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October 2025
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- SARM in Ottawa
- Strategic Communications
- November Rural Dart Schedule
- Saskatchewan's Solid Waste Management Strategy Webinar
- SARM Online Calendar - November 2025
- 2025 Midterm & 2026 Annual Convention Accommodations
- Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- #RuralMatters
- Risk Management
- Programs
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Navigating Conflict Workshops
- Invasive Plant Control Program Claim Deadline
- Rat Control Program Claim Deadline
- Rural Integrated Roads for Growth Program
- Intake for 2026 RIRG Projects
- Changes to RIRG Road Design Requirements
- Apply for CTP Program
- RIRG 2025 CTP Statutory Declaration Reminder
- MLDP Fall 2025 Registration Open Now
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Kal Tire & ATS Traffic
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
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- 2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
- Application Fee for Stand-Alone HSWDG Facility Construction or Alterations
- Review of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020
- Review of The Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations, 2010
- Stray Livestock Roaming at Large
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - October 2025
- Announcements
- Government Expands Legislation to Target Nuisance Properties
- Throne Speech 2025: Government Outlines Agenda for a Strong, Safe, Secure Saskatchewan
- Grant Programs Open to Support Indigenous Community Safety, Partnerships, and Growth
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- Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
- Share Your Views: Consulting Canadians on the Operation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Learning Series
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- SMA Nominations Now Open
- DUC Fall Marginal Areas Program
- The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation
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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.
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SARM in Ottawa
SARM travelled to Ottawa last week to meet with federal representatives to advocate priority issues on behalf of rural Saskatchewan. Key meetings included the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Heath MacDonald and Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson, Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister of Transport Canada Arun Thangaraj, representatives from the RCMP, FCM, and Canada Grains Council, and more.
The SARM team also had the opportunity to take in question period.
The following representatives from SARM's board and staff made the journey and attended 28 meetings in Ottawa on October 21-23:
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- President Bill Huber
- Vice President Darren Steinley
- Division 1 Director Bob Moulding
- Division 2 Director Cody Jordison
- Division 3 Director Shawn Kramer
- Division 4 Director Myron Kopec
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- Division 6 Director Randy Aumack
- Ex-Officio Director Sheila Keisig
- Executive Director Laurel Feltin
- Manager of Advocacy Alicia Bay
- Policy Analyst Deanna Nichols
- Policy Analyst Kaylee Dodds
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SARM Priorities
Read the fall 2025 priority information brochure that SARM took to Ottawa.
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Some of the representatives SARM met with while in Ottawa include the following:
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Director General Marc-André Rochon - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
- Assistant Deputy Minister Matt Jones - Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety, Health Canada
- President Erin Gowriluk - Canada Grains Council
- Deputy Minister Chris Forbes - Department of Finance Canada
- Deputy Minister Michael Vandergrift - Natural Resources Canada
- MP Richard Bragdon - Shadow Minister for Rural Development
- MP Kody Blois - Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
- MP Adam Chambers - Shadow Minister for International Trade
- MP Shannon Stubbs - Shadow Minister for Energy and Natural Resources
- Associate Deputy Minister Daniel Mills - Public Safety Canada
- Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- Staff of Pierre Poilievre - Leader of the Opposition
- Senator Tracy Muggli
- Senator David Arnot
- Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Terri McGarry - For Senator Todd Lewis
- Senator Paula Simons
- Secretary of State Ruby Sahota
- Deputy Minister Mollie Johnson - Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Senator Pamela Wallin
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- Assistant Deputy Minister Jeff Waring - Infrastructure and Communities Programs, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
- Assistant Deputy Minister Erin Lynch - Transit Programs, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
- Minister Heath MacDonald - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- MP Philip Lawrence - Shadow Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, Inter-Provincial Trade
- First Vice President Tim Tierney - Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
- Executive Director Matt Gemmel - Policy and Public Affairs, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
- Deputy Commissioner Jodie Boudreau - Contract and Indigenous Policing, RCMP
- Chief Human Resources Officer Shelley Peters - RCMP
- Senior Communications Advisor and Issues Manager Evan Brick - Office of the Minister Responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- MP Kyle Seeback - Shadow Minister for Labour
- Senator Rob Black
- MP Patricia Lattanzio - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
- Deputy Minister Valerie Gideon - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Deputy Minister Arun Thangaraj - Transport Canada
| | 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. | | |
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November Rural Dart Schedule
Please note, due to the 2025 SARM Midterm Convention and Remembrance Day, the November 4th and 11th Rural Dart emails will be postponed until November 18th.
