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January 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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Stay up-to-date with all the latest SARM information. Don't miss out on anything important!
SARM sends relevant information through the weekly Rural Dart (RD) and monthly Rural Sheaf (RS), as well as via Information or Action Item emails in specific circumstances. The details about conventions are incorporated into both the RD and RS, in addition to being shared through separate emails specifically designated for convention information.
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The RS Layout
The First Section
This is for important SARM information, including administrator action items, anything new or changing at SARM, convention information, nomination calls, and RM directory updates.
Awards/Nominations/Scholarships
Board and committee nominations, Rural Saskatchewan applicable awards or scholarships, such as the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan, the Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship, the SARM Student Scholarship in Agricultural Safety and Rural Health, the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards, and more.
Deadlines
Items all have an apply-by deadline and include various funding opportunities, grants, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership programs etc.
Your Voice
Anything asking for input, such as opinions on services, programs, community enhancement, or involvement with boards and committees etc.
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Information & Resources
Anything informative or helpful to RMs and Administrators, or those living and working in rural Saskatchewan. Items include SARM's Interactive Calendar, federal or provincial government updates and programs, and other rural community offerings.
SARM Classifieds
Where RMs place their Looking to Hire and Looking to Buy/Sell ads.
Member Purchasing Supplier Highlight
Showcases a specific SARM supplier each month.
Training
SARM, and other learning opportunities are offered through webinars, courses etc.
SARM Out and About and
#Rural Matters
Showcases SARM Social Media posts about rural advocacy, whether at the SARM office or around the province.
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SARM Elections,
Call for Nominations
Divisions 1, 3, & 5
Pursuant to the SARM bylaws, the deadline for nominations to be received for Division Directors in Divisions 1, 3, and 5 is 5:00 PM, February 16, 2024. This date is 28 days prior to the date of the election. The date for Division Director elections is March 15, 2024.
- All elected positions are two-year terms.
- The two-year terms of office for the six Directors are staggered, with the two-year term for the Directors of Divisions 1, 3, and 5 from the election at the annual convention in an even year and continuing until the completion of the election for those positions at the annual convention two years henceforth.
- The two-year terms for the Directors of Divisions 2, 4, and 6 are from the election at the annual convention in an odd year and continuing until the completion of the election for those positions at the annual convention two years henceforth.
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Nominations may be submitted by mail, by fax (306.565.2141), or by email. If sent by email, a scanned copy of the nomination is to be submitted to [email protected]. The candidate’s acceptance form must be filed by the same deadline in the same manner.
Once a nomination form has been submitted you must contact the SARM office at 306.757.3577 to ensure the nomination has been received.
Please see the SARM Governance Bylaw as well as the Board Election Nomination and Acceptance Form linked below.
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2024 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
Registration for the 2024 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show is now open. The deadline to register and/or make any revisions to your registration is February 28, 2024.
SARM members received a separate email on January 11, 2024, with registration instructions. Please note that registration is not required for any RM employees who will only be attending the trade show.
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SARM 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. 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 [email protected].
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Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | |
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RMs, show your appreciation and submit nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
(candidates must be nominated by an RM)
Everyone knows that reeve, councillor, or administrator who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing the interests and well-being of Saskatchewan’s RMs. We see their passions encompassing areas such as community development, economic sustainability, and social initiatives.
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This award recognizes individuals with outstanding contributions to rural life in various aspects. Nominate anyone who you have seen exemplify one or more of the following, those who have:
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shown outstanding agricultural stewardship through a commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible land use, and environmental stewardship.
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introduced innovative practices or technologies in agriculture, contributing to the growth and sustainability of rural communities.
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made significant contributions to education and knowledge dissemination in rural communities.
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played a crucial role in improving healthcare access, services, or awareness in rural areas.
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dedicated their time and efforts to volunteer work that enhances the quality of life in rural communities.
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made outstanding efforts in community development, infrastructure improvement, or the implementation of programs that positively impact rural life.
