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September 2026
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- 2026 SARM Midterm Resolution Deadline
- Strategic Communications
- SAMA 2026 Board Elections
- 2026 SARM Midterm Convention Registration Now Open!
- 2027 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- 2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - October 2026
- #RuralMatters
- Insurance & Benefits
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
- Legal Services
- Programs
- Strychnine Stewardship Training Closed for 2026 Season
- Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship
- Invasive Plant Control Program Claim Deadline
- Intake for 2026 RIRG Project
- RIRG 2026 CTP Statutory Declaration Reminder
- SARM Learning
- New Headversity Courses Available
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Zach James Media Year-End Gravel Measurements
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- HR Services for SARM Members
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- Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant Program
- Heritage Conservation Workshops
- Ministerial Interpretation NBC 2020-004 - Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Installed in Lieu of CO Alarms
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative - Now Reviewing Applications Monthly
- Municipalities Today - September 2026
- Announcements
- Crop Report for the Period September 15-21, 2026
- Nominations Open for the 2027 Saskatchewan Order of Merit
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- CIF Community Grant Program
- SCA Fall 2026 District Meetings
- 2027 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers Nominations
- Nominations Now Open for Saskatchewan Municipal Awards!
- Living Lab - Prairie Central Conference
- Conference for Municipal Professionals: Discount Tickets on Sale Now
- Canadian Safety Train Express - Saskatchewan Insights
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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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2026 SARM Midterm
Resolution Deadline
The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2026 SARM Midterm Convention is Sunday, October 4, 2026, end of day.
Resolutions must be received in the SARM office by this date in order to be addressed at the upcoming convention and included in the convention guide.
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Each resolution must be emailed separately using the fillable submission form.
Please email resolutions to resolutions@sarm.ca.
Refer to the Resolution Writing Tips One Pager and the Resolution Submission Form linked below for details.
| | | 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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Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA)
2026 Board Elections
- Looking for Two Rural Representatives
Submission Deadline:
October 21, 2026
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 2026 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 Wednesday, October 21, 2026. A confirmation email with further instructions will be sent.
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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
| For more information, contact sarm@sarm.ca. | | |
2026 SARM Midterm Convention Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 2026 SARM Midterm Convention is open. The deadline to register and/or make any revisions to your registration is November 10, 2026. SARM members received an email on September 2 with instructions on how to register, as well as more information about the convention.
Please ensure that all members from your RM who wish to attend the convention are registered by the deadline.
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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 and 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.
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Non-members can register to attend by visiting the SARM website.
Please contact convention@sarm.ca if you have any further questions about the convention.
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Lieutenant Governor's Award for
Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
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Do you know a reeve, councillor, or administrator with an inspiring story?
Nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan are now open!
The 2027 nomination period runs until December 31, 2026.
To submit a nomination or request a nomination form, please contact:
Kathleen Israel,
Selection Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
2301 Windsor Park Road,
Regina, Saskatchewan S4V 3A4
To learn more about this award and how to submit a nomination, refer to the LGA Guidelines Document linked below or visit the SARM website.
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2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual 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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Saskatoon Hotel Blocks:
- Best Western Plus East Side
- Best Western Airport
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Delta Bassborough (only available for 2027 annual - under construction for 2026 midterm)
- Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown
- TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon
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SARM Online Calendar - October 2026
View the SARM 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
October 1:
- For railway company statements to be submitted to assessor
- To submit annual maintenance list to SAMA (recommended by SAMA)
October 4:
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To submit midterm convention resolutions
October 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
October 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
- For application for the SARM Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship
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October 31
- Last day of hail and fire insurance coverage
Meetings
- Committee Meetings: October 13
- Board Meeting: October 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
- Thanksgiving Day: October 12
- SARM Ottawa Trip: October 19-23
- Halloween: October 31
| | | | SARM President Bill Huber appeared on CTV News to discuss the challenges Saskatchewan producers faced this farming season and the ag sector’s impact on both the provincial and national economies. Learn more about what SARM is doing to advocate on behalf of our members: | | Strong supply chains connect Saskatchewan farms to kitchen tables, ensuring food reaches those who need it. This Supply Chain Week, SARM recognizes the vital role of producers and those who move food from farms to local and international markets. Reliable rural roads and bridges are essential to that work, and SARM will continue advocating for long-term infrastructure investment in rail, ports, and the over 164,000km of roads managed by RMs that support it. | | | | | SARM’s Executive met with federal Minister of Energy & Natural Resources Tim Hodgson to discuss Saskatchewan’s energy priorities. SARM supports energy corridors and increased pipeline capacity for efficient movement of Canadian energy products, easing pressure on rail networks, and ensuring farmers can transport their goods. The discussion also emphasized responsible nuclear development and clear plans for the management and disposal of renewable-energy infrastructure. | | |
SARM’s Insurance & Benefits Team administers and
facilitates various SARM and external partner insurance and
benefit products, including SARM’s fidelity bond, liability, and
property insurance plans, the SARM Benefits Plan, and external group benefits plans.
