{"id":135,"date":"2018-04-17T04:03:49","date_gmt":"2018-04-17T04:03:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/?post_type=project&#038;p=135"},"modified":"2023-02-13T14:05:46","modified_gmt":"2023-02-13T14:05:46","slug":"chapter-4-banding-together","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/project\/chapter-4-banding-together\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 4: Banding together"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=&#8221;Banding together&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;right&#8221; header_fullscreen=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; title_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; title_font_size=&#8221;75px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-header2.jpg&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; title_text_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221;][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; content_font_size=&#8221;13px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221;]On the outskirts of the small town of Admiral, Sask.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson<\/em><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]A Saskatchewan administrative association says some rural communities are struggling to stay afloat in the 21st&nbsp;century, and there are so many spread across the province it\u2019s difficult to provide assistance to all of them.<\/p>\n<p>Saskatchewan\u2019s rural and urban areas are divided into municipalities, and each municipality has its own head. There are 296 rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, easily the largest number for any province in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>According to recent census data from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has 950 distinct census subdivisions. A census subdivision is any area treated as a municipality for statistical purposes, including everything from cities to rural municipalities.<\/p>\n<p>That means Saskatchewan has the highest number of census subdivisions per capita of any province in the country, at a rate of 86.5 per 100,000 people. By comparison, Ontario has just over four census subdivisions per capita. Saskatchewan has a lot fewer people, and a lot more places to take care of.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Classifications graph&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<center><\/p>\n<div class='tableauPlaceholder' id='viz1523937224552' style='position: relative'><noscript><a href='#'><img alt='Dashboard 1 ' src='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Ce\/Censussubdivisionsbyprovince\/Dashboard1\/1_rss.png' style='border: none' \/><\/a><\/noscript><object class='tableauViz' style='display:none;'><param name='host_url' value='https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F' \/><param name='embed_code_version' value='3' \/><param name='site_root' value='' \/><param name='name' value='Censussubdivisionsbyprovince\/Dashboard1' \/><param name='tabs' value='no' \/><param name='toolbar' value='yes' \/><param name='static_image' value='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Ce\/Censussubdivisionsbyprovince\/Dashboard1\/1.png' \/><param name='animate_transition' value='yes' \/><param name='display_static_image' value='yes' \/><param name='display_spinner' value='yes' \/><param name='display_overlay' value='yes' \/><param name='display_count' value='yes' \/><\/object><\/div>\n<p> <script type='text\/javascript'> var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1523937224552'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; vizElement.style.width='840px';vizElement.style.height='727px'; var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/javascripts\/api\/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); <\/script><\/center>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-sarm.jpg&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; align_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; align_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||5px|&#8221; always_center_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; align_phone=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;photo caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Jay Meyer (left) and Kelsay Reimer (right) work with rural municipalities around Saskatchewan.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson.<\/em><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]\u201cWe\u2019re struggling right now with having enough administrators right now to administer these 296 RMs,\u201d Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities president Jay Meyer said. \u201cIt\u2019s tough to recruit [new people] if you don\u2019t have administration in your office managing it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The rural population once dwarfed the urban population in Saskatchewan. Now, those percentages have shifted drastically.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Since the numbers were tracked dating back to the early 20<span style=\"font-size: 11.6667px;\">th<\/span>&nbsp;century, the population has been swinging from rural to urban. In 1966, the rural population of Saskatchewan still outnumbered the urban population. Today, more than two thirds of the province\u2019s people are located in urban centres.<\/p>\n<p>Meyer said that when families leave the smallest rural centres it can be hard to attract them to a different rural centre over urban hubs.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think there\u2019s a concern\u2026 As those small communities start dying those people are going somewhere,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cThe question is where. Are the they going to the next large rural community, or are they heading to the big city?