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February 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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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.
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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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 coordinator@sarm.ca.
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Don't Miss Out - End of MAMP
Asset Management Saskatchewan
Since MAMP4 began March 1, 2022, AM-SK has provided training to over 630 participants across 7 provinces. Some municipalities have gone all in, building organization-wide awareness, knowledge, and technical capacity in asset management.
There's still time to take advantage of AM-SK's FREE online training before MAMP4 ends on February 29, 2024.
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Use the code: AMmadeEASIER for free training! | | |
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Applications Open for the 2024 Agriculture Student Scholarship
This year's theme is farming and environmental sustainability.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the idea of environmental sustainability within farming and the importance of public perception on modern farming practices. The scholarship encourages conversations about where our food comes from and how everyone along the value chain shares a role in communicating about food production.
Scholarships will be awarded to Saskatchewan students in Grade 12 and/or recent high school/GED graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in fall 2024.
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The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024. | |
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Volunteers for ROPS Research Project
The Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health at the University of Saskatchewan is looking for volunteer farmers to participate in their Low Cost Over Protection Structures (ROPS) Research project.
Your participation will help save lives.
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5 Saskatchewan farmers are needed to build prototype ROPS.
- You will receive drawing and fabrication instructions.
- You will build a prototype ROPS and ship it before March 31, 2024.
- Your costs will be paid and you will receive a fee for your time.
- You will provide feedback on how it went and suggest any improvements that could be made to make it easier.
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If you're interested in participating or want to learn more, please email jim.wassermann@usask.ca.
The deadline to reply is March 7, 2024.
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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 31, 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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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 info@RIRG.ca | | |
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Public Engagement on the 2035 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target
To create a future with a clean, healthy environment and a strong economy for people living in Canada, the Government of Canada is working with Canadians to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
Environment and Climate Change Canada recently launched a public engagement process to hear the opinions of Canadians and Indigenous peoples across the country to inform setting Canada's 2035 national greenhouse gas emissions target. This important step is mandated under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and Canada’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement.
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The 2023 Progress Report on the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, published in December 2023, demonstrates that Canada’s climate plan is working, and that the emissions curve is bending. In addition to the federal government, other partners, stakeholders, provinces, territories, and municipalities across Canada are helping drive down emissions.
To help inform the government’s work in setting the 2035 target, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is inviting Canadians to share their views on the virtual public engagement platform, Talking Targets: Canada's Climate Future, which is open until March 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. (PDT). The input collected through this engagement process is one of several components that need to be considered when setting the 2035 target.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - March 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
March 1:
- For organized hamlet board to submit budget and report
- For independent grain companies to submit docs to assessor
- For pipeline owners to submit docs to assessor
- For organized hamlet board to request a special levy
- For municipal library board to submit estimate budget to administrator
March 10:
- Remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- Submit & return monthly EPT funds
March 15:
- For library board to submit estimated maintenance and improvement requests
- Submit CRA source deductions
March 31:
- For written notice from property owner stating that a lessee is to receive a dwelling exemption
- For landowner to withdraw from the SMHI Hail Insurance Program
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: March 7
- Committee Meeting: March 26
- Board Meeting: March 12
- Board Meeting: March 27-28
Monthly Reminder(s)
- For park authority to advise RM of regional park levy
- 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
- 2024 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show: March 13-15
- St. Patrick's Day: March 15
- Good Friday: March 29
- Easter Sunday: March 31
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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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2024 SaskSPCA Gathering for Animal and Human Welfare
Making positive change takes knowledge sharing, partnerships, and community engagement. That’s why the 2024 SaskSPCA Gathering for Animal & Human Welfare has a mission to provide a space to connect, learn, and discover – and we want you to join us! The 2024 Gathering will provide both insightful information and networking opportunities at the beautiful Dakota Dunes Resort on Whitecap Dakota First Nation.
Date: April 12-13, 2024
Location: Dakota Dunes Resort
Who: The Gathering invites those involved in animal health and welfare and human health and welfare. This could include animal shelter staff and volunteers, veterinary medical professionals, law enforcement, social services, municipal representatives, health care professionals, students, interested members of the general public, and more!