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Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy Webinar
Join SARM and the Ministry of Environment for an information session on Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy.
The Ministry of Environment has launched engagement on the renewal of Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy. Originally introduced in January 2020, the Strategy outlines government’s commitments for achieving effective waste management in Saskatchewan and is reviewed every five years to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.
This webinar will provide an overview of the Strategy’s goals and achievements so far and seek input on the future of waste management in Saskatchewan. Members will have the opportunity to participate and contribute your perspectives on improving waste management practices across the province.
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Date: November 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Speakers: Pamela Berry – Senior Policy Analyst/Research Officer, Waste Stewardship and Recycling, Ministry of Environment
| | | Don’t miss this chance to engage with the Ministry and other municipal stakeholders to ensure your voice is heard in shaping Saskatchewan’s waste management future. | | |
SARM Interactive Online Calendar - November 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.
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Deadlines
November 1:
- For owners of O&G wells and pipelines to submit statements
- For weed inspector to submit report to administrator
November 10:
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.
- For CRA source deductions
November 30:
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To submit list of lands in arrears (previous year’s taxes) to reeve
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Meetings
- Committee Meetings: November 13
- Board Meeting: November 4
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
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File annual public disclosure statements on or before November 30th
- Members of council who previously filed a public disclosure statement to submit an annual declaration
- Notify of charges (noxious weeds) to owner or occupant of land
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Advertise list of lands in arrears (previous year’s taxes)
Special Days
- End of Daylight Savings Time (except SK): November 2
- 2025 SARM Midterm Convention - Regina: November 5-6
- Remembrance Day: November 11
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2025 Midterm & 2026 Annual Convention Accommodations
Be sure to book your hotel stays in advance to take advantage of the hotel blocks that have been set aside for delegates during SARM's annual and midterm conventions. Hotel blocks are limited, so once they have been filled there is no guaranteed space/pricing.
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SARM has booked blocks at the following hotels in Regina:
- Comfort Suites Regina
- Courtyard by Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport
- The Atlas
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Lieutenant Governor's Award for
Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
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Do you know a reeve, councillor, or administrator with an inspiring story?
Nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan are now open!
The 2026 nomination period runs until December 31, 2025.
To submit a nomination or request a nomination form, please contact:
Kathleen Israel,
Selection Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
2301 Windsor Park Road,
Regina, Saskatchewan S4V 3A4
To learn more about this award and how to submit a nomination, refer to the LGA Guidelines Document linked below or visit the SARM website.
| | | | | | SARM is pleased to hear Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald’s support in providing exemptions for Canadian producers and municipalities to use strychnine for gopher control. This is a win for Western Canada, offering a more effective way to prevent significant losses caused by gopher overpopulation. Learn more from MP Steven Bonk. | | SARM thanks the many federal representatives who met with our team this week. We appreciate the opportunity to continue advocating rural priorities, including trade & exports, infrastructure, agriculture, energy & resources, healthcare, public safety, TLE, and more on behalf of rural Saskatchewan. | | | | | The SARM Board of Directors met with the RCMP F Division’s Interim Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Robin McNeil, and Superintendent Amber Clark during their monthly meeting to discuss rural crime and public safety in Saskatchewan. | | 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. | | |
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Navigating Conflict Workshops
The Sustainable-CAP Pest Biosecurity Program is hosting four, one-day Navigating Conflict workshops facilitated by the Ministry of Justice Dispute Resolution Office. This interactive training will build on your existing experience and introduces practical tools to help you stay grounded, communicate effectively, and guide conflict toward constructive outcomes.
Free to attend for RM and FN appointed and elected officials, administrators, support staff, and RM public works employees. Register by November 19 to save your seat for your preferred day. Doors open at 7:30 am and each workshop runs 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Select preferred date below to register and secure your seat.
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The Willow Club
382 Cartwright Street, Furdale, SK
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The Atlas Hotel
4177 Albert Street, Regina, SK
| | | The deadline to register for the workshops is November 19, 2025. Click the link below to learn more. | | |
Invasive Plant Control Program
Claim Deadline: October 31, 2025
| | To learn more about the Invasive Plant Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
Rat Control Program
Claim Deadline: December 31, 2025
| | To learn more about the Rat Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
Intake for 2026 RIRG Projects
The RIRG Program Application Intake for Road, Bridge, and Large Diameter Culvert Projects has now opened!