\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Urban vs rural graph&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<center><\/p>\n<div class='tableauPlaceholder' id='viz1523937240957' style='position: relative'><noscript><a href='#'><img alt='Dashboard 1 ' src='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Po\/PopulationtrendsinSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1\/1_rss.png' style='border: none' \/><\/a><\/noscript><object class='tableauViz' style='display:none;'><param name='host_url' value='https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F' \/><param name='embed_code_version' value='3' \/><param name='site_root' value='' \/><param name='name' value='PopulationtrendsinSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1' \/><param name='tabs' value='no' \/><param name='toolbar' value='yes' \/><param name='static_image' value='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Po\/PopulationtrendsinSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1\/1.png' \/><param name='animate_transition' value='yes' \/><param name='display_static_image' value='yes' \/><param name='display_spinner' value='yes' \/><param name='display_overlay' value='yes' \/><param name='display_count' value='yes' \/><\/object><\/div>\n<p> <script type='text\/javascript'> var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1523937240957'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; vizElement.style.width='840px';vizElement.style.height='727px'; var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/javascripts\/api\/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); <\/script><\/center>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;- Jay Meyer,&#8221; job_title=&#8221;President, SARM&#8221; quote_icon_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; quote_icon_background_color=&#8221;#055610&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; body_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#055610&#8243; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; border_width_all_portrait=&#8221;4px&#8221; box_shadow_style_image=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>&#8220;As those small communities start dying those people are going somewhere&#8230; the question is <strong>where<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is a group of advocates and policy makers for rural communities. They are based in the capital of Regina, but regularly speak to the municipalities across the province.<\/p>\n<p>As Meyer puts it, it can be a daunting task to make sure all the municipalities have a plan for the future.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re struggling right now with having enough administrators out there to administer these 296 (municipalities),\u201d he said. \u201cNever mind recruiting them all to three and a half hours away from \u2026 Regina or Saskatoon.\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-header-2.jpg&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;height: 500px;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;location, location, location&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Location, location, location<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=&#8221;big photo caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; content_font_size=&#8221;13px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221;]Old train tracks near Highway 13 in southern Saskatchewan.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson<\/em><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Meyer said the drop in populations for these small towns happens very gradually, and is usually exacerbated by the loss of potential employers, such as schools and clinics.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe less people you have \u2026 the less chance that the hospital is going to stay open or the schools are going to stay open,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The lack of available services for small communities was a problem identified by Professor Rose Olfert. In her book <em>Saskatchewan\u2019s Communities in the 21<span style=\"font-size: 11.6667px;\">st&nbsp;<\/span>Century<\/em>, Olfert and her colleagues outline six community \u201ctrade centre\u201d classifications. The classifications are based off the number of, and access to, services for that community. And out of the 598 Saskatchewan communities that made up Olfert\u2019s data, most of them fell into the lowest category.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/Rose-Olfert.jpg&#8221; show_bottom_space=&#8221;off&#8221; align_tablet=&#8221;center&#8221; align_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;||5px|&#8221; always_center_on_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; align_phone=&#8221;center&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;photo caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]The University of Saskatchewan&#8217;s Rose Olfert is an expert of rural economics.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson<\/em>.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Called the \u201cMinimum Convenience Centre\u201d category, communities in this section have \u201cperhaps a gasoline station or a restaurant,\u201d according to the book. The number of communities that fall into this category has risen steadily since the data collection began in the 1960s.<\/p>\n<p>According to Olfert, it\u2019s those lower classification communities that can\u2019t hope to sustain themselves into the future.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUltimately, unless those basic trends of population loss and change in the nature of the functions and services \u2026 somehow change, you know, the writing is on the wall,\u201d Olfert said.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;graph of settlements Olfert&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<center><\/p>\n<div class='tableauPlaceholder' id='viz1523937256061' style='position: relative'><noscript><a href='#'><img alt='Dashboard 1 ' src='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Cl\/ClassificationofsettlementsinSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1\/1_rss.png' style='border: none' \/><\/a><\/noscript><object class='tableauViz' style='display:none;'><param name='host_url' value='https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F' \/><param name='embed_code_version' value='3' \/><param name='site_root' value='' \/><param name='name' value='ClassificationofsettlementsinSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1' \/><param name='tabs' value='no' \/><param name='toolbar' value='yes' \/><param name='static_image' value='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Cl\/ClassificationofsettlementsinSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1\/1.png' \/><param name='animate_transition' value='yes' \/><param name='display_static_image' value='yes' \/><param name='display_spinner' value='yes' \/><param name='display_overlay' value='yes' \/><param name='display_count' value='yes' \/><\/object><\/div>\n<p> <script type='text\/javascript'> var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1523937256061'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; vizElement.style.width='840px';vizElement.style.height='477px'; var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/javascripts\/api\/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); <\/script><\/center>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]The struggle of sustaining services in rural communities is one well known to the government as well. The Growing Forward 2 policy framework set in place by the Ministry of Agriculture outlines how the government supports that business sector in the province. Jonathan Greuel, the executive director of the Ministry of Agriculture\u2019s policy branch, said drawing people and services to remote areas of the province is a major point of consideration in that framework.