May 2023


Note: certain email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. It is viewed best as a webpage through your internet browser.


View as Webpage

The dates for the 2024 SARM Annual Convention and Trade Show have changed to March 13-15, 2024, due to the 2024 Brier in Regina.


See the new date and location details for SARM's upcoming conventions.

SARM Annual Convention Date Change


2023 SARM Midterm Convention (Regina)

November 8-9, 2023

REAL District, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina, SK S4P 2Z6



2024 SARM Annual Convention and Trade Show (Regina)

March 13-15, 2024

REAL District, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina, SK S4P 2Z6


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. Please note the hotel blocks are limited, so once they have been filled there is no guaranteed space/pricing. SARM has booked blocks at the following hotels in Regina:

 

  • DoubleTree by Hilton (Regina)
  • Days Inn Regina East (Regina)
  • Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport (Regina)
  • The Atlas (Regina)
  • The Hotel Saskatchewan (Regina)

 

Please see the hotel directory for pricing and reservation details.

Hotel Program Listing

Deadlines

Final Reminder for the 2024-2025 Rural Integrated Road for Growth Program


The application intake for the 2024-2025 Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) Program (including the Road Construction Program & the Bridge and Large Diameter Culvert Program) closes on June 23, 2023.

All previously ranked and eligible project applications from 2022-23 and 2023-24 will be considered along with the 2024-25 applications. 


New in 2024-25, Bridge and Large Diameter Culvert projects located on roadways with a Rural Road Classification of Class 7 are now eligible, in addition to Classes 3, 4, 5, + 6.


The deadline is 11:59 pm CST on June 23, 2023

Learn More / Apply

Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG)

2024-25 Application Intake

 

Applications can be completed using the digital forms found on the RIRG Program website, or using the following links: Road Construction Application Form and Bridge and Large Diameter Culvert Program Form.

Your Voice

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 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.

Solid Waste Management Strategy 


In 2020, the Ministry of Environment released the Solid Waste Management Strategy with a goal of modernizing regulations, including a commitment to develop a compost facility chapter for inclusion in the Saskatchewan Environmental Code. The ministry is now seeking your feedback on the proposed draft compost facility chapter.

 

In 2022, the ministry worked with a focus group to develop the draft chapter. The proposed chapter will govern compost facility siting, design, operation and closure pursuant to The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010.

 

The compost facility chapter will establish an efficient application system for Saskatchewan that will minimize administrative burden for owners and operators.

The draft Compost Facilities Environmental Code Chapter, a Discussion Paper, and engagement details can be found here.

Engagement on the draft Compost Facilities Environmental Code Chapter:


Your feedback is important, please provide input on the proposed compost facilities chapter. There are a variety of ways that you may engage:



The ministry will review the responses and report back. This report will be emailed to stakeholders and posted on the Government of Saskatchewan website once complete.

Ministry of Environment

Resources

SARM Interactive Online Calendar - May

Deadlines:


June 10:

  • Remit and return monthly EPT funds
  • Remit taxes to SMHI, C&D, and regional parks


June 15:

  • RM financial statement preparation (previous financial year)
  • CRA source deductions remittance
  • MEPP remittance
  • Filing Crop Report and Increased Indemnity Application with SMHI


June 30:

  • RM to provide annual notice about its waterworks compliance and quality per Section 44 of the Water Regulations
  • Hail roll to be submitted to SMHI
  • New applications to apply for coverage with SMHI

Meetings:


  • Committee Meeting: June 1
  • Committee Meeting: June 14
  • Board of Directors Meeting: June 15


SARM June Division Meetings


  • Division 6: June 5 - North Battleford (AM)


  • Division 2: June 6 - Moose Jaw (AM)
  • Division 3: June 6 - Swift Current (PM)


  • Division 1: June 7 - Kipling (All day)


  • Division 4: June 8 - Kelvington (All day)


Special Days:

  • Father's Day: June 18


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.

SARM Interactive Online Calendar

The 2023 SARM June Division Meetings will be held during the first week of June (5-9). Please find further details below for each meeting. All draft agendas are subject to change and updated versions can be found on the SARM website.

June Division 1 Meeting


June 7, 2023

9am to 12pm


Kipling Town Hall, 301 6th Ave, Kipling, SK S0G 2S0

June Division 4 Meeting


June 8, 2023

11am to 3pm


Legion Community Centre, 208 1st Ave, Kelvington, SK S0A 1W0

June Division 2 Meeting


June 6, 2023

9am to 12pm


Mosaic Place, 110 1st Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3L9

June Division 5 Meeting


Please note there will be no June Division Meeting for division 5.

