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February 2026
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- Strategic Communications
- 2026 SARM Elections - Division 1, 3 & 5 Directors
- 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
- 2026 Annual & Midterm Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - March 2026
- #RuralMatters
- SARM Introduces Innovative Low-Height Traffic Barrier for Rural Bridges
- SARM Calls for Federal Investments to Support Rural Saskatchewan's Role in Canada's Clean Growth Future
- Risk Management
- Programs
- 2026 Weed Inspector & Land Manager Workshops
- New Headversity Courses Available
- MLDP Winter 2026 Modules - Registration Now Open!
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Medium Construction Equipment Program
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Classifieds Ad Rates for 2026
- Member Services
- Introduction to SARM's HR Service
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- Community Rink Affordability Grant
- Agriculture Student Scholarship
- Derelict Building Pilot Project
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - February 2026
- Announcements
- Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Continued Support Through the 2026 Crop Insurance Program
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- CAPI's Annual Agri-Food Risk Report Survey is Now Live!
- 2026 Dig Safe Awareness Breakfasts
- Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate
- Information Session
- CPKC Railway Company Resources
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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’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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2026 SARM Elections
Division 1, 3 & 5 Directors
As the nomination period for Division Directors for Division 1, 3, and 5 ended February 12th, 2026, at 5:00pm, SARM would like to announce that the following individuals have been ACCLAIMED to the SARM Board of Directors:
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- Division 1 Bob Moulding - RM of Abernethy No. 186
- Division 3 Shawn Kramer - RM of Maple Creek No. 111
- Division 5 Blair Cummins - RM of Blucher No. 343
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2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
Registration for the 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show is still open. The deadline to register and/or make any revisions to your registration is February 27, 2026.
Please ensure that all members from your RM who wish to attend convention are registered by the deadline. Registration is not required for any RM employees who will only be attending the trade show.
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Name badges for RM councils and administrators have been mailed out, based on the SARM RM Directory. Any SARM members attending the convention must bring their badge to the venue, it will act as a ticket which will be scanned upon arrival.
If you have registered additional/new attendees, their name badges will be available onsite. In addition, if a name badge requires updating or correcting, it will be done onsite.
Non-members can register to attend by visiting the SARM website.
Please contact convention@sarm.ca if you have any further questions about convention.
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2026 Annual
& Midterm 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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Regina Hotel Blocks:
- Comfort Suites Regina
- Courtyard by Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport
- The Atlas
Saskatoon Hotel Blocks:
- Best Western Plus East Side
- Best Western Airport
- Delta Bassborough
- Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown
- TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - March 2026
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
March 1:
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To submit Municipal library board estimate budget to administrator
- For organized hamlet board to request a special levy
- For pipeline owners to submit docs to assessor
- For independent grain companies to submit docs to assessor
- For organized hamlet board to submit budget and report
- For park authority to advise RM of regional park levy
March 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D, and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
March 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
- For library board to submit estimated maintenance and improvement requests
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March 31:
- For landowner to withdraw from the SMHI Hail Insurance Program
- For written notice from property owner stating that a lessee is to receive a dwelling exemption
Meetings
- Committee Meetings: March 24
- Board Meeting: March 9 & 25-26
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
- Daylight Savings Time Begins (except SK): March 8
- MLDP Modules: March 9
- SARM Annual Convention - Regina: March 10-12
- SMHI Annual General Meeting: March 10
- St. Patrick's Day: March 17
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News Release:
SARM Introduces Innovative Low-Height Traffic Barrier for Rural Bridges
February 19, 2026
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News Release:
SARM Calls for Federal Investment to Support Rural Saskatchewan’s Role in Canada’s Clean Growth Future
February 11, 2026
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When Ottawa decides to shut down AAFC research sites in SK, it’s not just research that disappears – it’s good jobs, local expertise, and support for the families who call our rural communities home.
On behalf of our members, SARM is calling on the federal government to listen to rural SK and stop these cuts to agriculture research and development before more damage is done.
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SARM is deeply disappointed with the PMRA's decision to deny SK’s emergency use request for strychnine. Denying emergency use does not eliminate risk; it simply shifts the burden entirely onto producers and municipalities, left with tools they know are not managing the problem.
SARM is concerned that the decision to deny strychnine does not fully account for the cumulative impact of gopher damage on food production, farm viability, and rural community resilience.
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SARM had the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Sean Wilson, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement, in Regina to discuss issues important to rural SK on behalf of our member rural municipalities.
| | 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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2026 Weed Inspector & Land Manager Workshops
SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors, through the Pest Biosecurity Program, are excited to host two one-day workshops in April 2026.
A variety of presenters will share valuable insights and conversations around topics including:
- interpreting herbicide labels
- tank mixing and rinsing, and backpack sprayer calibration
- obtaining permits for herbicide use near water
- updates on herbicide spraying using drones
- weed identification and record keeping
| | Register by March 24, 2026, by selecting the date for the locations you want to attend. The free workshops will run from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm with lunch included. | | New Headversity Courses Available | | | Respect in the Workplace CERT is a quick, interactive training program to help you navigate challenges and create a culture you love. You'll gain practical skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviours like bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination - all while strengthening connections within your team. | | | Mental Health Foundations CERT provides the essential knowledge and strategies you need to manage stress, prevent burnout, and foster resilience in the workplace. The program will equip you with actionable tools to maintain your energy, purpose, and wellbeing - so you can show up as your best self personally and professionally! | | | |
Each course is only 40 minutes in length and will be followed up with mini lessons to reinforce the learning you’ve gained.
