On October 11, 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan issued Order in Council 528/2023, introducing amendments to The Northern Municipalities Regulations under The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010.

The regulations have been renamed to emphasize “Northern Grants,” reflecting a focused approach to grant administration and aligning with the intent to improve the processes and clarity. Several definitions were revised to broaden the eligibility criteria; notably, “eligible recipient” now replaces “eligible municipality,” expanding the potential beneficiaries of grants to include towns, villages, hamlets, and specific areas in Manitoba, thus enhancing support for a wider range of northern communities.

The Northern Infrastructure Grants Program now has a defined operational period from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2028, with the objective of assisting eligible recipients with capital works and community infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, the Northern New Water and Sewer Facilities Grant Program has been reinstated to support the construction of new water and sewer systems, highlighting the importance of upgrading essential infrastructure in northern regions.

A revisions include cost parameters for eligible grants, stipulating that costs incurred outside the defined timeline (before October 1, 2023, or after September 30, 2028) are generally disallowed, except under certain ministerial allowances. This change aims to ensure effective use of grants within prescribed limits. New sections detail the application procedures for both capital and operational grants, requiring eligible recipients to submit comprehensive documentation, including capital works plans and analyses of operating costs for any new infrastructure, thereby improving the transparency and accountability in fund utilization.

The amendments also enhance the minister’s authority to review grant programs and make decisions regarding eligibility and funding amounts, aiming to streamline decision-making and improve grant management responsiveness. Recipients of grants must maintain satisfactory records related to costs and expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, with the minister retaining the right to access these records.

A new section clarifies that the minister’s decisions regarding grant eligibility, cost disallowance, and grant amounts are final, providing certainty and stability within the grant framework. Additionally, several sections, including the previous section 67 and parts of the Appendix, have been repealed to streamline the regulatory framework and eliminate outdated provisions.

By redefining eligibility, clarifying application processes, and improving ministerial oversight, these regulations aim to better support the infrastructure needs of northern communities. These changes are expected to facilitate more effective use of financial resources and promote sustainable development in these regions.

Saskatchewan (528/2023) October 20, 2023