Deadline to apply is November 15, 2025.
Application Forms:
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Application approvals are anticipated in January following the intake so that RMs can begin construction as soon as possible next year.
For more information, please visit the RIRG website, scan the QR code, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns.
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Changes to RIRG Road Design Requirements
In the spring of 2025, the Ministry of Highways undertook a review of the minimum geometric design criteria for road projects to be eligible for Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) funding. This review was initiated to address concerns from municipalities over the standard right-of-way (ROW) width, including a resolution made at the SARM convention.
As a result, it recommended revising the policy to allow for more flexibility in the minimum purchased ROW required and updating other design requirements.
Revisions included:
- The required ROW will be subject to meeting all of the geometric design requirements, with the minimum ROW width being 30 m.
- The backslope may be within the purchased ROW or covered by a suitable landowner agreement.
Allowing the ROW to be less than 42 m where the terrain still allows the design to meet all other geometric requirements balances safety with real world limitations municipalities encounter. The requirement also differentiates high volume roads from low volume roads for the purpose of setting the minimum road width. This update brings the policy more in alignment with other standards used on the municipal system, as well as the existing widths of most higher volume roads.
The proposed revisions ensure safety is maintained in the road design which is being cost shared (50/50) through a ministry program.
These design requirement changes will be applicable to the next intake.
Please visit the RIRG Policy Manual, Road Design Requirements, for more information.
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Apply to Clearing the Path (CTP) Program
The Clearing the Path program provides incremental funding to help cover the costs of maintaining eligible roadways at primary weights.
Application Form:
| | | For more information, please visit the RIRG website, scan the QR code, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns. | | | |
RIRG 2025 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2025-26 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration starting on October 1, 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.
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Municipal Leadership Development
Program (MLDP)
Fall Registration Now Open!
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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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: November 19, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Elbow, SK
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: November 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual Session
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Municipal Leaders’ Roles and Responsibilities
The 2025 Municipal Leaders’ Roles and Responsibilities seminar will be held virtually over Microsoft Teams. This webinar will describe essential responsibilities of elected officials, explore best practices for the relationship between council and staff, and examine questions about codes of ethics and conflicts of interest.
This session is a great resource for both new and experienced elected officials. Since there is no cost to attend this webinar, SARM encourages whole councils to participate together. Individual registration is required to attend, and registration can be completed by filling out the online form linked below.
Date: December 3, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Session
Cost: Free to Attend
For more information or to register for a module, click the link below.
*Dates and location are subject to change.
| | 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. | | |
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Kal Tire
Kal Tire has a wide variety of grader tires to cover your needs this season. Contact your Kal Tire sales representative for more information and pricing.
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ATS Traffic
ATS Traffic has been ensuring safer roads since 1966, and now we’ve used our vast experiences to develop the Traffic Partner Program. The Traffic Partner program enables ATS to take the customer experience to a far greater level. Through Consultation, Education, Collaboration, and Communication, we can ensure a safer experience for all of our visitors in motion.
As a member of the Traffic Partner Program, we will work together to ensure the safety and success of all of your projects. For more information or to find specific location contacts, please visit our website!
| | | 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. | | |
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SARM Classifieds
The following municipalities/towns/villages have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service.
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Looking to Hire:
RM of Baildon No. 131, Grader/Equipment Operator, Oct 29 - Close
RM of Longlaketon No. 219, Municipal Administrator, Oct 31 - Close
Town of Colonsay, Administrator, Oct 31 - Close
RM of Whiska Creek No. 106, Equipment Operator, Nov 5 - Close
RMAA, Secretary to the BOE & AMP Program Coordinator, Nov 7 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Heavy Equipment Operators, Nov 10 - Close
RM of Mankota No. 45 & RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Administrative Assistant, Nov 14 - Close
RM of Fish Creek No. 402, Chief Administrative Officer, Nov 17 - Close
RM of Grayson No. 184, Grader Operator, Nov 22 - Close
RM of Elcapo No.154, Grader Operator, Nov 28 - Close
RM of Elcapo No.154, Gravel Truck Driver, Nov 28 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Rock Rake – John Deere, Oct 29 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Scraper – 6 Yard, Oct 29 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Rock Picker – Degelman, Oct 29 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Ripper, Oct 29 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, 6 Way Angle Dozer, Oct 29 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, Tube-Lok V plow 14’ total width, Nov 24 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, Champion V plow 12’ total width, Nov 24 - Close
RM of Moose Range No. 486, 2016 Freightliner Coronada, Nov 30 - Close
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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.