June Division 3 Meeting


June 6, 2023

2pm to 5pm


Coast Hotel, 905 North Service Rd E, Swift Current, SK S9H 3V1

June Division 6 Meeting


June 5, 2023

1pm to 4pm


Dekker Centre, 623 Carlton Trail, North Battleford, SK S9A 2Y7

Meeting Agendas

BIO-CONTROL Leafy Spurge Beetle

Collection Days, July 3-6, 2023


The SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors will be back at Besant Campground from July 3 to 6 for Leafy Spurge Beetle Collection. Everyone is welcome to come and collect leafy spurge beetles for release on their property to help control leafy spurge infestations.

Leafy Spurge Beetle Collection 2023 (PDF)

Municipal Elections in Canada: a guide for women candidates


The Federation of Canadian Municipalities Municipal Elections in Canada: A Guide for Women Candidates provides tips and tools for campaigning and beyond.

Learn More

The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP)


This is a series of modules developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership.

Module(s) open for registration:

Register for Community and Land Use Planning

Community and Land Use Planning - this online module covers a variety of topics including: the roles and responsibilities of council, administration and the public; the creation, adoption, and amendment process for Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws; the subdivision process; servicing agreements; the development permit process; the development appeal board process; enforcing bylaws; the building permit process as well as regional planning.

Featured


FCC Knowledge

Saskatchewan Safety Council

Creating a Province of Safety Excellence!


A simple and interactive online PDF of the Free and Fee-For-Service training provided by the Council. Our free training is built in Saskatchewan by residents and is supported by donations, membership, and sponsors.


New and Noteworthy are:

  • Safe Trailering
  • New Worker Readiness
  • Retail Safety Training
  • Ground Disturbance Training


Many of our paid training programs are available in-person, as webinars, or blended.

Interactive Online PDF
Learn more

About the Saskatchewan Safety Council


Since 1955, the Saskatchewan Safety Council, a non-profit registered charity, has been dedicated to the prevention of injury in Saskatchewan... at home, at play, and at work.


Funded through donations, membership contributions, sponsorships, and the distribution of safety programs and materials, the revenues generated by the Safety Council are invested within the province of Saskatchewan to further promote safety.


Attention 2% Liquid Strychnine Users


Under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act, Health Canada has cancelled the registration of all strychnine products used to control Richardson ground squirrels. Environmental risks associated with the use of strychnine to control Richardson’s ground squirrels are not acceptable.

Important Date


2% Liquid Strychnine Concentrate (Registration No. 30433 PCP Act) is cancelled:

Last date of permitted use was March 4, 2023

The registration of 2% Liquid Strychnine Concentrate expired March 4, 2023. Continued possession and/or use of the product after this date is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act and may result in enforcement action.


For information on the disposal of unused product, contact your provincial regulatory agency or the manufacturer.


Additional information:

Health Canada’s Pesticide Label Search ensures access to the most up to date information on product registration status and current product labels. Search features include multiple ways to retrieve a list of products registered for the control of ground squirrels.

https://pr-rp.hc-sc.gc.ca/ls-re/index-eng.php

Strychnine 2023(PDF)

Health Canada’s Pesticides Compliance Program (PCP) is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Pest Control Products Act.


Visit canada.ca/pesticide-compliance.

Search Canada’s Pesticide Label Database
Pesticides in Storage

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership


The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year, $485-million investment by federal and provincial governments in strategic initiatives for Saskatchewan agriculture. With a focus on anticipating, mitigating, and effectively managing production risk, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with SARM to deliver the Pest Biosecurity Program with $3.9 million per year for five years.

 

The Pest Biosecurity Program, available to RMs and First Nations (FN), south of the Northern Administrative District, is made up of 5 programs that will provide RMs and FNs with resources when dealing with issues regarding invasive plants, rats, gophers, nuisance beavers, clubroot and other pests as declared/designated under the Saskatchewan Pest Control Act and Weed Control Act.


The new agreement is effective April 1, 2023, and will be in place until March 31, 2028.

The new agreement is effective April 1, 2023, and will be in place until March 31, 2028.

