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November 2024
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
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Call for Potential Amendments
Municipal Legislation
Municipalities are where Saskatchewan people live and work. The decisions and actions of local governments have a profound effect on people’s everyday lives, such as how their communities look and function, which services are provided, and how tax revenue pays for services and infrastructure.
The Municipalities Act, The Cities Act and The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010 provide the basic legislative framework for all of the province's municipalities. This legislation provides powers and authority for council decisions, policies and bylaws, and outlines the responsibilities of municipalities.
The Ministry of Government Relations is looking for suggestions from the public on how this legislation could be improved and changed to meet the evolving needs of municipalities.
From now until December 11, 2024, the ministry is asking for input on issues that may be considered for potential amendments.
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SARM's Holiday Schedule
The SARM office will be closed on the following dates this holiday season:
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
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Update New Council Member Details on SARM Website RM Directory
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.
The RM Directory 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.
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College of Medicine Multiple Mini Interview Assessor Registration
The USask College of Medicine is looking for your help to select our province's future medical students! Volunteer to be an Assessor at their virtual Multiple Mini Interview on January 25th or 26th.
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Looking for:
- Health professionals and members from the community that will offer a balanced, fair, and diverse perspective to help inform selection decisions.
- Assessors who are comfortable with virtual technology as the Multiple Mini Interviews will be hosted synchronously using an online platform.
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Google Chrome: Version 77 or newer (our recommended browser), Firefox: Version 69 or newer , Microsoft Edge (on Chromium): Version 76 or newer, Opera: Version 62 or newer. Please note that Safari and Internet Explorer (IE) are not supported at this time.
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What's needed from you:
- One-full day (approximately eight hours) commitment for assessing and interviewing candidates for personal qualities important for the medical profession.
- Participation in a mandatory training session for the Multiple Mini Interview assessors.
What you can expect:
- Multiple Mini Interview assessor training including orientation to the interview platform and pre-interview system check.
- Pre-Multiple Mini Interview and interview day technical support.
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If you would like to volunteer for the Multiple Mini Interview, please complete the online volunteer form 2025 Assessor Registration Form linked below by December 1, 2024. It must be understood that this is a volunteer position. | | | |
If you are interested in participating in this year’s Panel Interview process, please watch for a separate invitation in early January. You will be contacted with further details regarding assessor selection, scheduling, training, and orientation sessions. If you have questions, please contact the College of Medicine Admissions Office at med.admissions@usask.ca. | |
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SaskPower Seeks Feedback from RMs
The world around us is changing and so is SaskPower. As we take part in the energy transition that’s happening across the globe, we’re focused on providing reliable, sustainable and cost-effective power to our customers around the province. We’re also committed to reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to achieve net zero by 2050 or sooner. These priorities mean we need to diversify our power grid and replace some generation options we’ve relied on for decades.
By 2035, we’re planning to have up to an additional 3,000 megawatts (MW) of wind and solar power on the grid. Currently, we have 1,000 MW in various stages of development.
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Municipalities play a vital role in SaskPower’s energy transition by supporting the development of new power generation projects. As more wind and solar projects are being explored, there are more independent power producers (IPPs) than ever reaching out to communities throughout the province.
Every wind and solar project takes time to develop. This includes engaging with Rightsholders, communities and other stakeholders, reviewing development plans and permit applications, and more. We want you to know how we work with IPPs and how municipalities are involved in the process.
Share Your Feedback
We’re exploring some additional resources and ways to connect with RMs. Please complete this survey by December 20, 2024, to help us learn more about what we can do to make sure you have the information you need.
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Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | |
Saskatchewan Order of Merit
The Saskatchewan Order of Merit was established in 1985 to celebrate excellence and achievement by Saskatchewan citizens. To date, 272 individuals have been invested with the Order in appreciation of their significant contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, industry, community leadership, public service, art, research, and volunteering.
Nominations will be accepted until November 30, 2024. Online nominations are encouraged, but nominations will also be accepted by mail, courier or in-person.
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Awarded to Reeves, Councillors, or Administrators (active or retired)
for their lifetime contribution to rural Saskatchewan.
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2025 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nomination Period:
NOV 1, 2024 - JAN 31, 2025
The nomination period for the 2025 Lieutenant Governor's Award will open on November 1, 2024. Candidates must be nominated by an RM, with council’s approval, and administrator’s sign-off.
The selection committee reviews all nominations and selects one individual who has not yet been formally recognized and includes representatives from:
- Lieutenant’s Governor’s Office of Saskatchewan
- Ministry of Government Relations
- Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association
- Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities
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The award will be presented to the successful candidate at the Opening Ceremonies of the SARM Annual Convention. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to publicly recognize the recipient of this prestigious award.
Visit the SARM website for more information and to access the nomination form.
For questions or to submit nominations, contact:
Kathleen Israel, Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
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Rat Control Program
Claim Deadline: December 31, 2024
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Facilitating Independence Grant
Facilitating Independence is a process that focuses on
supporting older adults to live as independently as they wish to, in their location of choice. The goal is to provide supportive services and options which allow older adults to live a meaningful and freely chosen life, in their home and community.
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The intent of the FIG funding is to experiment and support trial projects to learn more about innovative, sustainable models that will enable older adults to age well at home. Learnings may be valuable to other communities in the province.