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have made significant contributions to the economic development of rural areas through business entrepreneurship.
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The deadline for submission of the declaration is January 31, 2024.
Please ensure the declaration is submitted by the deadline, even if the municipality does not meet all eligibility requirements.
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Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI)
Call for Proposals
The Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) is Infrastructure Canada’s national merit-based contribution funding program that funds projects focused on key Government of Canada research and data priorities related to housing, infrastructure and communities. The second phase is prioritizing funding in applied research that includes or examines specific interventions and that contributes to solutions for addressing Canadian housing and infrastructure needs.
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The RKI can support projects from legal entities registered in Canada such as:
- Non-governmental (not for profit) organizations including:
- Industry, research and professional associations;
- National Indigenous organizations and Indigenous communities;
- Community and regional organizations;
- Canadian academic institutions;
- Provincial, territorial, regional municipal or Indigenous governments;
- Private (for profit organizations); and,
- International non-profits.
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The application deadline is February 9, 2024. If you have any further questions, please visit the RKI webpage linked below or contact the RKI mailbox at [email protected]. | | | |
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Rural Integrated Roads
for Growth (RIRG)
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RIRG 2023 Clearing the Path (CTP)
Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Clearing the Path Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2023 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration Form by Sunday, March 31st, 2024.
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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RIRG 2022 Capital Project Upcoming Deadlines
RMs with a RIRG 2022 Capital Project
Reminder to Submit Invoices for Grant Payment SARM by Thursday, February 29, 2024
As per RIRG 2022-2023 Capital Project Funding Agreement, Clause 2.1:
“SARM shall pay to the Municipality a sum equal to 50 percent of the Eligible Costs up to a maximum of $500,000 per year, per Rural Municipality, per Project, incurred on or before December 31, 2023.
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For questions about the Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Form, the 2022 Capital Project Deadlines, or anything else RIRG related please send inquiries to [email protected] | | |
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ClimateWest Adaptation in Action Program
ClimateWest has launched the Adaptation in Action Program and is now accepting proposals for projects that advance climate adaptation in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba and build resilience to our changing climate.
The Adaptation in Action Program aims to support impactful projects that:
- Build understanding about the range of plausible future climate conditions and how these may impact communities, businesses, governments, and/or organizations
- Bridge Indigenous and Western scientific knowledges to better advance climate adaptation and resilience
- Identify and assess climate risks and vulnerabilities that result in learnings that can apply across the region
- Develop information or communications materials that enable adaptation action and investment
Key Details
- Open to Indigenous communities and organizations; non-profit organizations; municipalities; research centres; businesses; other organizations; or partnerships assembled for the project
- Up to $50,000 per project
- Projects must must be completed within two years (i.e. on or before March 31, 2026)
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Application deadline February 20, 2024
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Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Forage Coverage
SCIC has a program for producers who grow forages for seed, sale or feed
The deadline to apply is March 31, 2024
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Coverage basics
Cause of Loss: Uncontrollable natural hazards covered by Crop Insurance.
Coverage Levels and Premium: Producers may select coverage at 50, 60, 70 or 80 per cent of their average yield.
Individual Coverage: Coverage based on individual growing history rather than area average.
Individual Premium: Starting in 2023, an Individual Premium is calculated for each crop based on personal claim history compared to the area risk zone.
Insurable Crops: SCIC insures crop varieties suitable for local growing conditions.
Prices: Base prices for grains crops are established on the basis of January price forecasts provided by the Market Analysis Group of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Price Options: Producers can custom-fit their insurance by selecting price options best suited for their operation.
Production Guarantee: Guarantee is calculated based on individual coverage multiplied by insurable acres.
Soil Classification: Soil classification are used for premium and coverage calculations.
Yield Cushioning: Yield cushioning limits the impact on yield coverage in poor crop years.
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Enhanced Coverage
Forage Diversification Option
Coverage for any forage feed crops not insurable under the basic forage insurance program.
Forage Establishment Benefit Option
Protects newly seeded forage acres intended for hay, grazing or seed production against the risk of an establishment failure.
