Awards/Nominations/Scholarships

Hotel Pricing / Reservation Details

SARM has booked blocks at the following hotels in Regina:

DoubleTree by Hilton (Regina)
Days Inn Regina East (Regina)
Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport (Regina)
The Atlas (Regina)
The Hotel Saskatchewan (Regina)

Please see the hotel directory for pricing and reservation details.

Submit In Memoriam / Retirement Announcements

Changes to SARM’s Quarterly Publication, The Rural Councillor (RC)

The RC was recently updated with not only a new look but a focus to include timely articles that are pertinent to Saskatchewan’s Rural Municipalities (RMs).

Currently, every RM receives printed editions for administrators and all council members (approximately 9-12 copies). Starting with the Winter 2023 RC, RMs will only receive three (3) printed copies. If an RM requires more than that, they can contact communications@sarm.ca.

NOTE: The RC Mailing List uses the addresses listed in the RM Directory on SARM’s website. All corrections/updates must be done by the RM in the registry.

SARM Publications

Awards/Nominations/Scholarships

Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) 2023 Board Elections

- Looking for Two Rural Representatives

Submission Deadline:

October 11, 2023

SARM is looking for elected officials who would do an outstanding job representing rural Saskatchewan on the SAMA Board.

Candidates will be elected by delegates at the 2023 SARM Midterm Convention for a three-year term and may be reappointed to subsequent terms.

Those interested should submit a completed Nomination Form (to Laurel Feltin - lfeltin@sarm.ca) by 5 PM on Thursday, October 11, 2023. A confirmation email with further instructions will be sent.

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

Role Description / Election Procedures

Nomination Form

sama.sk.ca

For more information, please contact SAMA CEO Betty Rogers at 306-924-8046 or betty.rogers@sama.sk.ca

Rural Municipal Administrator Scholarship

Apply by October 15

The application deadline is October 15 each year and must be supported by confirmation of enrollment during the current year.

Learn More / Submit Nomination

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.

17th Annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards

Nominations Now Open

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)

Who is Eligible?

All Saskatchewan municipal projects initiated in the last 15 years are eligible for an award. If a project was initiated longer than 15 years ago, it must be demonstrated that the practice is, and continues to be, a main priority for council.

A selection committee of non-biased, distinguished individuals within the municipal sector evaluate all nominations based on the following criteria:

Innovation
Effectiveness
Transferability
Significance of community impact
Urgency
Retention or training of future community leaders and/or volunteers
Good governance
Effective management
Consistent public engagement

Celebrate a municipally led initiative by submitting a nomination before 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 21, 2023.

Submit a Nomination

Visit SMA Website

Deadlines

Apply Now for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund

The deadline is approaching to apply for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ (MMIWG+) Community Response Fund. More than $400,000 is available to support grassroots efforts to prevent violence and create safety for Indigenous women and girls+ in Saskatchewan.

The fund is dedicated to providing financial support for communities and organizations to support programs and events benefitting Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals, fostering positive change and healing.

The grant program is open to:

Local grassroots Indigenous groups and Indigenous non-profit groups;
Non-profit organizations and municipalities who are seeking authentic partnerships with Indigenous communities, including local grass-roots Indigenous groups, First Nations Band Councils/Tribal Councils, Métis Locals/Métis Regions, and First Nations or Métis agencies or representative groups; and
Non-Indigenous non-profit organizations with Indigenous involvement and whose programs/services benefit a primarily First Nations or Métis clientele.

Applications must be received by October 4, 2023.

Community Airport Partnership (CAP) Program

The Government of Saskatchewan is now accepting applications for the next intake of the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program for 2024-25. As community airport projects are well underway across the province, focus shifts to intake for 2024-25.

Grants are cost-shared up to a maximum amount of $275,000. CAP is designed to help offset safety-related improvements such as upgrades to runways and taxiways, lighting, security fencing and navigational systems.

Eligible applicants include regionally focused, community-owned airports. Eligible airports should support:

Economic development;
Access to surrounding communities;
Air ambulance and medevac operations;
Commercial operations; and
Aviation safety.

The application is now open until October 31, 2023. To learn more or apply, visit the link below.

Invasive Plant Control Program Claim Deadline - October 31

Funded through the Sustainable CAP, the Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) is designed to achieve maximum results and accountability while focusing on early detection and rapid response as the first line of defense to identify, assess, and respond to invasive plant species.

