Standardized rules for development in rural Saskatchewan is one option being explored by SARM’s new 18-member committee.
The association of rural governments set up the group to identify impediments to economic development and make recommendations for change, said SARM president Neal Hardy.
Those impediments include differing policies in rural municipalities in addition to taxes, access to roads and road maintenance.
The group of councillors, reeves, SARM board members and rural administrators held its first meeting last week, with another planned at month’s end.
Details in November
The committee will present its preliminary findings at the SARM mid-term convention in November and a final report at the annual SARM convention in March.
The group plans to meet with chambers of commerce, all levels of government, the oil, gas and wood industries, intensive livestock operators and food processors.
Hardy said the goal is to bring together government and industry to enhance economic development.
“We can send a heck of a message way beyond our borders,” Hardy said.
