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July 2026
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- Strategic Communications
- Update Council Member Details on SARM Website RM Directory
- 2027 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- 2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - August 2026
- #RuralMatters
- SARM Welcomes Provincial Enhancements to Disaster Assistance Program
- Insurance & Benefits
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
- Legal Services
- Programs
- Gopher Control Program Claim Deadline
- RIRG Project 2026 Intake
- New Headversity Courses Available
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: ATS Traffic
- Canoe Procurement Flood Resources
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- HR Services for SARM Members
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- Rail Safety Improvement Program
- 2026 Pre-Budget Consultations
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- Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant Program
- Strychnine Training Now Available
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - July 2026
- Announcements
- Discover Sask Parks: July 22 - August 19
- Sask Parks Promote Water Safety During National Drowning Prevention Week
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- Communities Across Saskatchewan Invited to Support Youth Safety Education Day
- Water Use Study
- Canadian Safety Train Express July 2026 Newsletter
- Indigenous Learning Opportunities
- Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network
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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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Update Council Member Details on SARM Website RM Directory
Don't forget to update the RM Directory on the SARM website. This will ensure that SARM and the public are kept up to date with current RM council details.
The RM Directory is also where we pull the information for SARM's convention name badges.
To access your RM Directory profile on the SARM website, please log in here and click on the “Manage your RM Directory Listing” link that is located under the Administrator’s Access for Updates heading on the Members Only homepage.
If you require any assistance, please contact coordinator@sarm.ca.
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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 - August 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
August 1:
- For auditor to send verification notices to people indebted to the RM
August 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
August 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
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To prepare tax roll
- To submit the mill rate return to Ministry of GR
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August 31:
Meetings
- Committee Meetings: August 11
- Board Meeting: August 12-13
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
- Saskatchewan Day: August 3
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News Release:
SARM Welcomes Provincial Enhancements to Disaster Assistance Program
July 16, 2026
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| | | | SARM is encouraged by the MOU signed by the provincial and federal governments to halt the closure of the Indian Head and Scott Research Farms in Saskatchewan. This interim agreement is a positive step forward, but SARM will continue to push for a long-term plan that protects the critical research conducted at these facilities. | | For July’s travelling board meeting, SARM visited Division 4. Highlights include a trip to the Grain Millers facility in Yorkton and a tour of recent flooding and mitigation efforts in the area. | | | | | Read the article on building rural resilience by the SARM Manager of Advocacy in the latest edition of the Rural Councillor. | | |
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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Gopher Control Program
Claim Deadline
July 31, 2026
| | To learn more about the Gopher Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
RIRG Project 2026 Intake
The RIRG program application intake for road, bridge, and large diameter culvert projects will be opening in September 2026.
For more information, please visit the RIRG website, scan the QR code, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns.
| | | 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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ATS Traffic
ATS Traffic has been Canada's trusted traffic safety partner for 60 years, helping
communities create safer roads with proven infrastructure solutions. Our SGI Grant-eligible products are designed to calm traffic, enhance visibility and provide driver feedback. Backed by industry-leading brands and ATS Traffic's award-winning service and support, these solutions allow municipalities to maximize their SGI funding and deliver lasting safety improvements.
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Canoe Procurement Flood Resources
Recent flooding in the Province of Saskatchewan has meant our members may need to procure products and services quickly due to unforeseen circumstances.
Just a reminder that Canoe Procurement is here to help with over 90 programs and 500+ suppliers at our Saskatchewan members’ fingertips during this challenging time.
| | 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 Bayne No. 371, Operator, July 30 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Planner 2, July 31 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Infrastructure & Public Works Administrative Coordinator, July 31 - Close
RM of Vanscoy No. 345, Planning Assistant, August 6 - Close
RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Municipal Foreman, August 7 - Close
RM of Emerald No. 277, Equipment Operator, August 11 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Seasonal Grader/Mower Operator, Aug 13 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Full-Time Grader Operator, Aug 13 - Close
RM of Excelsior No. 166, Administrator, August 31 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Seasonal Maintencance/Equipment Operator, Sep 23 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Reno No. 51, Capital I Wing-Mounted Mower, August 10 - Close
RM of Reno No. 51, Degelman Sidearm and Mower, August 10 - Close
RM of McCraney No. 282, 1990 John Deere 4255 Tractor, August 18 - 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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Rail Safety Improvement Program
Transport Canada's Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP) provides federal funding for projects that improve safety at high-risk rail crossings and along rail lines.
The program supports investments in infrastructure, technologies, research, education, and public awareness to help reduce collisions, derailments, injuries, and fatalities.
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Infrastructure, Technology, and Research Stream
Applications for funding will be accepted until September 4, 2026.
| | This stream provides funding for projects that improve safety on and around rail property and rail lines. The available funding for the Infrastructure, Technology, and Research stream is up to $52.7 million over three fiscal years, beginning in 2026-27. | | | |
Education and Awareness Stream
Applications for funding will be accepted until August 21, 2026.
