Drinking Water Quality
Does your community’s water meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality? In 2002 the Province implemented a new safe drinking water strategy. The three-point strategy to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water includes: a clear and effective regulatory system; source water protection; and better water treatment. Part of the “better water treatment” component was to adopt the Canadian water quality guidelines. In adopting these guidelines it was understood that immediate compliance was not feasible so the Province implemented a compliance requirement of December 2010. This date is now two years away so it is important that those communities not meeting these standards begin or continue to upgrade their treatment systems. If you have any questions or concern regarding this requirement, contact your Ministry of Environment Environmental Protection Officer or the Drinking Water Quality – Approvals, Standards and Compliance Unit at 787-6169.
- Saskatchewan’s Drinking Water Quality Standards and Objectives Summary
- Safe Drinking Water Strategy Annual Reports and Performance Plans
- Drinking Water Source-to-Tap Solutions (Strategy Summary)

SUMA invited to consult on Environmental Regulatory Framework
SUMA has been invited to participate in a consultation process regarding proposed changes to the environmental regulatory framework. The Province intends to review how environmental compliance and performance standards are being applied. SUMA representatives (both elected officials and municipal employees) are meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Environment in late August. Stay tuned for more information...

Showcase your community to the rest of Saskatchewan
Are you proud of your community? Do you want to show off a program or project in your community to the rest of Saskatchewan? The Saskatchewan Communications Network Corporation (SCN) can provide that opportunity through a television program called “15 Minutes of Fame.”  This program allows people and communities to tell their own stories or program and successes, in the own way and provides an avenue for promotion to a province-wide audience.

SCN accepts applications for a 15-minute video showcasing a project/program in Saskatchewan. This application is fairly simple and quick to fill out. Once submitted, applications are automatically considered for up to a $750 grant to help in the production costs of the video. It will also be beneficial to involve citizens. Locals will a flare for filmmaking, editing or acting will help keeps costs minimal. If you can’t find an expert film maker, don’t worry. SCN also provides detailed technical guidelines to help make your video a success.

Applications are accepted January 15, May 15 and September 15 each year. Visit http://www.scn.ca/15minutes.php to download the application form and guidelines or for more information. If you have any questions, contact Joanne McDonald, Program manager, at 306.787.0490 ext.232 or jmcdonald@scn.ca.
MORE...
APPLICATION FORM...

Provincial Gov't seeks your input in extending terms for locally elected officials
Saskatchewan people will be asked for their views about whether elected urban and northern municipal officials, and school board officials, should have their terms extended from three to four years. Through a request for written submissions and an online form on the Municipal Affairs website, the provincial government is asking the public's advice, following the adoption of a resolution at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) 2008 convention, which called for extended terms for urban and northern municipal officials. Changing the term of office for urban and northern municipal officials would mean the terms for school board officials would also change as school board elections are held at the same time as urban and northern municipal elections.

"Direct consultation and asking for input on this issue is consistent with our goals of being open and accountable to the people of Saskatchewan and helps maintain a respectful government-to-government relationship with municipal sector partners," Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson said.
MORE...

Federal Government officially announces BCF intake date
“The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are working in partnership with municipal organizations to build stronger communities and enhance the quality of life in Saskatchewan. In support of this partnership, the federal and provincial governments recently announced a funding allocation of close to $94.5 million each over six years under the Building Canada Fund- Communities Component (BCF-CC) program. This investment, combined with municipal investments, will lead to a total investment in municipal infrastructure of more than $283 million. Today, we are pleased to provide you with details on how you can apply to BCF-CC.”
MORE...

Find your funding!
Having trouble figuring out what grants are available for your municipality? SUMA has decided to simplify the process. We have compiled all of the major provincial and federal grants into several easy to use tables (alphabetically and by grant type). The grant information has been summarized and made easy to understand. So visit www.suma.org and find your funding!
MORE…

Job Opportunities
Items for Sale
Grants
Municipal Business Directory