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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?
- Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
- 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.
- Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
- 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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Infrastructure Canada’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund
Planning and Design Projects Stream - Accepting Applications
Infrastructure Canada is still accepting applications to the Planning and Design Projects stream of Infrastructure Canada’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund on a continuous basis. The Rural Transit Solutions Fund is the first federal fund to target the development of transit solutions in rural and remote communities.
Under the Planning and Design Projects stream, eligible applicants can seek a grant of up to $50,000 to support communities’ projects to plan and design new or expanded transit solutions for their communities (e.g., public engagement, needs assessments, feasibility or viability studies, surveys and assessments of routes or modes of travel).
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Additionally, over the coming months Infrastructure Canada will be hosting a series of webinars for potential applicants. The next dates are: | |
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English Session
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
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French Session
Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
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Compost Chapter What We Heard Document Available Online
In early 2023, the Ministry of Environment conducted engagement on a proposed draft chapter for composting facilities to be included as part of the Saskatchewan Environmental Code. To support this public engagement, the ministry released the draft chapter, a discussion paper and survey. The ministry also hosted informational webinars where participants could ask questions and provide feedback.
The ministry accepted feedback for a 60-day period.
The ministry has now considered all feedback received, and has published a What We Heard report, summarizing comments received on the draft chapter.
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Invasive Species Awareness Week - Help Stop the Spread | |
Highway Hotline Users Can Now Track My Plow | |
Impacted Sites Fund
Saskatchewan municipalities can apply for funding to clean up abandoned, environmentally impacted sites through the Impacted Sites Fund.
Administered by the Ministry of Environment, the fund provides financial support to municipal governments to clean up these sites so they can be used for future economic or social development opportunities. An abandoned, environmentally impacted site is an area, such as a former gas station or laundromat, that has been contaminated.
The Town of Shaunavon was the first successful applicant to receive funding through the Impacted Sites Fund. Read more about their story.
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The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is keeping everyone updated on the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan with this infographic highlighting key areas of success. | | |
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Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport Heritage Webinars
The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport is pleased to announce the 2024 edition of our Winter webinar series, Historic Places – Living Places. Join these sessions to learn about the important contributions historic places are making in Saskatchewan communities.
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Date:
Tuesday,
March 4, 2024
Time:
12-1:00 p.m.
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Vibank Heritage Centre, Village of Vibank
A small community successfully repurposed a surplus convent to house the village office, community services and rent-paying commercial tenants.
C.M. Glascock Building, Town of Maple Creek
This former auto dealership and garage is living proof that even the most unlikely of old buildings can be transformed into a valuable community asset.
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Date:
Thursday,
March 7, 2024
Time:
12-1:00 p.m.
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Buffalo Child Stone
In the 1960s, a huge boulder with deep spiritual value for First Nations was intentionally dynamited during construction of the Gardiner Dam and Diefenbaker Reservoir. The Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre worked to bring surviving pieces home to a site near the boulder’s original location within Douglas Provincial Park, creating a space for commemoration, education and First Nations ceremonial gathering.
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Date:
Thursday,
March 7, 2024
Time:
12-1:00 p.m.
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Town of Battleford Post Office Rehabilitation
A beloved historic post office continues to serve its community thanks to a developer’s appreciation for heritage buildings and a creative business plan.
General Motors Building, Regina
A 1928 office building closely associated with Regina’s industrial and automotive heritage rehabilitated for ongoing commercial use. Hear from the property developer what it took to make it happen.