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This stream provides funding for projects that raise public awareness and understanding of rail safety risks. The available funding for the Education and Awareness stream is up to $3 million over three fiscal years, beginning in 2026-27.
Projects focus on the prevention of hazards and dangers associated with trespassing.
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2026 Pre-Budget Consultations
This fall, the Government of Canada will deliver Budget 2026, which will update Canadians on the government’s progress on its plan to Build Canada Strong over the past year, while continuing to support Canadians and businesses and positioning the country for long-term prosperity. This includes measures that strengthen economic growth, improve affordability, and support the next generation of Canada’s workforce.
Pre-Budget consultations are an opportunity for Canadians from across the country to share their ideas and priorities on how to shape Canada’s future. Join the conversation by responding to our questionnaire below or sending in a formal submission, both of which can be submitted until September 8, 2026.
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Strychnine Training Now Available
Producers in the 208 RMs eligible for Emergency Use of strychnine can register for online training through Saskatchewan’s Strychnine Stewardship Program.
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The 90-minute course is mandatory to access two per cent liquid strychnine for targeted RGS control. Early completion of training is recommended to allow sufficient time for records to be shared with RM offices and for users to be registered when product becomes available.
Training can be accessed on the SARM website.
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While initial strychnine supplies will be limited this spring, those interested are encouraged to complete training ahead of the recommended late summer application window, July 15 to Sept. 1.
For more on the program, including a list of participating RMs and information on product distribution, see Saskatchewan.ca/RGS-Control.
| | 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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Communities Across Saskatchewan Invited to Support Youth Safety
Education Day
For many young people in Saskatchewan, a first job starts close to home — at a local restaurant, rink, retail store, campground, golf course, farm, or community facility. These early experiences help shape a young person’s understanding of workplace safety for years to come.
Unfortunately, young workers are injured on the job every day in Saskatchewan. In fact, more than 3,200 youth each year — and, tragically, an average of two lives lost annually due to workplace incidents.
That’s why Service Hospitality is inviting municipalities across Saskatchewan to participate in Youth Safety Education Day (YSED) on September 10, 2026.
Youth Safety Education Day is a province-wide initiative focused on helping young people learn about workplace rights, responsibilities, and hazard recognition before entering the workforce. Through community partners, YSED encourages conversations about safety and helps equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to speak up and stay safe on the job.
This year also marks the 15th consecutive year the Government of Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed September 10 as Youth Safety Education Day!
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Participation is intentionally simple and flexible. It could include:
- Sharing a few pre-made social media posts
- Promoting the initiative to local employers or community spaces
- Encouraging local schools or youth programs to take part
- Recognizing the day through a proclamation or council mention
To make participation easy, YSED2026 partners receive an exclusive digital Youth Safety Toolkit, including ready-to-use graphics, posters, messaging, activity ideas, access to exciting contests, and recognition as a participating community in a province-wide initiative.
Our goal is to partner with 200 communities and organizations across Saskatchewan. We would love to see your community be part of the movement to help ensure every young worker comes home safe.
Learn more or sign up today!
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Water Use Study
Are you involved in water management, water use, planning, policy, agriculture, energy, or municipal water decision-making?
The University of Vermont is conducting a study in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan, “Developing and Integrating a Social Water Use Model,” funded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). You are invited to complete a short anonymous survey to help identify water-use challenges, climate-related threats, and adaptive management strategies for your region.
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Time: 15 + minutes
Who: Adults 18+ with water management or water-use
expertise
Participation: Voluntary and anonymous
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Canadian Safety Train Express
July 2026 Newsletter
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it's a good opportunity to reflect on rail safety across Canada. Through the end of June, there have been 93 rail-related incidents nationwide, including 53 crossing incidents and 40 trespassing incidents. Tragically, these incidents have resulted in 36 fatalities.
While these numbers remind us that rail safety remains an important issue, they also reinforce that every incident is preventable. Whether you're behind the wheel, walking,
cycling, or enjoying the outdoors this summer, taking a few extra seconds to make safe decisions can save lives.
| | | | Indigenous Learning Opportunities | | |
Saskatchewan Municipal
Peer Network
Municipal leaders may face diverse challenges and sometimes need extra support. The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is available to assist. Elected municipal officials and administrators can connect with highly experienced peer mentors who have proven successful in resolving inter-municipal challenges and disputes.
As veteran municipal administrators and elected officials, mentors provide one-on-one guidance, share information, and options to help resolve issues at a local level. Coaching and advice are provided on:
- Interpersonal conflict
- Governance practices
- Service provisions
- Public issues
- Roles and responsibilities
Any conversation between a mentor and peer is confidential, and there is no cost to the service.
| Saskatchewan's Municipal Peer Network is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Rural Municipalities Association of Administrators (RMAA), Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS), and the Government of Saskatchewan. | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