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cJust getting access to mechanics and labour \u2026 the distances and the times involved, that\u2019s a concern,\u201d Greuel said. \u201cGetting access to labour in rural areas, that is becoming a bit of a constraint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Greuel said that access and retention of labour for farms has been identified as a \u201cpotential impediment of future growth,\u201d but that the Ministry of Agriculture doesn\u2019t take dwindling populations into consideration.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re more concerned about the competitiveness of the sector, and growing,\u201d Greuel said, adding that population questions fall to other government ministries.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-header-3-1.jpg&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;height: 500px;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;consolidation is the key&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Consolidation is the key<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=&#8221;big photo caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; content_font_size=&#8221;13px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221;]Many old buildings along Saskatchewan farmland are crumbling.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson<\/em><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]As services continue to be shuttered in smaller communities, the best hope is for close settlements to band together and share what they have, according to Meyer.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCollaboration and working together is number one. You have to start sharing some resources,\u201d Meyer said.<\/p>\n<p>Communities lose the capacity to sustain the number of different services they once did after the population drops below a certain level. Towns like Scotsguard and Crichton all once played homeservices like to shops, train stations, post offices \u2013 all the trappings of a sustainable community.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou lose your car dealership, you lose twenty-five people \u2013 that\u2019s staff,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cWell, times that by two or maybe three because you have \u2026 [spouses] and you have kids that are leaving, and that affects the high schools or the elementary schools.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt kind of spirals all the way down.\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Kelsay Reimer, the acting director of policy research for the association, said the best way for these communities to survive is to work together. By consolidating their resources, she said, small communities can use the funds allocated to them by the government more efficiently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou get more communities and more voices together, you have a louder voice,\u201d Reimer said. \u201cSo more can be accomplished.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The provincial government provides funding through its Municipal Revenue Sharing plan. In the 2018-2019 budget, $67.98 million was provided to rural communities. That\u2019s the lowest it\u2019s been since the 2011-2012 budget.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;- Kelsay Reimer,&#8221; job_title=&#8221;Acting Director of policy research, SARM&#8221; quote_icon_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; quote_icon_background_color=&#8221;#055610&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; body_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#055610&#8243; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; border_width_all_portrait=&#8221;4px&#8221; box_shadow_style_image=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>&#8220;You get more communities and more voices together, you have a louder voice.&#8221;<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Municipal revenue sharing graph&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<center><\/p>\n<div class='tableauPlaceholder' id='viz1523937269848' style='position: relative'><noscript><a href='#'><img alt='Dashboard 1 ' src='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Mu\/MunicipalrevenuesharingSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1\/1_rss.png' style='border: none' \/><\/a><\/noscript><object class='tableauViz' style='display:none;'><param name='host_url' value='https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F' \/><param name='embed_code_version' value='3' \/><param name='site_root' value='' \/><param name='name' value='MunicipalrevenuesharingSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1' \/><param name='tabs' value='no' \/><param name='toolbar' value='yes' \/><param name='static_image' value='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Mu\/MunicipalrevenuesharingSaskatchewan\/Dashboard1\/1.png' \/><param name='animate_transition' value='yes' \/><param name='display_static_image' value='yes' \/><param name='display_spinner' value='yes' \/><param name='display_overlay' value='yes' \/><param name='display_count' value='yes' \/><\/object><\/div>\n<p> <script type='text\/javascript'> var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1523937269848'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; if ( divElement.offsetWidth > 800 ) { vizElement.style.width='840px';vizElement.style.height='627px';} else if ( divElement.offsetWidth > 500 ) { vizElement.style.width='840px';vizElement.style.height='627px';} else { vizElement.style.width='100%';vizElement.style.height=(divElement.offsetWidth*1.77)+'px';} var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/javascripts\/api\/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); <\/script><\/center>[\/et_pb_code][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Municipal revenue sharing graph&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<center><\/p>\n<div class='tableauPlaceholder' id='viz1524023827105' style='position: relative'><noscript><a href='#'><img alt='Dashboard 1 ' src='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Sa\/Saskatchewan-Revenuesharingpercapitaurbanandrural2011\/Dashboard1\/1_rss.png' style='border: none' \/><\/a><\/noscript><object class='tableauViz' style='display:none;'><param