Grant applications will be accepted by SSM until December 10, 2024.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - December 2024
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
December 10:
- To remit and return monthly EPT funds
- To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
December 14:
- For first meeting of council after general election
December 15:
- For CRA source deductions remittance
December 31:
- To send forms to Ministry of Agriculture (Weed Control Act)
- To submit accounts for designated road program
- Add to taxes: Unpaid custom work, outstanding pest control expenditures, penalty (arrears)
- End of fiscal year for RMs
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: December 3
- Committee Meeting: December 12
- Board Meeting: December 4-5
Monthly Reminder(s)
- Make supplemental changes to assessment roll (earlier cut off date may be imposed, but not earlier than September 30)
- MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment is due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
Special Days
- Christmas Eve: December 24
- Christmas Day: December 25
- Boxing Day: December 26
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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 support.respectgroupinc.com.
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Funding to upgrade multiple buildings at once!
By renovating local facilities in your municipality, you will not only save on energy costs, but also increase resilience, create local jobs and maybe even improve the buildings’ services. When Ituna used a combination of a Green Municipal Fund (GMF) grant and loan to upgrade its 63-year-old arena with a new insulated steel shell, they took the opportunity to make the surface of the ice rink a bit bigger too.
You can maximize your impact by adding multiple community or municipal buildings to your GMF funding application—whether it’s for energy upgrades or the construction of new buildings.
With Saskatchewan’s cold winters and rising energy demands, now’s the time to invest in sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.
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RIRG 2024 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2024 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration by March 30, 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.
For all following CTP programs beginning in the 2025-26 program year, the Statutory Declaration shall only be accepted from January 1st to March 30th of each year.
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Be Ready
Emergency Preparedness Workshop
Do you want people in your organization or community to be prepared for an emergency?
Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time. In Canada, we face many hazards from wildfires, flooding, heat waves, and earthquakes. The Be Ready workshop is aimed at raising individual emergency preparedness.
In this free workshop facilitated by the Canadian Red Cross, participants will learn
about:
- The potential hazards and risks in their area
- How to create an emergency plan
- How to assemble an emergency kit
- The importance of social and support network during emergencies
To book a free workshop for your organization or community, or for more information, contact the Canadian Red Cross Saskatoon Office at 306.668.0720.
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Occupational Health & Safety Snow Removal Exemption
The snow removal exemption, including the required agreement, is linked below for your reference and use. As in the past, this only applies to residents contracted by an individual rural municipality to remove snow who meets the conditions of the exemption and who signs an agreement to comply with the conditions set out in the exemption. This exemption is in effect until November 30, 2025.
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Municipal Infrastructure and Finance Updates
Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
Housing, Infrastructure & Communities Canada (HICC) recently announced the launch the Direct Delivery Intake for the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).
Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure
HICC is implementing an initiative to help communities across Canada build resilient and low-carbon housing and infrastructure. The Climate Toolkit is intended for communities to help them adapt their infrastructure to changing climate conditions, and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions during new home and infrastructure constructions.
Municipal Directory System
It is important for municipalities to regularly check that their contact information and email addresses are current in the Municipal Directory System (MDS). This is to ensure municipalities receive important information in a timely manner from the Ministry of Government Relations about grant funding opportunities and other key initiatives such as the Municipal Revenue Sharing program. To review and update your information, please visit the recently upgraded MDS website.
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Municipal Revenue Sharing Declaration of Eligibility
Municipalities are required to annually report their compliance with eligibility requirements to receive their Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) grant by completing an online Declaration of Eligibility (declaration). The unique link and password for the online declaration will be emailed to each municipality on November 15, 2024. The deadline for submission of the declaration is January 31, 2025. Please ensure it is submitted by the deadline, even if the municipality does not meet all eligibility requirements.
Submitting Municipal Election Results
Municipalities are reminded to submit their municipal election results to the Ministry of Government Relations as soon as possible. Election results include any council positions elected by acclamation. For further information on submitting election results, please refer to the Municipal Election Results Reporting Fact Sheet.
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The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Vanscoy No. 345, Office Assistant, Dec 31 - Close
RM of Fertile Valley No. 285, Grader Operator, Dec 31 - Close
RM of White Valley No. 49, Grader Operator, Jan 24 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
There are no active buy/sell ads.
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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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Traffic Supply Program
Partnering with major traffic sign suppliers to provide everything from the basic essentials to specific use equipment, the Canoe Traffic Supply Program ensures members get the signage they need at a competitive price and always trade compliant.
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Municipal Leaders’ Roles and Responsibilities
The 2024 Municipal Leaders’ Roles and Responsibilities seminar will be held virtually over Microsoft Teams. This webinar will provide information to newly elected officials 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 Municipalities Act, 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 ratepayers, and procurement best practices.
Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Session
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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: December 16 & 17, 2024
Time: December 16: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
December 17: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual Session
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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: December 10, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual Session
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Community and Land Use Planning
The Community and Land Use Planning module will cover 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.
Date: Always Available - Learn More
Location: Online
| *Dates are subject to change. Spaces are limited – register today! | | |
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
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SARM Midterm Convention – November 20-21, 2024
- November 13, 2024
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That’s a wrap on the #SARMMidterm2024! Thank you to everyone who attended and our sponsors for their generous support. | | |
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To date, SARM members have donated over $4.9 million to STARS Ambulance. Thank you, STARS, for the life-saving resources you provide to Saskatchewan. | | |
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Resolutions are an integral part of SARM conventions and will direct SARM’s focus for the upcoming year. | | |
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Former SARM President Ray Orb joined us this afternoon for a candid conversation about his tenure with SARM and hopes for the future. Thank you, Ray, for your extensive contributions to rural Saskatchewan. | | | | |