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Registration is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is available for single or multiple days. To register, click the link below. Registrations will be accepted until Friday March 1, 2024. | |
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 Buchanan No. 304, Administrator, Feb 28, - Close
RM of Barrier Valley No. 97, General Maintenance Personnel, Feb 29 - Close
RM of Kindersley No. 290, Administrator, Feb 29 - Close
RM of Tisdale No. 427, Heavy Equipment Operator, Feb 29 - Close
RM of Caledonia No. 99, Seasonal Grader Operator, Mar 1 - Close
Town of Delisle, Administrator, Mar 1 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Seasonal Grader Operator, Mar 2 - Close
RM of Reciprocity No. 32, Seasonal Public Works Employee, Mar 5 - Close
RM of Reciprocity No. 32, Public Works Operator, Mar 5 - Close
RM of Maryfield No. 91, Seasonal Operator, Mar 6 - Close
RM of Harris No. 316, Seasonal Operator, Mar 7 - Close
RM of Humboldt No. 370, Full Time Working Foreman, Mar 7 - Close
RM of Waverley No. 44, Full Time Seasonal Grader/Equipment Operator, Mar 8 - Close
RM of Maple Bush No. 224, Grader Operator/Maintenance Worker, Mar 11 - Close
RM of Coteau No. 255, Grader Operator, Mar 12 - Close
RM of Pleasantdale No. 398, Working Foreman Mar 14 - Close
RM of Pense No. 160, Equipment Operator, Mar 15 - Close
RM of Beaver River No. 622, Community Planner, Mar 20 - Close
RM of Lacedena No. 228, Seasonal Equipment Operators, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Director of Financial and IT Services, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Legislative Officer, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Maryfield No. 91, Summer Student Employment Opportunity, Apr 10 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Brock No. 64, For Sale: Large Diameter Oval Culvert, Feb 29 - Close
RM of Elfros No. 307, For Tender: 2017 CAT 160K Motor Grader, Mar 1 - Close
RM of Cut Knife No. 439, For Sale: Fenders for CAT 150 Grader, Mar 2 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, For Sale: 2021 Ripper, Mar 15 - Close
RM of Caron No. 162, For Sale: 2017 Grader, Mar 28 - Close
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If you have questions or would like to post in the SARM Classifieds contact: 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca
Please send your advertisement in a Word Document.
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Furniture Program
Staff that are comfortable at work are staff that are productive at work. With the Canoe Furniture Program, you get access to furniture designers and manufacturers recognized as experts in their fields, ensuring some of the best commercial furniture available. Boasting best value pricing and preferential service, you have a recipe for success.
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High Interest Savings Account (HISA)
SARM has partnered with CIBC Commercial Banking to bring our members a pooled High Interest Savings Account (HISA). HISA offers a competitive interest rate, secured principal, and the ability to move your money at any time without penalty, regardless of the amount invested. Your deposits are held in your own account.
Visit the SARM website for more information regarding the enrollment process.
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SARM Webinars
SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:
- Tax Enforcement
- Municipal Investment Solutions
- Drainage Products and Solutions
- Saskatchewan's Property Assessment System
- Combating Crime in Saskatchewan
- Pest Control Product Compliance
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- And more
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2024 Weed Inspector and Land Manager Workshops
SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors, through the Pest Biosecurity Program, will host two, one-day workshops open to Weed Inspectors and Land Managers in April 2024.
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Integrated Weed Management and Mapping: These interactive workshops will start with the Ministry of Agriculture giving an overview on using a variety of weed control techniques as part of an integrated management approach. Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre will provide a tutorial on using the iMapInvasives app to log and map invasive plants. | | | |
Experiences of a Weed Inspector: The workshops will wrap up with a presentation from a knowledgeable Weed Inspector outlining some the experiences encountered as part of the job, concluding with a roundtable discussion on situations and challenges facing Weed Inspectors and Land Managers. | | | |
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Winter 2024 Modules
– Registration Now Open!
Registration for the March 12th MLDP modules closes on March 1st. Spaces are limited and filling up fast!
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.
Date: March 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: REAL District, Regina
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, 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: March 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: REAL District, Regina
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, 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: March 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: REAL District, Regina
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, 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: March 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: REAL District, Regina
Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: University of Regina,
College Ave Campus, Regina
| *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 Consultant@southeastcollege.org 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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Safe Gravel Travel provides an overview of safety best practices when it comes to travelling on graveled roadways. Safe Gravel Travel has also been added as an industry course for those enrolled in Career Safety Education.
Register Today for these and other free training programs.
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Can Saskatchewan Continue to be a Leader in Global Food Security if Support Doesn’t Come from the Government? | | |
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When Will the Water Turn on for Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Project Phase 1? | | |
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