SARM Program Information / forms
Sustainable CAP

University of Regina's Internet Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Program Receives Funding Boost



The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $400,000 in additional funding to support the University of Regina Online Therapy Unit so that Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (ICBT) can reach as many Saskatchewan residents with mental health and addictions concerns as possible. The increased funding will expand capacity to screen and deliver treatment to more people from across Saskatchewan.

Learn more

THE CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS COURSE INCLUDING CHRONIC PAIN


Learn Skills To Manage Emotional Wellbeing In Relation To Chronic Health Conditions Including Pain

Apply now

ALCOHOL CHANGE COURSE


Learn Skills To Reduce Your Drinking






Apply now

UNIWELLBEING FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS


Learn Skills For Managing Depression and/or Anxiety.

Apply now

WELLBEING COURSES


Learn Skills To Manage Depression & Anxiety



Apply now

Get ready for a great summer at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Summer Camps in Regina!!


SaskPolytech will be hosting summer camps in July and August of this year at the Regina campus. Fun, unique, engaging, and educational - unforgettable memories are sure to happen this summer. 


From July 10th to August 11th, SaskPolytech is offering on-campus camps for youth ages 9-15 in a variety of areas of interest including emergency services, technology, and trades. Don't let your kids miss out on these camp experiences that are sure to leave them engaged, excited, and inspired for the future.


REGISTRATION IS OPEN and spaces are limited!

Register
Email for more information

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 Pleasantdale No. 398, Administrator, JUL 4 - Close

RM of Newcombe No. 260, Public Works Assistant Foreman, JUL 1 – Close

RM of Meadow Lake No. 588, CAO/Administrator, JUL 1 – Close

RM of St. Phillips No. 301, Grader Operator, JUN 23 - Close

RM of Dufferin No. 190, Grader Operator, JUN 23 - Close

RM of Bethune No. 190, Grader Operator, JUN 16 – Close

RM of Kingsley No. 124, Foreman, JUN 15 – Close

RM of Arborfield No. 456, Equipment & Grader Operator, JUN 14 – Close

RM of Webb No. 138, Public Works Foreman, JUN 11 - Close

RM of Nipawin No. 487, Municipal Administrator, MAY 29 - Close

 

Looking to Buy/Sell:


RM of Eldon No. 471, For Sale by Tender: CAT D7G Crawler, JUN 13 - Close

RM of Ituna Bon Accord No. 246, For Sale by Tender: Digging Stones on Roads, JUN 13 - Close

RM of Moose Creek No. 33, For Sale by Tender: Two 2017 XH 1500 Schulte Rotary Cutters and Two 1400A Schulte Flex Arms, JUN 14 - Close

RM of Lipton No. 217, For Sale by Tender: Used Schulte XH1500 Series 4 Mower - May 27 - Close

SARM, For Sale by Tender: SARM Used Photocopiers, MAY 26 - Close

SARM Classifieds

Municipal Peer Network Needs Mentors


The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is looking for two elected officials to become mentors. The mentors serve a two-year term and may be reappointed by their associations for a subsequent term.


Mentors share their knowledge with those accessing the service to help resolve complex issues or conflicts. They listen to issues, act as a sounding board, provide advice toward raising issues more publicly, and give suggestions on how to handle issues based on their past experiences. They can also refer peers to any known additional resources. Types of calls mentors receive may be related to relationships, public input, and disagreements. The conversations they have are all confidential. 

 

Mentors do not provide conflict dispute resolution nor are they mediators or arbitrators. They are also not intended to replace Municipal Advisors who provide technical advice.


Please contact sarm@sarm.ca if you're interested in becoming a mentor.

Municipalities Today


Municipalities Today is a web-based newsletter published monthly by the Ministry of Government Relations. It lists deadlines, training opportunities, services and programs that may be of interest to Saskatchewan municipal administrators.


May 2023



  1. Provide Input for a New Environmental Code Chapter for Compost Facilities
  2. Municipalities Can Provide Input About Subdivision Regulations
  3. Construction Codes
  4. Updated Exemptions and Abatement Request Forms
  5. New Education Property Tax Mill Rates
  6. Attend Webinars About The Household Packaging and Paper Stewardship Program Regulations, 2023
  7. Arbor Week in Saskatchewan – Celebrating Our Trees!
View Current Editions
View Past Editions

Insurance &

Benefits

Getting Started

Saskatchewan Blue Cross

Group Benefits Plan


Saskatchewan Blue Cross loves what they do, they’re passionate about the services and products they offer, and they care about the people they work with every day—their customers, their colleagues, their communities. You can count on Saskatchewan Blue Cross to help you manage your benefits and make thoughtful healthcare decisions.