Forage Restoration
Coverage for loss of insured acres of established tame hay or alfalfa seed due to prolonged flooding.
Specialty Program
Timothy Hay Program
Coverage for irrigated timothy hay acres intended for export, and mitigates the risk associated with this intensively managed crop.
Don't miss out!
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DFO Invites Feedback on Approach to Fish and Fish Habitat Restoration
In 2022, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) engaged on the proposed approach to identify fish habitat restoration priorities and what factors to consider in selecting priority restoration actions, opportunities and objectives. Input was used to develop the Framework to Identify Fish Habitat Restoration Priorities (Framework).
In the Winter 2023/24 phase of engagement, DFO is sharing information about what was heard during the initial meetings and survey responses and to identify restoration priorities. DFO is seeking your input on additional information to be included and how restoration goals and actions should be shaped. Specifically, DFO would like your help to identify important species, ecosystem functions and site-specific restoration opportunities within Saskatchewan watersheds and to inform the structure and content of restoration goals, actions and site-specific opportunities to support them.
Your input will be used to assemble the Saskatchewan Fish and Fish Habitat Restoration Goals and Actions, which will be shared with you for your feedback later in 2024, prior to finalization and implementation.
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Sask. farmers produce some of the world’s most sustainable crops: Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) USask study | |
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - February 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
February 1:
- Submit written notification on properties exempt from assessment for the purpose of economic development
February 10:
- Remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- Submit & return monthly EPT funds
February 15:
- Submit CRA source deductions
- Pay SARM membership fees and insurance premiums
February 28:
- Submit Workers' Compensation Statement of Earnings
- Issue T4 slips
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: February 8
- Committee Meeting: February 13
- Board Meeting: February 14-15
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
Special Days
- Valentine's Day: February 14
- Family Day: February 19
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Rural Road Reclassification
For RMs Looking to classify or reclassify
one (or several) of their rural roads
SARM accepts applications from Rural Municipalities on behalf of the Rural Road Reclassification Committee (RRCC) to review road (re)classification requests.
The link to the Rural Road Reclassification Request Form is at sarm.ca/resources/guides-tools-and-templates/ under the Infrastructure and Development tab.
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PLANT ORGANIZATIONAL ROOTS FOR LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
There is much information out there about asset management. AM-SK is here to help you translate that information into action.
Build awareness and get everyone on the same page with The Learning Path to Asset Management Readiness.
Build technical capacity with The Initial State of the Infrastructure Report.
AM-SK's goal is to share everything you need to know. For FREE training Use the code: AMmadeEASIER
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Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
Step into the role of internship supervision and shape the future one-on-one! The Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) offers a unique opportunity for Class A or Superior A Rural Administrators to provide individualized training and foster professional competency in future rural municipal administrators by helping them attain the necessary competencies and required hours for their “Rural Class C certification” throughout the 52-week internship period.
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Why Choose to be a MAIP Internship Supervisor?
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Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
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Tailored Development: Customize the internship experience to address specific skills and goals, ensuring maximum impact, offering practical guidance, feedback, and real-world insights that go beyond academic learning.
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Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
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Financial Benefit: Upon approval, SARM will provide the selected host rural municipalities with a $17,000 grant intended to cost share the intern’s salary. The supervising administrator of record will also receive a $3,000 honorarium upon successfully completing the internship supervision.
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Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program
The Friendly Calls program is safe, accessible and free
Friendly Calls is for everyone! This program matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.
If you know someone who would benefit from or like to receive social calls please share this with them and consider referring them to the program. Visit: redcross.ca/in-your-community/saskatchewan/friendly-calls-saskatchewan-referral-form
For information or to speak to the program coordinator:
call 306-721-1600 or email [email protected]
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Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is pleased to recognize January as
National Crime Stoppers month
Crime Stoppers continues to play a significant role in community safety through the cooperative efforts of the public reporting crime and law enforcement investigation of anonymous tips.
