Environmental Guidelines
Res #: 12-18A
Number: 12
Year: 2018
Midterm: No
Expired: Yes
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
WHEREAS environmental rules are putting inflated costs to construction of road infrastructure;
WHEREAS the costs quoted by engineering firms have risen by as much as six times or more;
WHEREAS rural municipalities are environmentally friendly and agree the environment must be protected;
WHEREAS environmental regulations are creating additional costs for rural municipalities that are unsustainable.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby both levels of government to implement a graduated index for environmental guidelines which incorporates common sense into the guidelines. For example, where fish are found in an area where 2014 flooding enabled them to inhabit the area, and only one fish is found, the area be rated as one on a scale of one to 10, but a year-round flowing river be rated as a 10.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
October 25, 2022
The ministry is committed to developing clear environmental performance expectations for regulated industry while allowing for responsible development. Clear communication between the ministry and municipalities is necessary to minimize impacts to the environment.
The ministry respects the concerns raised by municipalities and will work with SARM to explore the potential of this resolution.
The Honourable Dana Skoropad – Minister of Environment, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment