Released on April 8, 2026
The Government of Saskatchewan is strengthening rural community safety with the introduction of the Small Town and Rural (STAR) Police Services Grant Program. In 2026-27, the government is investing $190,000 to support small town and rural police services, providing $10,000 for every sworn officer serving with those police services.
"Small town and rural police services are a cornerstone for public safety in rural Saskatchewan," Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said. "Their officers support RCMP operations across a large region, and this funding recognizes the essential work they do every day in the communities and rural municipalities they serve. With the STAR Grant Program, we are ensuring every police service in Saskatchewan has the provincial support they need to deliver strong, community-focused policing."
Small town and rural police services have historically operated without provincial funding, relying solely on funding from the municipality or rural municipality they serve. This grant program ensures all police services in Saskatchewan are now financially supported by the provincial government.
The small town and rural police services receiving STAR Grant Program funding this year are:
- Corman Park Police Service - $110,000 to support 11 officers;
- Dalmeny Police Service - $20,000 for two officers;
- Luseland Police Service - $10,000 to support one officer;
- Vanscoy Police Service - $30,000 to support three officers; and
- Wilton Police Service - $20,000 for two officers.
The STAR Grant Program supports small town and rural police services that assist the RCMP by responding to property damage, collisions, enforcing provincial statutes and municipal bylaws, and providing community-based policing tailored to meet their local communities' needs.
"The R.M. of Corman Park appreciates the province recognizing the need to support all police services across Saskatchewan through the new STAR program," Reeve of Corman Park Joe Hargrave said. "This program is a positive step toward a more balanced and sustainable model, ensuring smaller and rural-based services are recognized for the role they play in community safety."
The STAR Grant Program will help smaller police services strengthen proactive policing efforts, improve response times for calls for service, and potentially support recruitment and retention efforts by giving these police services greater operational flexibility. This new initiative also reinforces the long-standing partnership between local police services and the RCMP, ensuring rural communities continue to receive responsive, community-focused policing that meets their needs.
"The Corman Park Police Service sincerely thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for its support through the STAR Grant Program," Chief of Police for Corman Park Police Service Robert A. Duttchen said. "This investment underscores the province's commitment to strengthening community safety across Saskatchewan through collaboration and targeted support. As one of the smallest police services in the province, we take great pride in achieving significant results with limited resources. With this added support, we will continue to deliver innovative, effective policing that provides real value to the citizens we serve."
The STAR Grant Program complements existing provincial funding provided to other police services, including the RCMP and municipal and First Nations police services, ensuring a consistent and equitable approach for supporting police services in Saskatchewan. This investment is another step forward in protecting Saskatchewan and helping to keep our communities safe.
-30-
Media Desk
Community Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5057
Email: mediaCS@gov.sk.ca
For more information, contact: