Twenty-two community and municipal projects can proceed thanks to the new round of funding through the Targeted Sector Support initiative. Funding through the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program, directed via the TSS, will see $620,000 earmarked from the $1.5 million annual allotment.
"Saskatchewan is grown through investment in projects that support the longevity and vibrancy of communities and improve the lives of residents," Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. "The specialized TSS funding provided in partnership with Saskatchewan's municipal associations supports municipalities to work together to better serve their citizens."
The Government of Saskatchewan release says that funding through the TSS Initiative encourages joint municipal projects and fosters inter-community co-operation that adds to the long-term sustainability and quality of life for Saskatchewan residents.
Local projects receiving TSS funding include the Village of Quill Lake for municipal training ($13, 410), RM of Lakeside for development of a safety plan ($6,761.25), the Village of Young for a digital safety plan ($6,206.72), and the resort village of Manitou Beach for capacity building around governance roles and responsibilities ($13, 2113.25).
The TSS Initiative offers grants that cover up to 75 per cent of eligible expenses to municipalities collaborating on projects for capacity building, regional co-operation, municipal corporate transition and relationship building and dispute resolution. Eligible applicants include municipal governments that must partner with at least one other community partner.
"Collaboration is vital to strengthening both community relationships and local economies," SUMA President Randy Goulden said. "Whether the project involves doing a feasibility study, working on regional cooperation, or improving zoning bylaws, investments from the TSS initiative spur innovation through inter-municipal partnerships. We are reinforcing strong community foundations across the province, and it is a pleasure to be part of an initiative that looks ahead into the future."
The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) administers this funding on behalf of the TSS Steering Committee. The TSS Steering Committee consists of representatives from SUMA, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North), and the Ministry of Government Relations.
"Municipal revenue sharing is an integral part of strengthening municipalities across rural Saskatchewan," SARM President Ray Orb said. "SARM encourages our members to apply for TSS funding and supports the commitment from the province to deliver this program."
Since inception, over $9 million has been allocated to the TSS Initiative.