There is a new cost associated with the course registration. Pricing will be $15 per person for the first course taken and $7.50 per person for the second course taken.
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To get started:
- Scan the QR code found on the one-pager to access on the web or mobile app. Or use the following link: https://apps.headversity.com/login
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Register with your e-mail address and invite code SARMCERT
- Both courses will be available once registered.
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Municipal Leadership Development
Program (MLDP)
Winter 2026 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. | |
The registration deadline for the March 9th modules is March 4th. Registration for the April 11th is still open. | | | | |
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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: REAL District, Regina
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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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: REAL District, Regina
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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: Monday, March 9th
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: REAL District, Regina
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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.
Date: Saturday, April 11th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: REAL District, Regina
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*Dates and location are subject to change.
For more information or to register for a module, click the link below.
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Important Notice Regarding MLDP
- SARM has decided to step away as the administrator of the Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) after the Spring 2026 sessions.
- It is yet to be determined if another MLDP partner organization will take over the program.
- If any of your council or staff are interested in the current MLDP modules, it would be recommended to participate in the Spring 2026 sessions.
- Stay tuned for more information!
| | | 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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Medium Construction Equipment Program
Your medium-duty construction vehicles pull more than their weight in both your big projects and day-to-day processes. Leveraging the Canoe Medium Construction Equipment Program, you can ensure you’re getting quality skid steers, compact excavators, tractors, and more at the best price, all fully trade-compliant.
| | | 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 Lone Tree No. 18, Senior Grader Operator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Poplar Valley No. 12, Seasonal Grader Operator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Moose Jaw No. 161, Seasonal Public Works, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Wolverine No. 340, Administrator, Feb 28 - Close
RM of Fish Creek No. 402, Equipment Operator, Feb 28 - Close
RM of Britannia No. 502, Equipment Operator(s), Mar 3 - Close
RM of Britannia No. 502, Operations Coordinator, Mar 3 - Close
RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrator, Mar 4 - Close
RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrative Assistant, Mar 4 - Close
City of Lloydminster, Intergovernmental Relations Advisor, Mar 4 - Close
RM of Montrose No. 315, Administrator, Mar 6 - Close
RM of Lawtonia No. 135, Equipment Operator, Mar 10 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Administrator, Mar 10 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Heavy Equipment Operator, Mar 10 - Close
Town of Radisson, Administrator, Mar 10 - Close
County of Vermilion River, Chief Administrative Officer, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Round Valley No. 410, Assistant Administrator, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Round Valley No. 410, Equipment Operator, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Wood Creek No. 281, Grader Operator, Mar 16 - Close
RM of Wood Creek No. 281, Truck Driver, Mar 16 - Close
RM of Walpole No. 92, Operator, Mar 17 - Close
RM of Walpole No. 92, Seasonal Maintenance Operator, Mar 17 - Close
RM of Spiritwood No. 496, Heavy Equipment Operator, Mar 20 - Close
RM of Cote No. 271, Administrator, Mar 23 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Lajord No. 128, 2021 JD 870G Grader and Front Plow, Mar 16 - Close
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Ad 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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Classifieds Ad Rates for 2026
The 2026 rates for advertising employment and buy/sell postings through SARM's Classifieds webpage and weekly digital newsletter, the Rural Dart, are $175 (+ tax) for SARM members and $400 (+ tax) for non-members. Please submit your ad requests through SARM's online submission forms linked above.
| | | SARM’s Member Services Team is dedicated to providing valuable services that meet the specific needs of SARM's member rural municipalities. | | |
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Introduction to SARM’s HR Service
SARM now offers Human Resources consulting services to members across Saskatchewan. We understand that this is a need for many RMs and we are excited to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s can access services including advice on people issues, hiring, terminations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, retention, change management, conflict resolution, training and many other HR related issues.
Our new HR service is being offered through our partner Knibbs HR Consulting. Knibbs HR is a Métis-owned Saskatchewan firm that has been supporting organizations since 2002 with practical, people-first HR solutions rooted in respect, clarity, and partnership. Their work helps organizations bring strategy, culture, and people systems into alignment while strengthening the internal confidence and capability of leaders and teams. Known for their objectivity, compassion, and actionability, Knibbs HR explains the “why,” shares knowledge generously, and leaves workplaces more equipped than when they arrived. Whether developing HR tools, guiding difficult conversations, shaping culture, or coaching leaders through change, they remain grounded in practical professionalism. Learn more at www.knibbs.ca.
This HR Service principally provides rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Service also works in collaboration with our Legal Services team, or your usual legal counsel to provide holistic advice and opinions when employment matters necessitate.