name='host_url' value='https%3A%2F%2Fpublic.tableau.com%2F' \/><param name='embed_code_version' value='3' \/><param name='site_root' value='' \/><param name='name' value='Saskatchewan-Revenuesharingpercapitaurbanandrural2011\/Dashboard1' \/><param name='tabs' value='no' \/><param name='toolbar' value='yes' \/><param name='static_image' value='https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/static\/images\/Sa\/Saskatchewan-Revenuesharingpercapitaurbanandrural2011\/Dashboard1\/1.png' \/><param name='animate_transition' value='yes' \/><param name='display_static_image' value='yes' \/><param name='display_spinner' value='yes' \/><param name='display_overlay' value='yes' \/><param name='display_count' value='yes' \/><param name='filter' value='publish=yes' \/><\/object><\/div>\n<p> <script type='text\/javascript'> var divElement = document.getElementById('viz1524023827105'); var vizElement = divElement.getElementsByTagName('object')[0]; vizElement.style.width='840px';vizElement.style.height='427px'; var scriptElement = document.createElement('script'); scriptElement.src = 'https:\/\/public.tableau.com\/javascripts\/api\/viz_v1.js'; vizElement.parentNode.insertBefore(scriptElement, vizElement); <\/script><\/center>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]As more communities decline and the rural population becomes more thinly spread, Reimer said local communities need to make agreements amongst themselves to best use that money. Meyer and Reimer suggest that closely situated communities need to identify who will supply what services to the area. For example, one community gets the grocery store, while the next gets the auto repair shop.<\/p>\n<p>In theory, there should be more than enough communities for rural Saskatchewan to create an effective sharing strategy, they said. Statistics Canada lists the province as having 258 villages in addition to the 296 rural municipalities, meaning there are many population centres scattered throughout the province.<\/p>\n<p>But as Meyer puts it, finding the most effective way for municipalities to organize themselves isn\u2019t a simple task. With limited finances and results expected quickly enough to impact the next election, the reeves of Saskatchewan\u2019s rural municipalities can sometimes struggle to think long-term.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGive more money\u2026 and they can build a lagoon or a lift station or a road or a bridge,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I mean we need to start looking \u2026 five, 10 years down the line.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>That reality is reflected in the numbers. According to Statistics Canada, 12 municipalities in Saskatchewan have dissolved since the last census in 2011.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-header-4.jpg&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;height: 500px;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Future planning&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Planning for a future that might not exist<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=&#8221;big photo caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; content_font_size=&#8221;13px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221;]The sunset near Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson<\/em><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]\u201cSometimes it\u2019s tough for elected officials because they need to see results in four years,\u201d said Meyer. \u201cThat\u2019s when the next election is.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Because of the lack of training and understanding for how to best spend money on development, many communities don\u2019t do a lot of future planning. Meyer said it\u2019s something his association tries to push home for the reeves of rural municipalities. But with 296 of them to consider, and an elected reeve in charge of each, there\u2019s a lot of different administrators with a lot of different opinions.<\/p>\n<p>Some of those reeves don\u2019t have a large population base to take care of. The largest rural municipality, Corman Park No. 344, has a population of 8,568, but surrounds the major hub of Saskatoon.<\/p>\n<p>And Glen McPherson No. 46, the smallest rural municipality in terms of population, is home to only 72 people. But being in the southernmost reaches of the province, it\u2019s far more isolated.<\/p>\n<p>The concept of amalgamation \u2013 bringing together multiple rural municipalities into fewer, larger municipalities \u2013 has been discussed as an option for decades. Economists like Olfert say it\u2019s the best way to ensure the survival of rural communities. But many of those living in those municipalities don\u2019t like the idea of amalgamation.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_3,2_3&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_testimonial author=&#8221;- Jay Meyer,&#8221; job_title=&#8221;President, SARM&#8221; quote_icon_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; quote_icon_background_color=&#8221;#055610&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; body_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#055610&#8243; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; border_width_all_portrait=&#8221;4px&#8221; box_shadow_style_image=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>&#8220;I&#8217;m not saying that we&#8217;re going to get forced into it&#8230; before we do, we should maybe come up with some strategies ourselves.&#8221;<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]In 2000, the then-NDP provincial government commissioned a report from a University of Saskatchewan political scientist to look into the benefits of amalgamation. His report proposed amalgamating all local governments in Saskatchewan into 125 municipal districts to save on expenses. It was staunchly opposed by Meyer\u2019s association and the Saskatchewan Party.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s like anything \u2013 it\u2019s how it\u2019s communicated, how is it done, is there incentive involved in it,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cBut it almost has to be (the municipalities\u2019) idea.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>An emailed statement from the Government of Saskatchewan\u2019s Ministry of Government Relations said there are \u201cno plans to force restructuring in the province,\u201d and said local authorities have the best understanding of whether amalgamation is the right step.