Watson and Rose Valley are two area communities that will benefit in funding through the Government of Saskatchewan’s Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative in 2024. Rose Valley’s community partners will receive $39,000, and Watson’s 10 regional partners will receive $100,000 in funding. In both cases, the dollars come through the Regional Cooperation Funding Stream for Emergency Management Programs. The idea is to coordinate efforts between various community and municipal agencies in creating proactive plans to handle widespread emergency situations.
A release from the province states that it is investing $803,648.84 in 17 new municipal projects under TSS.
The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants to support inter-community collaboration on projects that promote good governance, build capacity, and foster regional cooperation. Fifty communities around Saskatchewan have partnered on 17 approved projects following the Fall 2023 intake.
"Cooperation is integral to the success of Saskatchewan's communities," Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. "Our government is proud to support the TSS Initiative and the hard work of our municipal partners, who are dedicated to improving the lives of their citizens through these important regional projects."
Grant funding covers up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs.
"TSS Initiative fosters partnership and collaboration; it helps further the hard work, good governance practices, and strategies our Saskatchewan hometowns already employ," SUMA President Randy Goulden said. "The projects and initiatives municipalities execute with this funding are a benefit to the entire province, and we are glad to be part of the TSS Initiative."
"Municipal Revenue Sharing is an important stream of funding for municipalities," SARM President Ray Orb said. "SARM believes in the power of partnerships and funding that supports inter-municipal cooperation. This latest round entails projects that will advance the sustainability of rural communities across the province."
The Government invites Saskatchewan municipalities to apply for TSS funding in the next intake for applications, which will open this spring. More information is available at saskatchewan.ca.