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Fee: $230 per hour for HR Consulting
$95 per hour for Administrative and Support Services
How to Access Services:
If you have a human resources inquiry or require HR services you can contact: hr@sarm.ca.
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Community Rink Affordability Grant
Skating and curling rinks are integral to the creation of vibrant, active, and connected communities in Saskatchewan. Administered by SPRA on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, the Community Rink Affordability Grant is intended to support communities and organizations with the operating costs of indoor ice surfaces.
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A grant of $5,000 will be available per ice surface to help offset the expenses for eligible indoor skating and curling rinks for the 2025-2026 operating season.
Submissions will be accepted online until February 27, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
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Agriculture Student Scholarship
For students who want to tell the exciting story of agriculture, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture offers the Agriculture Student Scholarship. This award is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. The winning scholarship is valued at $6,000 and the three runner-up scholarships are valued at $3,000 each.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a Grade 12 student or recent high school/GED graduate (within the past two school years) residing in Saskatchewan who is planning to take agriculture-related post-secondary education beginning in the fall of 2026.
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete the Application Form and:
- Produce a creative three-minute video or 1,000-word essay (criteria below);
- Provide a letter of conditional acceptance to a post-secondary institution; and
- Provide a letter of recommendation from either a teacher/professor, agriculture industry leader or community leader.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
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Derelict Building Pilot Project
The Ministry of Environment is running a voluntary pilot project that permits municipalities to conduct controlled burns of derelict buildings. The purpose of this pilot is to evaluate the feasibility of using controlled burns as a tool for managing derelict structures, while also providing a potential training opportunity for volunteer fire departments. The pilot began on November 1, 2025.
Derelict buildings present safety concerns and environmental risks. Controlled burns, when properly planned and executed, can serve as a method for addressing these structures. This pilot aims to assess the effectiveness, safety and environmental implications of such activities within a defined framework.
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The pilot project requires that:
- The municipality has a joint-use fire agreement with a volunteer fire department;
- The volunteer fire department will oversee the burning activity as a training exercise; and
- The municipality will assume all costs and liability.
For more information, click here or contact derelict.buildings@gov.sk.ca.
| | | 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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CAPI’s Annual Agri-Food Risk Report Survey is Now Live!
Now in its third year, the survey is a critical benchmarking tool, identifying the most significant and emerging threats facing Canada’s agri-food system. These results will inform CAPI’s Agri-Food Risk Report, a paper designed to help industry, policymakers, and business leaders to make informed decisions and catalyze constructive dialogue on Canadian agri-food policy.
The 2026 edition of the Risk Report will focus on leadership in a period of heightened global uncertainty, examining what leadership for Canada’s agri-food sector looks like – where it must adapt, where it’s already leading, and what it needs to seize emerging opportunities. We need your input to understand what has changed since last year and which new risks demand attention. Aggregated findings from the report will be shared widely across the agri-food sector.
Take 10 minutes to participate in the Agri-Food Risk Report Survey to ensure your perspectives are represented in the report. The deadline to complete the survey is February 28, 2026.
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2026 Dig Safe Awareness Breakfasts
You are invited to REGISTER for a Dig Safe Awareness Breakfast coming to a community near you this April.
For 2026, there are various event host locations for you to choose from:
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These FREE Breakfasts are sponsored by over 20 industry members in partnership with the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA). For those attending in Lloydminster, The SCGA is jointly hosting with Utility Safety Partners.
The SCGA has tailormade these events to the following:
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- excavators
- contractors
- landowners
- farmers
- oil and gas, water and sewer, telecom and trenchless industries
- municipal and public works departments
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- One Call Center members/owners and operators
- utility locate service providers
- utility locate administrators
- engineers
- insurance claims and risk management operators
| | Local fire and police departments, volunteer fire fighters, EMS personnel, safety officers, and urban or rural councillors are encouraged to attend. | | |
Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate
Applications are now open for Cycle 2 of this certificate starting in June 2026!
Communities are on the front lines of climate change, and every municipal role has a part to play in building resilience — from infrastructure and planning to finance, community development, and leadership. The Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate, offered by the University of Waterloo’s Climate Institute, helps municipal professionals develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to strengthen climate resilience at the local level. Through expert-led, practical courses available in both English and French, participants will gain the skills needed to drive locally tailored, equity-informed climate solutions. This project is carried out with funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund and the Government of Canada.
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Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate Information Session
Join the University of Waterloo Climate Institute to learn about the new Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate - a forward-thinking initiative tailored for municipal staff and elected officials across Canada. Led by the Climate Institute team, this 60-minute webinar will introduce the certificate's structure, highlight key learning outcomes, and feature insights from the Climate Institute team and municipal leaders already engaged in climate-resilience initiatives. Join us on February 26th and learn how this certificate can advance your career and help your municipality lead on climate adaptation.
Date: February 26, 2026
Time: 2:00-3:00pm (EST)
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CPKC Railway Company Resources
The following are helpful contact details and resources for the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway company for your reference:
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Emergency Contact 24 / 7 /365:
CPKC Public Safety Communications Centre
800.716.9132
| | | | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