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2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 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, 2025. Online nominations are encouraged, but nominations will also be accepted by mail, courier or in-person..
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Application Fee for Stand-Alone HSWDG Facility Construction or Alterations
Effective October 1, 2025, the Ministry of Environment will implement a $1,000 application fee for the construction or alteration of stand-alone hazardous substance and waste dangerous goods (HSWDG) storage facilities, as regulated under the Hazardous Substances and Waste Dangerous Goods Regulations.
This fee applies to applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025. This change supports cost-recovery and enhances the efficiency of regulatory processes.
The fee applies to:
- Approvals to construct new stand-alone HSWDG storage facilities that are not regulated through other permits or approvals by the ministry;
- Approvals to alter (expand) pre-existing stand-alone HSWDG storage that are not regulated through other permits or approvals by the ministry;
- Facilities such as, but not limited to, salvage yards, retail fuel stations, bulk fuel plants, agrichemical warehouses, waste dangerous goods collection sites and transfer stations.
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The fee will not apply to:
- Repairs or replacement of pre-existing facilities, where the capacity of the facility is not increased as a result of the alteration activity;
- Decommissioning of pre-existing facilities;
- Administrative updates to HSWDG approvals (e.g. name changes, corrections);
- Facilities permitted under industrial waste works approvals, pursuant to the Environmental Management and Protection (General) Regulations or the Mineral Industry Environmental Protection Regulations, including, but not limited to permitted industrial facilities, mines, refineries, industrial landfills;
- Municipal landfills permitted under the Municipal Refuse Management Regulations;
- HSWDG storage for activities permitted through exploratory permits and exploration licenses, under The Crown Minerals Act or The Oil and Gas Tenure Registry Regulations;
- HSWDG storage at facilities permitted under The Oil and Gas Conservation Act; or
- HSWDG storage at facilities that are exempt in accordance with sections 5 to 8 of the HSWDG Regulations.
Submitting an application to construct or alter a HSWDG facility will remain the same as current processes.
To learn more, review the factsheet linked below. If you have any further questions, please contact the Ministry of Environment’s Inquiry Centre at 1.800.567.4224 or centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.
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Review of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety is seeking feedback on The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.
The regulations will be reviewed using a three-phase approach.
The goal of the review is to ensure the regulations remain relevant, continue to meet the needs of employers and employees, and reduce injuries and fatalities.
| | Feedback from organizations and individuals for parts one through five of the regulations will be accepted until November 30, 2025. | | | |
Stray Livestock Roaming at Large
By Alicia Sopatyk, PAg, Provincial Livestock Specialist-Traceability, Tisdale
Livestock typically leave the farm on some variation of a truck and trailer. However, they may also unknowingly leave on their own accord, becoming stray and running at large. While some neighbours may alert the livestock owner to the situation, not all neighbours may know what to do, who to contact or feel comfortable containing the livestock for the owner to retrieve. This article outlines the requirements and processes for handling stray livestock in Saskatchewan.
This summary is not a substitute for the legislation. For complete details, refer to The Animal Production Act and The Animal Production Regulations. These regulations apply to the following species: cattle, horses, bison, alpacas, llamas, sheep, goats, donkeys, ostriches, emus, hogs, game farm animals, fur farm animals and farmed wild boar. They do not apply to stray pets (such as cats and dogs), insects, poultry, fowl or wildlife.
| | 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.
Applications are now being accepted at any time of the year and will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
The updated application guide can be found on the SARM website.
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Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI)
Prairie businesses impacted by global trade disruptions can now apply for funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI).
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is a component of the Government of Canada’s national strategy to support Canadian businesses facing global trade disruptions. The Government of Canada through PrairiesCan is now accepting applications for the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) from businesses and organizations in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
RTRI provides targeted support to help businesses improve productivity, diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and boost domestic trade within Canada. Eligible applicants include incorporated for-profit businesses, Indigenous-owned organizations, and non-profit organizations supporting businesses. Applicants from any industry are welcome to apply.