Check out their Getting Started guide to find helpful FAQs and instructions on how to download and utilize their mobile app.

Getting Started Guide

In partnership with your employer, Homeweb is introducing the Homewood Pathfinder Suite. Homewood Pathfinder is designed to enhance Homeweb - your current online mental health and wellness portal. It will assess the reason for accessing the program, determine how serious your concern is, your level of risk and your care preferences and offer you the right Employee Assistance Program service or resource at the right time. Where clinically appropriate you are able to book services or connect with a professional immediately, and through Pathfinder you can also manage service scheduling. 

Elected/Appointed officials and people with LTD benefits can sign up today and start using Homewood Pathfinder!

 

YOUR CUSTOMER ACCOUNT NAME IS:

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM)

 

YOUR INVITATION CODE IS:

SAR995

 

To register a new account 

  1. Visit: Homeweb.ca or click here
  2. Click ‘Sign Up’ to create an account and enter your invitation code
  3. Enter your name, preferred email address and a few other pieces of information to create your profile
  4. A key component of Pathfinder, Homewood PulseCheck will ask for a few additional details including how you’re feeling and your primary area of interest or concern
Sign Up


Supplier Highlight

ATS Traffic: Elevate the safety of road users in your community.

Our installation technicians are currently implementing these innovative solutions in communities across Canada. Demo and trial programs are available! Trending solutions:


Solar

  • Solar Pathway Lighting - Try a free 90-day trial of First Light's solar-powered bollard lights, perfect for illuminating pathways and sidewalks.
  • Flashing Beacon Crosswalks - Enhance your marked crosswalks with Carmanah's customizable, solar flashing beacon system, proven to affectively alert drivers and slow down high.

 

Data & Detection

  • Traffic Detection and Analysis - The GRIDSMART system is an open, scalable program that combines traffic detection and data analysis to develop real solutions to real problems.

 

Traffic Calming

  • Feedback Radar Speed Signs - The I-SAFE Radar Speed Sign by International Road Dynamics (IRD) is a mobile, easy-to-use product with the option for personalized messages and powered by either a solar kit or AC power.
  • Durable Pavement Markings - The Geveko Plastiroute cold plastic templates are durable, easy to apply thermo-plastics that offer a wide variety of symbols and shapes with a proven durability on a wide variety of pavement types.


Visit ATS Traffic


Understanding Your Role in Assessment

Presented by: Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA)


The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA) provides a stable, up-to-date property assessment system for Saskatchewan. They develop assessment policy and standards, conduct property valuation services, audit assessed values, and confirm municipal assessment rolls. They serve the people of Saskatchewan, including property owners, local governments (municipalities), and the Province of Saskatchewan.


Are you interested in learning more about SAMA and Saskatchewan's property assessment system? Join SARM and SAMA for a webinar session that will cover: an overview of SAMA, assessment basics, how SAMA serves municipalities, and understanding your role in revaluations.


Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CST

Cost: Free


Speakers:

Shaun Cooney - Chief Assessment Governance Officer, SAMA,

Todd Treslan - Managing Director of Assessment Services, SAMA,

Kevin Groat - Assistant Managing Director of Assessment Services, SAMA

Register

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:


  • Fire Bans and Emergency Preparedness
  • Municipal Safety Manual
  • Civic Addressing
  • Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
  • Tendering and Procurement Best Practices
  • Mental Wellness in Agriculture – Fostering Resiliency
  • Nuclear Power in Saskatchewan
  • Principles for Positive Employment Relations
  • And more
SARM Webinars Library

#RuralMatters

SARM News Releases (NR)

SARM Encouraged by Wildlife Damage Compensation Enhancements

SARM NR: May 23, 2023

SARM President and Vice President with Carla Beck, Leader of Sask NDP, and MLA Trent Wotherspoon discussing issues of importance to rural Saskatchewan. #skpoli #RuralMatters

The SARM Plant Health Technical Advisor, Member Purchasing, and Risk Management booths at the 2023 Rural Municipal Administrators' Association (RMAA) Convention. #RuralMatters

Fireside chat with the SARM team and president, Ray Orb discussing programs and services provided by SARM.


#RuralMatters #RMAAConvention

The SARM Board of Directors meeting with the Saskatchewan Chief Firearms Officer Robert Freberg to discuss changes to federal gun control legislation. #RuralMatters #SkPoli #CdnPoli @SKGov


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