Funding Now Available to Saskatchewan Municipalities for Targeted Sector Support

Released on November 1, 2021

New Intake Open for Municipal Projects That Focus on Regional Co-Operation and Good Governance

Today, Government Relations Minister Don McMorris and the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Steering Committee announced a new intake of municipal grant applications under the TSS Initiative.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to work with our municipal partners and offer this funding to Saskatchewan municipalities once again this year," McMorris said. "By supporting local governments, we are supporting all Saskatchewan residents. Projects under the Targeted Sector Support Initiative lead to well-governed communities and enhanced regional unity."

The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants, up to 75 per cent on eligible costs, to municipalities partnering to strengthen their core municipal responsibilities through projects focused on regional co-operation, capacity building and good governance. Applicants must be a municipal government and partner with at least one other community, such as other municipalities, regional committees, First Nations and parks.

"New North is proud to participate in this partnership that provides the opportunity to strengthen local governance and improve regional collaboration in our province," newly appointed Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) Chairperson Georgina Jolibois said. "We encourage municipalities in northern Saskatchewan to submit an application and take advantage of this funding opportunity."

Since 2020, 56 grants totalling more than $1.9 million have been approved by the TSS Steering Committee, which consists of representatives from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), New North and the Ministry of Government Relations.

"SUMA is committed to helping create thriving, sustainable hometowns, and we are proud to be a partner in the Targeted Sector Support Initiative," SUMA President Rodger Hayward said. "This funding helps strengthen our hometowns by supporting projects that build capacity, foster good governance and promote inter-municipal co-operation."

Applications for this intake will be accepted from November 1, 2021 to February 1, 2022.

Examples of previously approved grants include:

• $100,000 for assistance with the creation of a municipal district 
• $30,000 for a regional landfill feasibility study 
• $13,000 for governance training for municipal officials 

"SARM is encouraged by the ongoing TSS funding and the commitment from the province to deliver it as part of the Municipal Revenue Sharing grant program," SARM President Ray Orb said. "We are pleased to see yet another round of applications for the TSS Initiative as SARM promotes inter-municipal co-operation and building capacity to aid in effective local government. Funding projects through this program will certainly benefit rural Saskatchewan."

TSS was established following a review of the 2018-19 Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) Grant program, with input from the municipal sector. Each year, TSS receives $1.5 million from MRS. Funds are administered by SUMA, on behalf of the TSS Steering Committee.

Interested municipalities can learn more and apply at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/municipal-administration/funding-finances-and-asset-management/funding/targeted-sector-support-initiative or email info@targetedsector.ca for more information.

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