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Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP
Coverage for SARM Members
The Saskatchewan Blue Cross group benefits plan for SARM members includes enhanced support through Homewood Health and Cleveland Clinic Canada, giving you and your family access to tailored, on-demand support for your mental and physical health.
Homewood Health’s EFAP program connects you to confidential, professional mental health and wellness services. Whether it’s counselling for anxiety, stress, or grief or coaching for work-life balance, parenting, or financial planning, Homewood is here to help. Their Enhanced Mental Health Care program even offers longer-term support for more complex needs, including up to 20 specialized counselling sessions. Register at homeweb.ca to access these resources today.
Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Express Care Online (ECO) service offers on-demand virtual medical consultations for your physical health. Available 24/7 across Canada, ECO lets you connect with a nurse practitioner for diagnoses, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more—all from the comfort of your home. Simply download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online app to get started!
For more information, click the links below.
| | SARM’s Legal Services Team principally represents rural municipalities in legal proceedings where a SARM insurance plan (e.g. Liability Self-Insurance Plan) provides coverage. The team also provides in-house legal services to SARM’s other departments and Board of Directors. In addition, the team provides legal services to individual RMs, which can include researching legal issues, drafting opinions, and drafting agreements, on a fee-for-service basis and as time permits. | | |
| 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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Strychnine Stewardship Training Closed for 2026 Season
Please note that access to the Strychnine Stewardship Training for the 2026 season closed on September 1, 2026. Access to the Strychnine Stewardship Training for the 2027 season will be available in early 2027.
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Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship
Apply by October 15
Because SARM understands the vital role administrators play in municipal governance in rural Saskatchewan, we developed the SARM Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship Program to help support administrators.
The scholarship is for students enrolled in the Local Government Authority (LGA) Certificate Program at the University of Regina or the Municipal Administration Business Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Three scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded annually, paid at the end of the completed semester.
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The application deadline is October 15 each year and must be supported by confirmation of enrollment during the current year.
For questions, contact Dustin Resch, Director of Capacity Building and Programs, at dresch@sarm.ca or 306.761.3945.
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Invasive Plant Control Program
Claim Deadline
October 31, 2026
| | To learn more about the Invasive Plant Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
Intake for 2026 RIRG Project
The RIRG program application intake for road, bridge and large diameter culvert projects has now opened!
The deadline to apply is November 15, 2026.
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Application approvals are anticipated in January, following the intake, so that RMs can begin construction as soon as possible next year.
For more information, please visit the RIRG website, linked below, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns.
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RIRG 2026 Clearing the Path (CTP)
Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
This is a reminder to submit your 2026-27 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration starting on October 1, 2026, 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.
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SARM Learning
SARM is launching its new municipal education program this fall called SARM Learning. One of the main priorities for SARM Learning is orientation support for newly elected officials and we are introducing three new resources!
| | “What Are You Getting Into” | | A one-pager that outlines some key messages from SARM to potential candidates for municipal government. It is designed to be given with other information from the municipal office to those deciding whether or not to run for office. | | | “What Have You Gotten Into” | | This booklet is a tool for administrators to use with newly elected council members before their first meeting. | | | For more information about these resources, as well as other SARM Learning events and programs, please visit the SARM website linked below. | | 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:
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Scan the QR code found on the one-pager to access on the web or mobile app. Or use the following link: 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.
| | | 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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Zach James Media Year-End Gravel Measurements
Accurate gravel measurements are crucial for ensuring that your inventory records and financial reporting accurately reflect the true value of your gravel.
For rural municipalities across Saskatchewan, gravel is a highly valuable and widely used resource. Accurately measuring your gravel in the fall is essential for precise year-end figures, providing a solid foundation for planning the coming year.
| | | 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 Lumsden No. 189 and Town of Lumsden, Corporate Services Coordinator, Oct 9 - Close
RM of Blucher No. 343, Foreman, Oct 10 - Close
RM of Coulee No. 136, Administrator, Oct 13 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Grant No. 372, Schulte Flx-1510 Flex Arm, Oct 10 - 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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| 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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HR Services for SARM Members
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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Fees:
- $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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Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant Program
The program provides up to $100,000 (per location) to municipalities and Indigenous land or territories. The goal of this fund is to stimulate and support local, collaborative action that will increase traffic safety awareness. Local traffic initiatives will help reduce collisions, traffic injuries and fatalities within Saskatchewan.
The program began in 2019 and uses funds from photo speed enforcement tickets.
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How to Apply
To apply for the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant, please visit the Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Online Portal. You’ll be prompted to create an account for your organization. Once you’ve logged on, click “Apply”. If you need any assistance, contact the PSE Program Administrator by emailing PSEProgram@sgi.sk.ca or calling
1.844.855.2744, extension 6042.
The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
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Heritage Conservation Workshops
The Heritage Conservation Branch is pleased to announce that registration is now open for two online workshops that will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and Thursday, October 22, 2026. These free workshops provide training in heritage conservation tools that will be of interest to anyone who owns, uses, manages, interprets, or regulates heritage buildings.
The workshops are designed so that they can be taken on a standalone basis, but attendance at both is recommended for maximum benefit.
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Statement of Significance
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A Statement of Significance is a document that explains why a historic place is important and identifies the features of the place that should be preserved. Using case‑studies and a virtual exercise, workshop participants will learn how to assess a heritage building’s heritage value, identify its character‑defining elements, and communicate this information in a well‑written Statement of Significance.
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Heritage Standards and Guidelines
Thursday, October 22, 2026 - 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
It is necessary to properly maintain heritage buildings, and sometimes to make changes to them. This workshop will discuss best practices for this work, including striking a balance between heritage requirements and economic feasibility. Participants will be introduced to the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada, a nationally recognized manual that guides decisions about alterations to heritage buildings and other historic places.
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The workshops qualify for professional learning credits from the Saskatchewan Professional Planners Institute and the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance.
There is no registration fee, but pre-registration is required. Registrations will be accepted until Friday, October 16, 2026.
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Ministerial Interpretation NBC 2020-004 - Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Installed in Lieu of CO Alarms
The Building and Technical Standards branch would like to advise stakeholders of a new Ministerial Interpretation. Effective September 21, 2026, a Ministerial Interpretation titled “Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Installed In Lieu of CO Alarms” is available.
This interpretation is related to Henry’s Law, which comes into force in Saskatchewan on November 1, 2026. Introduced on May 5, 2026, Henry’s Law requires all residential suites in Saskatchewan, regardless of their location in the building, to have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installed. The enhanced regulations are named in honour of Henry Losco, who passed away from carbon monoxide poisoning in Regina in December of 2025.
The interpretation provides additional flexibility for building owners by permitting the installation of CO detectors in lieu of CO alarms in certain circumstances. In particular, it provides an alternative compliance option for owners of buildings equipped with fire alarm systems, allowing interconnected CO detectors to be used to satisfy the requirements of Henry's Law.
Additional information regarding CO alarm requirements, including installation locations, is available in the advisories linked below. Contact the Building and Technical Standards branch at btstandards@gov.sk.ca or 306.787.4113 with any further questions.
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Targeted Sector Support Initiative
Now Reviewing Applications Monthly
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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 on a rolling basis and will be reviewed monthly for decisions.
The updated application guide can be found on the SARM website.
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CIF Community Grant Program
The CIF Community Grant Program provides funding support to a wide range of programs and services under three Funding Themes:
| | Applications are being accepted through the Grant Portal until October 1 at 4:00 p.m. To learn more and apply for funding, visit the CIF website linked below. | | |
Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA)
Fall 2026 District Meetings
The SCA Fall District meetings provide an opportunity to connect with fellow producers, hear updates on industry issues and participate in Association business. All meetings will take place between September 24 and October 7, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at locations throughout the province.
These meetings provide beef producers with an opportunity to connect with fellow producers, learn about current industry issues, provide feedback, and engage with SCA leadership.
Meeting details can be found through the link below.
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2027 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmer Nominations
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations. Each year one farming couple is selected from each of the program’s seven Regional Recognition Events to represent their respective region at the National Recognition Event.
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The submission deadline for nominations is November 15, 2026. To learn more or submit a nomination, click the links below. | | | | |
Nominations Now
Open for Saskatchewan Municipal Awards!
Established in 2006, the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards (SMAs) recognize the innovation and excellence of Saskatchewan’s municipal governments by celebrating and sharing these achievements and providing provincial exposure to both the municipality and the initiative.
The Saskatchewan Municipal Awards are awarded for:
- Top municipal initiative (rural, urban, or cooperative)
- Top rural municipal initiative
- Top urban municipal initiative
- Regional cooperation (a joint initiative with at least one rural and one urban municipality working collaboratively to lead the project)
| | Celebrate a municipally led initiative by submitting a nomination before 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday November 24, 2026. | | |
Living Lab - Prairie Central Conference
Join producers, researchers, and industry partners for a conference focused on shared learning, practical experience, and collaborative discovery from December 15-16, 2026. A room block has been reserved at the Saskatoon Inn.
The Prairie Proven Solutions conference will bring together producers, researchers, agronomists, and other experts to share five years of real-world observations from Living Lab – Central Prairies: what we tried, what we learned, and what it might mean for your farm or ranch. Whether you manage grasslands, run livestock, grow crops, or all of the above, you'll find practical insights, authentic peer perspectives, and connections to programs and resources that could work for your operation.
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Conference for Municipal Professionals: Discount Tickets on Sale Now
Behind every community are leaders navigating complex challenges—from aging infrastructure and rising costs to more frequent forest fires and flooding. But you don't have to face today’s challenges alone.
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FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference (SCC) is returning on February 8-11, 2027, this time in Ottawa, Ontario. With world-class speakers, practicalworkshops and networking events, you’ll find new ways to implement local priorities at speed and scale.
Special rates are available to members of small (population under 10,000), rural,Northern and Indigenous communities. We also offer promo codes for Via Rail, Air Canada, Porter Airlines,WestJet and The Westin Ottawa hotel.
| | | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
