Notice of Consultation:

Proposed Changes to

The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act

The Ministry of Energy and Resources (ER) is consulting with stakeholders on proposed changes to The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act (SRACA). The amendments aim to help companies acquire surface rights for wells and other infrastructure used for injecting and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) underground.

Stakeholders are invited to review and give written comments on the proposed legislative amendments by May 16, 2025. The Ministry will review this feedback, which may also be considered by the Legislature of Saskatchewan at a future date.

Summary of Proposed Changes

Featured amendments proposed for the SRACA are intended to support carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects in Saskatchewan. The amendments will do this by establishing a “right of entry” for surface infrastructure that is used to inject and store CO2 at a subsurface CO2 storage site. Such sites include wells and facilities, access roads, power lines, flow lines and service lines. Further details on proposed changes are attached to this notice as Appendix A.

Please note that the SRACA does not apply to First Nations reserve lands. For surface access rights on First Nations for resource exploration and development, companies must obtain surface use contracts, which are approved by the First Nation’s council and administered by Indian Oil and Gas Canada (IOGC).

Please direct any written comments or questions to the ER Service Desk at er.servicedesk@gov.sk.ca.

The deadline for submitting written comments is May 16, 2025.

Review Proposed Changes

RM Input on Modernization of Proximity Guidelines

Throughout 2025, the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) will be working closely with Dillon Consulting, the rail industry, and all interested parties to modernize the Proximity Guidelines. These Guidelines were last revised in 2013, when the RAC and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) co-developed the FCM-RAC Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway Operations (Proximity Guidelines/Guidelines). The Guidelines exist to enhance safety and livability by providing developers and communities with planning tools for development in proximity to railway corridors.

Since the Proximity Guidelines were released and implemented across Canada over 10 years ago, real world experience has identified many opportunities for improvement. Also, Canada’s housing crisis has led to changing housing priorities and policies that incentivize more housing developments. Absent from this national dialogue is the critical importance of rail safety and how best to develop near rail. This is critical context for revisiting the Guidelines to address gaps, development pressures, and incorporate input from all interested parties to provide enhanced safety guidance for 2025 and beyond.

Complete the survey linked below by May 30, 2025, to provide your input to the RAC.

Learn More

Take the Survey

Information & Resources

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Operating Safely in and Around Water: Navigating Legislation

and Protecting Fish and Fish Habitat

Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Partnerships team from the Ontario & Prairie region will be offering two targeted sessions 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

Join Spring Session

Fall Session:

Date: September 11, 2025

Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST

Join Fall Session

Updates on WSA Initiatives Impacting Rural Saskatchewan

Join SARM and the Water Security Agency (WSA) for a webinar to learn about key developments and next steps on several major initiatives that impact Saskatchewan’s rural communities. We’ll begin with a look at the Westside Irrigation Project, highlight the Agriculture Water Management Strategy and provide an overview of the Aquatic Habitat Protection Program. We look forward to sharing these updates, answering your questions, and hearing your feedback.

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide input into these projects that will shape the future of water management in our province.

Date: May 29, 2025

Time: 10-11:00 a.m.

Learn More / Register

Disclaimer: 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 Newcombe No. 260, Heavy Equipment Operator, May 10 - Close

RM of Fertile Valley No. 285, Grader Operator, May 11 - Close

RM of Duck Lake No. 463, Public Works Foreman, May 15 - Close

RM of Milden No. 286, Equipment Operator, May 15 - Close

RM of Biggar No. 347, Administrator, May 24 - Close

RM of Argyle No. 1, Equipment/Maintenance Operator, May 29 - Close

RM of Wise Creek No. 77, Administrator, May 29 - Close

RM of Newcombe No. 260, Administrator, May 30 - Close

RM of Francis No. 127, Equipment Operator, May 30 - Close

RM of Eagle Creek No. 376, Administrator, May 31 - Close

RM of White Valley No. 49, Grader Operator, May 31 - Close

RM of Sarnia No. 221, Administrator, June 1 - Close

RM of Buffalo No. 409, Grader Operator, June 30 - Close

Looking to Buy/Sell:

RM of Milden No. 286, 2015 John Deere 6170M, May 30 - Close

SARM Classifieds

SARM Classifieds Submissions

Ad postings for the SARM Classifieds can be submitted through the online submission forms. For questions, contact 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca.

Submit a Classifieds Ad

Emergency Preparedness Week Recognized in Saskatchewan; SaskAlert Test Scheduled for May 7

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 4-10, 2025, as Emergency Preparedness Week in the province.

The theme for 2025 is "Be prepared. Know your risks," which encourages everyone to understand the risks in their area and to learn what actions to take to protect themselves and their households.

Don't Miss Your Shot: Saskatchewan's 2025 Big Game Draw Opens May 1

Starting May 1, Saskatchewan residents can apply for the 2025 Big Game Draw for limited opportunities to hunt mule deer, elk, moose and pronghorn across the province.

Irrigation Development Program Intake Closing

The Ministry of Agriculture will be closing application intake under the Irrigation Development Program as of April 30, 2025. Applications may still be submitted under the program from April 30 to May 30, but those projects must be completed, with claims submitted, by December 31, 2025.