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is proud of the work done in 2023 to promote the program through community outreach initiatives and the work of our coordinators to successfully operate the program. The program continues to have a successful social media presence with unsolved crimes posted to our website and a following of 44,000 to the program’s Facebook page with a success rate of 54% for all crimes that are posted to the page.
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| 2023 | Since Inception | | Tips | 2025 | 41,276 | | Calls Received | 9269 | 159,600 | | Arrests | 75 | 3614 | | Charges | 113 | 2703 | | Rewards Approved | 44 | 1810 | | Reward $ Approved | $14,575 | $463,516 | | Total Recovered | $91,742 | $19,504,378 | | |
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2023 Clubroot Distribution in SK
The Government of Saskatchewan released the 2023 Saskatchewan Clubroot Distribution Map outlining the rural municipalities (RMs) where clubroot has been identified since the province started its clubroot survey in 2018.
Clubroot, a soil-borne disease, prevents plants from getting the nutrients they need by attacking their roots. Being soil-borne, it is imperative to know where clubroot exists to limit its spread. By proactively monitoring clubroot in Saskatchewan, the Government of Saskatchewan works with producers and other industry partners to minimize its impact, contributing to healthy plants, high-yield crops, and a prosperous Saskatchewan.
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Ice Fishing Returns to Saskatchewan with Emphasis on Safety
Ice fishing season has finally arrived on Saskatchewan waterways, and the Ministry of Environment is reminding anglers to keep safety top of mind. Some tips include:
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Plan ahead. Always tell someone where you will be fishing and when you plan to return.
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Be prepared. Wear proper cold-weather apparel and layer clothing to stay warm. Assemble some safety gear for emergencies such as a cell phone, ice picks, a throw rope, flares and a life jacket or flotation suit.
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Stick together. Try to fish with others rather than alone.
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Avoid open water. If there is open water nearby or the ice looks slushy, stay away.
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Don't assume. Ice conditions can change rapidly. Test the ice thickness before you travel on it and check with other local anglers for information about the waterbody. Visit the Water Security Agency for more information on ice safety.
Check out the Winter Ice Safety Fact Sheet for more information.
In addition to safety, ensure you're familiar with all rules and regulations for fishing. Know your limit and stay within it, carry your license, mark your ice shack and clean, drain and dry all of your equipment. Download the Saskatchewan Anglers Guide for more information.
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Crown Land Grazing Rates Frozen for 2024
The Government of Saskatchewan is freezing the 2024 Crown land grazing rate at 2022 levels, as the industry continues to deal with the effects of several years of dry conditions. Producers who must reduce their stocking rates on leased Crown land due to drought will also again be eligible for a rent reduction.
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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 Barrier Valley No. 97, General Maintenance Personnel, FEB 9 - Close
RM of Caledonia No. 99, Seasonal Mower & General Labourer, FEB 21 - Close
RM of Caledonia No. 99, Seasonal Grader Operator, FEB 21 - Close
RM of Progress No. 351, Grader Operator, FEB 14 - Close
Town of St. Walburg, Chief Administrative Officer, FEB 14 - Close
RM of Rosemount No. 378, Grader Operator, FEB 11 - Close
RM of Marquis No. 191, Office Assistant, FEB 11 - Close
RM of Newcombe No. 260, Heavy Equipment Operator, FEB 11 - Close
RM of Arlington No. 79, Utility Person, FEB 11 - Close
RM of Montmartre No. 126, Seasonal Equipment Operator, FEB 9 - Close
RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Seasonal Equipment Operator, FEB 7 - Close
RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Seasonal Utility Operator, FEB 7 - Close
RM of Sasman No. 336, Administrator, FEB 3 - Close
RM of Val Marie No. 17, Seasonal Utility Operator, JAN 31 - Close
RM of Val Marie No. 17, Seasonal Maintenance Operator, JAN 31 - Close
RM of Sutton No. 103, Grader Operator, JAN 28 - Close
RM of Mount Hope No. 279, Temporary Assistant Administrator, JAN 28 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Frenchman Butte No. 501, For Sale: 2018 John Deere 872G Grader, FEB 11 - Close
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If you have questions or would like to post in the SARM Classifieds contact: 306.757.3577 or [email protected]
Please send your advertisement in a Word Document.