Funding is available for projects that drive growth and resiliency. Eligible costs include labour, supplies and materials, equipment and infrastructure, consultancy fees, training, and participation in networking or mentoring events. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028, and costs may be retroactively eligible up to 12 months prior to application, but no earlier than March 21, 2025.
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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.
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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.
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Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
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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!
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Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
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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.
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Date: November 12, 2025
Time: 12:30-2:00 p.m. EST
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19th Annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards
Nominations Now Open!
Established in 2006, the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards (SMAs) recognize the innovation and excellence of Saskatchewan’s municipal governments by celebrating and sharing these achievements and providing provincial exposure to both the municipality and the initiative.
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The Saskatchewan Municipal Awards are awarded for:
- Top municipal led initiative (rural, urban, or cooperative)
- Top rural municipal led initiative
- Top urban municipal led initiative
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Regional cooperation (a joint initiative with at least one rural and one urban municipality working collaboratively to lead the project)
Celebrate a municipally led initiative by submitting a nomination before 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 18, 2025.
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Is kochia an issue for your ratepayers?
Let’s fix that.
DUC Fall Marginal Areas Program
There was an increasingly common sight on Saskatchewan cropland this harvest season: in many areas, a dense, waist-high jumble of kochia stood out like a sore thumb in the margins of otherwise tidy fields of stubble.
These kochia-affected areas are expanding across a growing number of Saskatchewan rural municipalities each year. Kochia’s natural characteristics give it competitive clout; more recently, the noxious weed has become even more obnoxious, outmaneuvering pesticides including glyphosate, as well as Group 2, Group 4, Group 5 and now Group 14 modes of action. Researchers have also tracked the northward expansion of kochia’s range, and it continues to colonize new ground outside of expected areas.
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Your RM may not have had a kochia problem before, but that can change quickly. And an ounce of prevention might just be worth a pound of cure—herbicide resistance can sweep through a population quickly if isn’t addressed. Researchers have estimated that, in the worst-case scenario, it only takes five years to go from “I don’t have a weed problem” to "Herbicides don’t work anymore".
That’s where perennial forages come in. An effective way to manage kochia and mitigate the saline conditions it loves, DUC is helping Saskatchewan producers tackle kochia head-on with its Fall Marginal Areas Program. We’re coordinating custom seed application and working with federal and provincial partners to put financial incentives directly in producer pockets, with up to $390 per acre available.
With rising input costs, high land values, and volatile commodity prices, farmers need practical solutions to tackle weeds like kochia. Seeding forages in affected areas provides a long-term, sustainable strategy for controlling kochia, a “one and done” approach that frees up resources for more productive field acres.
Contact Ducks Unlimited Canada at 1.866.252.3825 or du_regina@ducks.ca to learn more.
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The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation
The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation has been a cornerstone in conservation education, training, and community programs for decades. Serving the greater Saskatoon area and surrounding rural municipalities, we are proud to offer a wide range of courses and services for both individuals and organizations.
Training and Education
Saskatoon Wildlife hosts multiple PAL/RPAL licensing courses, Hunter Safety training, and Introduction to Archery classes throughout the year. Our facility also serves as a training site for Saskatchewan Conservation Officers and, most recently, through a signed Memorandum of Understanding with Métis Nation–Saskatchewan, helping expand training opportunities for their members.
Outdoor Ranges
Our rifle and handgun ranges are located in the RM of Aberdeen and RM of Corman Park. These outdoor ranges operate year-round, providing safe, well-maintained facilities for recreational shooters, hunters, and competitive marksmen alike.
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Firearm Donation Service
For residents with unwanted or inherited firearms, we offer a Firearm Removal/Donation Service. Instead of destroying or dismantling these firearms, we repurpose them for education, training, and occasionally for fundraising to support our programs. This service ensures safe handling while contributing to future generations of responsible firearm users.
Getting Involved
Whether you’re looking to complete your firearms licensing, introduce youth to safe outdoor practices, or simply find a welcoming and safe shooting community, the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation has opportunities for you.
For more information on our programs, services, and memberships, please visit:
The Saskatoon Wildlife Federation remains dedicated to conservation, education, and community service. We welcome members and organizations across Saskatchewan to connect with us and discover how we can support your outdoor and training needs.
| | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