The IPCP will assist with the cost to undertake and coordinate the control of prohibited weeds as well as specific noxious weeds that are persistent and problematic invasive plants.

SARM is administering a cost-share rebate program to assist RMs, First Nations, producers and stakeholders with costs to control any prohibited weed designated under The Weed Control Act as well as rebates toward pre-approved herbicides used to control eligible noxious weeds designated under The Weed Control Act.

NEW in 2023, RMs and First Nations are eligible to claim for RM-appointed or FN-authorized Weed Inspector expenses related to prohibited and noxious weed monitoring in their jurisdictions.

Funding for rebates under the IPCP is $856,000.

2023 RIRG Capital Funding Projects

Engineering Agreement Reminder

Rural Municipalities with a 2023-24 Road Project:

This is a reminder that in your RIRG 2023-24 Capital Project Funding Agreement as per Clause 3.8: "The Municipality shall submit to SARM a fully executed contract or agreement between the Municipality and the Professional Engineer designing and supervising construction of the Project by 4:00pm CST on October 31, 2023".

Please remember to include documentation and/or identification that is confirmation of the project on the Engineer Agreement.

If you have not already submitted your documents, please submit at your earliest convenience to info@RIRG.ca.

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.

If you have any questions, please send inquiries to info@RIRG.ca.

Submit Declaration

Your Voice

New Interim Standard and Codes of Practice

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is excited to announce the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program will engage on an interim Standard for in-water isolation intended to address Wave 1 feedback, as well as four proposed new interim Codes of Practice:

Bridge repair and maintenance;
Municipal and agricultural drain maintenance;
Repair and maintenance of in-water structures; and,
Repair, maintenance and construction of docks, moorings and boathouses.

FFHPP is seeking input on the clarity and scope of the new interim SCoPs to validate and improve the management measures used to protect fish and fish habitat.

An analysis and review of feedback received will be required before this interim Code of Practice, and the interim Standard and Codes of Practice released August 10, 2023, are published as final. Accordingly, comments and feedback are welcome until November 30, 2023.

Submit Feedback

Feedback Wanted on Employment Standards Provisions of the Saskatchewan Employment Act and Regulations

The Government of Saskatchewan is asking for public feedback as part of its review of the employment standards provisions in Part II of The Saskatchewan Employment Act and the accompanying regulations.

A discussion paper is available at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/public-consultations and focuses on:

Application of employment standards and definitions of employer and employee
Hours of work
Wages and regulation of tips
Job protection for ill or injured employees
Employment leaves
Layoff and terminations
Authority of employment standards officers

Interested individuals can provide their feedback by October 31, 2023, on the paper or on any aspect of employment standards via email at legislation.labour@gov.sk.ca or in writing to:

Employment Standards Review

Corporate Services Division

Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety

300-1870 Albert Street, Regina, SK S4P 4W1

Apply to be on the Accessibility Advisory Committee

Resources

SARM Interactive Online Calendar - October 2023

Deadlines:

October 7:

Railway company statements
Submit annual maintenance list to SAMA

October 10:

Submit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
Submit & return monthly EPT funds

October 15:

Submit MEPP
Submit CRA source deductions
Application for the SARM Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship

October 31:

Last day of hail and fire insurance coverage

Meetings:

Committee Meeting: October 5
Committee Meeting: October 17
Board of Directors Meeting: October 18-19

Special Days:

Thanksgiving: October 9
Halloween: October 31

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.

SARM Interactive Online Calendar

Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative

The TSS Initiative is a cost-shared grant program that uses a portion of Municipal Revenue Sharing ($1.5 million per fiscal year) to support municipalities on projects that focus on partnerships, planning, and collaboration. Projects are offered 75 per cent of the project’s eligible costs to a maximum amount.

The TSS Steering Committee will be accepting applications for funding from October 3, 2023, to November 30, 2023.

To help prepare, applying municipalities are encouraged to:

Ensure they have at least one community partner.
Obtain a formal letter of support from council with a resolution number.
Obtain a formal quote from an independent supplier(s).

Additional information will be available on saskatchewan.ca when the application intake is open.

Indigenous Internship Program for the Crown Sector

Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) has announced a new Indigenous internship program entitled “Crown Career Pathways” in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, which calls for increased employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Crown Career Pathways is a $1.2 million two-year pilot program with 22 interns being hired (11 each year) for positions in the Crowns – SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SGI, SaskWater, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan and CIC. The Crowns will select the interns from recognized post-secondary institutes in Saskatchewan according to their individual workforce needs.

