Rural Integrated Roads for Growth
Res #: 7-25A
Number: 7
Year: 2025
Midterm: No
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure
WHEREAS the RM of Meadow Lake No. 588 has over 500 miles of roadways that serve a varied mixture of grain farms, pastures, logging operations and residential acreages.
WHEREAS the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program has specific requirements for road projects.
WHEREAS currently the RM of Meadow Lake does not have any roads that meet the requirements for road program eligibility as stated in the RIRG policy manual.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM investigate a new program that would help subsidize the use of road stabilization products for rural roads that do not meet the requirements of the RIRG road program.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways
June 9, 2025
The Ministry of Highways (ministry) provides support for rural municipal roads through the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program. This program, which is funded by the ministry and administered by the SARM, provides opportunities for rural municipalities (RMs) to be reimbursed for a portion of the cost of planning, constructing and maintaining roads and bridges that support economic growth.
Road stabilization projects are currently eligible under the RIRG program, but they must meet specific design criteria to receive funding, including a minimum right-of-way width of 42 metres. These standards are required to ensure that the program is investing in safe roads that support the regional economy, which means safely accommodating trucks travelling at high speeds. The design standards, which are based on both best practices and experience, have proven to be effective on similar roads across many different jurisdictions.
The ministry is not currently considering a separate grant program for road stabilization projects. We will continue to work with SARM to periodically review the RIRG program policies, including the eligibility requirements and design standards for road stabilization work.
Once again, thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention.
Hon. Davit Marit – Minister of Highways, Government of Saskatchewan