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]Whether due to nostalgia or financial stability, the idea of amalgamation hasn\u2019t gone over well in other parts of Canada. The provincial government in Manitoba passed legislation in 2013 requiring municipalities of fewer than 1,000 people to amalgamate with others by 2015. The legislation brought the total number of municipalities in the province from 197 down to 137. The Association of Manitoba Municipalities took the government to court over the legislation, with then-association president Doug Dobrowolski calling it \u201cnot fair and transparent.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If the same legislation were applied in Saskatchewan, it would force 259 out of 296 rural municipalities to amalgamate.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m not saying that we\u2019re going to get forced into it,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cWhat I\u2019m saying is before we do, we should maybe come up with some strategies ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meyer and Reimer both agree there is some concern with communities dwindling in the prairies, but insist the small rural settlements can thrive. They just need to have a plan.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would venture to guess if I went back today and looked at the population, the communities that had the will probably maintain theirs and the ones that didn\u2019t have the will probably declined,\u201d Reimer said.<\/p>\n<p>Reimer also identified broadband connectivity as a key issue to help keep rural communities connected to the urban world and each other. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission declared broadband internet to be a \u201cbasic telecommunications service\u201d in 2016, which many speculated would pave the way for better internet access in rural communities across the country.<\/p>\n<p>But quality internet connectivity is still a luxury in a lot of small rural communities, Reimer said. And that can impact quality of life \u2013 and the ability to attract anyone to more remote areas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you don\u2019t have that accessibility it\u2019s going to be hard to recruit professionals \u2026 or even start up small businesses in small towns,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cNot everybody has that accessibility to internet to do a transfer \u2026 or pay their bills online.\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;On their own&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-header-5.jpg&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;height: 500px;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;on their own&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_text_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;40px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>On their own<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_fullwidth_header admin_label=&#8221;big photo caption&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; content_font_size=&#8221;13px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;light&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px|&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221; button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;off&#8221;]Train tracks near the now-vanished town of Romance.&nbsp;<em>Photo by Matthew Olson<\/em><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]In an emailed statement, the Government of Saskatchewan did not respond to questions regarding any concern over shrinking rural populations, instead highlighting the funding provided through other government programs.<\/p>\n<p>Between the revenue sharing program and the government\u2019s stance on amalgamation, it seems the province is willing to let rural Saskatchewan succeed or fail on its own merits \u2013 a prospect Meyer believes most municipalities would be fine accepting.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think we\u2019re pushing for strong governance,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cThe provincial government \u2026 on one hand, municipalities don\u2019t want them involved. But then in the meantime, when things aren\u2019t good, they want them involved.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Olfert doesn\u2019t share the association\u2019s optimism, calling the gradual shutdown of services and changes in the communities \u201csymptoms\u201d of an irreversible decline.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUltimately, if those underlying factors continue it\u2019s going to go,\u201d she said. \u201cYou can slow it down a bit, but I think it\u2019s just what people do.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can\u2019t hold back the tide.\u201d<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; column_structure=&#8221;1_2,1_2&#8243;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/project\/chapter-3-for-your-health\/\">Chapter 3: For your health<\/a><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/project\/chapter-5-no-more-romance\/\">Chapter 5: No more Romance<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2018\/04\/s4-final-header.jpg&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;40px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(201,201,201,0)&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;height: 500px;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>&#8220;You can&#8217;t hold back the tide.&#8221;<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On the outskirts of the small town of Admiral, Sask.&nbsp;Photo by Matthew Olson A Saskatchewan administrative association says some rural communities are struggling to stay afloat in the 21st&nbsp;century, and there are so many spread across the province it\u2019s difficult to provide assistance to all of them. Saskatchewan\u2019s rural and urban areas are divided into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":136,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"project_category":[3],"project_tag":[],"class_list":["post-135","project","type-project","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","project_category-chapter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Chapter 4: Banding together - Prairie Ghosts<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/mrp\/prairieghosts\/project\/chapter-4-banding-together\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 4: Banding together - Prairie Ghosts\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"On the outskirts of the small town of Admiral, Sask.&nbsp;Photo by Matthew Olson A Saskatchewan administrative association says some rural communities are struggling to stay afloat in the 21st&nbsp;century, and there are so many spread across the province it\u2019s difficult to provide assistance to all of them. 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