Positions will begin to be posted in October 2023.

Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) Program

The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program provides funding assistance to agri-businesses for the adoption of best practices, new state-of-the-art technologies and processes stimulating significant improvements in productivity efficiency and greenhouse gas emission reductions through:

Automation, efficient manufacturing processes and technologies;
Investments in sustainable manufacturing with greenhouse gas emissions-reducing equipment and infrastructure; and
Increased productive capacity by purchasing or upgrading equipment to expand processing to a new product complimentary to existing primary inputs.

Apply for Funding

Cleanfarms Collection Days

Fall 2023 - October 23-27

Cleanfarms is gearing up to run the 2023 fall collection program for unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock/equine medications to help farmers dispose of these materials safely. Please bring accepted materials to a collection event near you.

What's In

Unwanted (or “obsolete”) agricultural pesticides (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label; including used miticide strips).
Commercial pesticides for golf courses and industrial and commercial pest control products (identified with a Pest Control Product number on the label).
Livestock/equine medications that are used on-farm in the rearing of livestock, poultry or horses in an agricultural context (identified with a DIN number, serial number, notification number or Pest Control Product number on the label).

What's Out

Fertilizer, diluted solution, large quantities of unopened product
Full and unopened jugs of adjuvant or surfactant.
Treated seed (except in Quebec).
Needles or sharps, medicated feed, aerosol containers, premises disinfectants and sanitizers, veterinary clinic waste and medications, ear tags, and aerosols
Domestic pesticides, fertilizers and animal health products
Any other household hazardous waste.

Since collections for this program began, it has safely disposed of 4.2 million kg of unwanted pesticides and 67,300 kg of obsolete farm animal health medications.

Collection Events

Did you know AM-SK has trained over 200 municipalities in Saskatchewan?

Asset Management Saskatchewan (AM-SK) is proud of their efforts and that they stuck to their mission and purpose of the working group, which is to 'assist municipal stakeholders in improving the knowledge and abilities in municipal asset management'.

The Working Group grew out of a collaborative effort that started in 2006 associated with the implementation of requirements for accounting and reporting on tangible capital assets owned by municipalities and over time has evolved to supporting efforts related to: "training and capacity building related to asset management within municipalities in Saskatchewan”. AM-SK is a formal working group but is not incorporated and therefore is not a legal entity. To date all contributions have been by "volunteers”.

Asset Management Courses

Check out AM-SK's current course offerings on their website.

This webinar is for municipal administrators and council members. It reviews the role of the Ombudsman and talks about how to set up a good process for handling complaints that are made about council members under your municipality's Code of Ethics.

Webinar Recording

Looking for more information? Browse brochures, posters, videos and information sheets.

Access Career Safety Education

The Council marks its foray into the prevention of "Intentional" or "Inflicted" Injuries with a ground-breaking course

The product of extensive research, collaboration, and audiovisual production, this new course seeks to inspire resiliency in its participants by examining the perspectives of different people who have found ways to focus on healing that ultimately builds resiliency. It is an introduction to a broad topic, to start our minds on a journey of understanding what it means to be mentally healthy.

The Council’s free online training catalogue expands with this mental health themed training course that features an all-Saskatchewan cast of hosts and participants.

Mature Driver Refresher Courses

The Mature Driver Refresher Course is a completely free 6-hour course that helps reinforce safe driving habits. It will increase your confidence when navigating Saskatchewan’s increasing city, town, and highway traffic. It provides insight into how to adapt your driving habits based on the physical changes your body goes through as it matures.

The program is open to anyone over the age of 55 in Saskatchewan. Participant driver’s licenses are not affected and there are no required examinations.

Saskatchewan's HHR Action Plan

The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP)

Fall 2023 Modules

This is a series of modules developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local

government leadership.

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: October 16, 2023

Location: Virtual Session

Date: October 17, 2023

Location: Virtual Session

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: October 24, 2023

Location: Paynton Community Hall, 205 1st Street East, Paynton, SK, S0M 2J0

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: October 26, 2023

Location: Virtual Session

Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities

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: October 31, 2023

Location: Virtual Session

Date: November 1, 2023

Location: Virtual Session

Community and Land Use Planning

This online module covers a variety of topics including: the roles and responsibilities of council, administration and the public; the creation, adoption, and amendment process for Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws; the subdivision process; servicing agreements; the development permit process; the development appeal board process; enforcing bylaws; the building permit process as well as regional planning.

