Scam Reported at 2024 SARM Trade Show

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.

2024 SARM June Division Meetings

The 2024 SARM June Division Meetings will be held during the second week of June (10-13). Please find further details below for each meeting.

Please note the start time for the division 4 meeting has changed from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and lunch will not be offered.

SARM Member Survey

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in discussions about municipal transparency. Criticisms regarding the lack of transparency have arisen from various quarters, including ratepayers, stakeholders, and the media.

As a response to this issue, SARM has undertaken a significant initiative to develop a digital platform that will connect rural municipalities. The primary objective of this platform is to simplify the process of publishing essential municipal information and ensure easy accessibility for all.

Saskatchewan Election Survey

CBC Saskatchewan is looking to solicit a wide range of perspectives and thoughts in the lead-up to the next provincial election on the issues that matter most to Saskatchewan voters. CBC is asking people across this province, both urban and rural, to let them know by visiting this link www.cbc.ca/saskelection2024 and filling out the form included (the form may only show up when the link is visited on a laptop or desktop computer). 

The feedback will help inform coverage of the provincial election, and may also be used to identify people who would write personal viewpoints on the election or serve on citizen panels on our radio and TV programs.

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 until June 7, 2024.

Before applying, municipalities must:

• 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 is available on saskatchewan.ca.

Celebrating Seniors Provincial

Volunteer Awards

Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) is currently in the process of planning a Provincial Celebrating Seniors Awards and Banquet event, which will take place on September 29, 2024, at the Conexus Art Centre in Regina. This is an important, in-person, high-profile event where older adults (55+) are celebrated for their volunteer work. Older adults, from throughout the province are nominated and, while all who are nominated are celebrated at the event, one person in each category is presented with an award. Please nominate a deserving individual who has volunteered in your community.

Nominations must be submitted by June 14, 2024.

There is a nomination package, which outlines the nomination process and the information that is required when you put forth a nomination, that can be accessed on the SSM Website or email programs@skseniorsmechanism.ca / call (306) 359-9956 to request a nomination package.

Resolution 8-23M: Water Truck Clubs

Exemption Granted

During the 2023 Midterm Convention resolution 8-23M was passed where it was requested that SARM request an exemption from Section 154 of The Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 pursuant to Section 3-85 of The Saskatchewan Employment Act for residents contracted by rural municipalities to apply water to reactivate dust control products. We are pleased to advise SARM was successful in obtaining that exemption. 

A copy of the exemption is located on the SARM website and linked below. If you have any questions, please contact legal@sarm.ca.

Bio-Control Leafy Spurge Beetle

Collection Days: July 2-5, 2024

The SARM Plant Technical Advisors will be back at Besant Campground from July 2 to 5 for leafy spurge beetle collection. Everyone is welcome to come and collect leafy spurge beetles for release on their property to help control leafy spurge infestations.

2024-25 Police Cost Re-distribution Formula

Following the provincial budget release on March 20, the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety has recently indicated the per capita rates that will be charged out to municipalities for RCMP policing under the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) for 2024-25, as set out below.

The Security of Loads Regulations Changes

Based on earlier consultations, the ministry recently updated The Security of Loads Regulations to enhance clarity and better align with the National Safety Code Standard 10 for cargo securement. The regulations have been updated to address public and industry concerns about bulk cargo not being properly secured, leading to broken windshields and other driving hazards.

Effective June 1, 2024, bulk loads not fully contained will require covering by a tarp or other appropriate material that cannot be dislodged during transport.

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