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EMS Supply Program
You need reliable and high-quality supplies to effectively respond to the medical emergencies you face every day. From defibrillators to powered loaders and stretchers, Canoe leverages the buying power of all member organizations to get you the solutions you need to equip your emergency medical services with the right products.
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Lifelong Learning: What's the DIG Deal?
Presented by: Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA)
Did you know, that digging can be carried out by just about anyone, including homeowners, farmers, contractors, home builders, equipment operators, landscapers, land surveyors, and developers? It occurs every day all around us. From installing fence posts and sprinklers to pipelines and fibre optic cables, everyone and anyone that is involved in excavation or digging needs to be aware of the risks that could be associated and the best practices for safe ground disturbance.
Throughout our province, there are thousands of kilometres of underground infrastructure. These utilities may carry natural gas or oil, electricity, communication lines, or water. Any one of these utilities struck during digging can cause dangerous consequences for you, your family, and your community.
The Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) works with industry stakeholders and the digging community to promote effective damage prevention and safe excavation/digging practices, with the goal of reducing damages to buried utilities.
In this presentation, we will review why safe digging practices are important and also provide you with an overview of Sask 1st Call, the change that has occurred, and why your RMs could benefit from subscribing.
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Date: February 22, 2024
Time: 10-11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
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The SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have partnered to deliver free winter webinars | |
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Weed Inspector & Land Manager Webinar
January 31, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The webinar will focus on Noxious and Prohibited Weeds: Plant families and identification presented by Cory Jacob, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
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Pest Control Officer Webinar
February 9, 2024 at 12:00 pm
The webinar will focus on pesticide education presented by Kevin Patrick, Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
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Winter 2024 Modules
– 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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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.
Tuesday, March 12th
REAL District, Regina
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 13th
Location TBA
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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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.
Tuesday, March 12th
REAL District, Regina
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 13th
Location TBA
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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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.
Tuesday, March 12th
REAL District, Regina
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, April 13th
Location TBA
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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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.
Tuesday, March 12th
REAL District, Regina
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 13th (registration opening shortly)
Location TBA
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
| *Dates are subject to change. Spaces are limited – register today! | | |
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Developing a Safety Plan
Do you have a Safety Manual? Does your RM have a culture of safety?
You know that you need to have a manual, as per the Saskatchewan Employment Act, but you don’t know where to start. Southeast College can help you create a customized safety plan that meets your organization's specific needs and complies with OH&S, security, and safety standards.
The safety plans are tailored to the specific needs and goals of each organization, based on site visits, assessments, and consultations. We will visit your site to assess your risks, identify training gaps, and design a comprehensive safety plan just for your RM.
You will receive 2 hard-copies of the safety plan, along with an USB containing your manual. This enables you to make edits and changes to the safety plan as you move forward. The manual contains your safety program, policies, and procedures, ensuring you are compliant with the Saskatchewan Occupational Health & Safety Regulations.
If your RM works with another RM or urban municipality, and you share equipment, facilities, or more, we can work with you to develop a combined safety manual to serve both organizations.
To get more information and a quote, contact our Business & Program Development Consultants at [email protected] or call 1-866-999-7372. We will also be at the annual SARM Convention, please stop by our booth to discuss further!
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Plant Health Technical Advisors hosted Pest Control Officer workshops in Saskatoon and Regina during January. Both workshops were a great success, even during the cold weather! Thank you to everyone who attended and thank you to our presenters! | | |
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SARM and the Minister of Agriculture, David Marit are working to support opportunities in Saskatchewan Agriculture while addressing current industry challenges. | | |
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MP Warren Steinley was at the SARM office for an opportunity to meet and give an update to each other on federal advocacy and what’s important to SARM's membership. | | | | |