Facilitating Independence of Older Adults in the Community Program

The Facilitating Independence of Older Adults in the Community granting program encourages the development and testing of new ways to support seniors in maintaining independence in their own homes, with the goal of using these approaches in other communities. The program is led by the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) in partnership with the Ministry of Health.

For a second year, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $250,000 in grant funding for organizations and community groups that serve seniors. Grant funding will support new projects as well as some projects from the first round (2022-23).

While more than 90 per cent of seniors live independently and would prefer to stay in their homes, some face challenges accessing supportive services, such as home maintenance, yard care, home-based health services, transportation, and meal preparation. The grant program supports local, community-based programs seeking to develop and test new ways of addressing these issues to support senior citizens.

Information on the application process will be available soon on the SSM website.

Visit SSM Website

Standards of Care for Livestock Animals

The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC), a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders, develops and publishes Codes of Practice (Codes) for major farmed animal species in Canada. The codes serve as a national guideline and understanding for the care and handling of farmed animals and recommended practices. The codes facilitate and coordinate a consistent approach to farm animal welfare demonstrating credibility in both domestic and international forums.

Under The Animal Protection Act, 2018 the NFACC codes are considered as acceptable standards of animal care and are referenced in the regulations. The Act indicates that animals cared for in accordance with standards, codes and generally accepted practices of animal care are not considered to be in distress.

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.

Labour market challenges to persist amid recent progress

View Agenda

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.

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

Registration and Access

Information Page (PDF)

Featured

Labour challenges in the agri-food industry will persist despite the short-term outlook improving recently.

How can I be more efficient without breaking the bank

Improving efficiency in farming operations doesn't necessarily mean investing. Two experts share advice on low- and no-cost ways to achieve a more efficient business.

Transferring knowledge in farm transition

Learn how to share knowledge and help the next generation gain the skills and experience needed to move the farm business forward.

Why more farmers are choosing renewable energy

Renewable energy sources have become a viable alternative for many Canadian farmers. Learn how the industry is embracing solar and wind and why farmers are making the transition.

Taking care of you on the farm

The roles for women on the farm are endless and often it's a struggle to find balance. Hear from these women in ag how they maintain wellness and put their needs on the to-do list.

FCC Knowledge

Municipalities Today

September 2023

2023 Clubroot Soil Testing Program

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 Lacadena No. 228, Equipment Operators, OCT 25 - Close

RM of Sutton No. 103, Grader Operator, OCT 19 - Close

RM of Swift Current No. 137, Assistant Administrator, OCT 5 - Close

RM of Corman Park No. 344, Director of Corporate Services, OCT 1 - Close

RM of Moose Creek No. 33, Assistant Administrator, SEPT 30 - Close

RM of Lake Johnston No. 102, Administrator, SEPT 30 - Close

Looking to Buy/Sell:

RM of Meota No 468, For Sale: 1983 Ford F-700 Fire Truck - OCT 17 - Close

RM of Calder No. 241, For Sale: 2010 John Deere 310 SJ Backhoe, OCT 14 - Close

RM of Tecumseh No. 65, For Tender: 2007 Castleton Belly Dump Trailer, OCT 10 - Close

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.

SARM Classifieds

Insurance &

Benefits

Supplier Highlight

Providing custom printing solutions

For all of your custom printing needs such as Bank Deposit books, Councillor Indemnity forms, minute paper, cheques, envelopes, ballots, and much more Adventure Printing offers SARM’s members exceptional pricing, and the convenience of an online ordering portal.

Online Order Portal

SARM Office & Election Supplies

Pest Control Product Compliance

Presented by: Health Canada

Health Canada's Pesticide Compliance Program (PCP) is responsible for promoting, monitoring, and enforcing compliance with the Federal Pest Control Products Act & Regulation. The legislation aims to protect human health and safety and the environment by regulating the use of "pest control products", also known as pesticides.

Join SARM and Health Canada for a free informative webinar session to learn more about the PCP program and rodenticides, as well as some of the best practices and obligations that your RM should be aware of pertaining to pest control products.

Date: October 26, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

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.

Date: November 30, 2023

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.