WHEREAS Surface Rights Board of Arbitration hearings are held in Regina; and

WHEREAS landowners appealing to the Board have to travel long distances to meet with the board therefore losing time and incurring expenses in order to do this;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby The Government of Saskatchewan to hold Surface Rights Board of Arbitration hearings in the office of the rural municipality in which the land is located.

Response from Duane Smith, Board Chairman, Surface Rights Board of Arbitration:

Your letter of November 15, 2011 regarding the resolution passed, as it pertains to Surface Rights Board Hearings, has been forwarded to our Board for a response.

The Board currently holds hearings in Kindersley, Swift Current, North Battleford, Lloydminster and Regina. The Board feels this adequately covers the “oil activity” areas of the Province. The Board does however consider special requests and tries to balance travel for all parties involved.

Please also be advised the Board has the jurisdiction to award reasonable costs to the Owner/Occupant for their travel expenses, (including hotel, mileage and meals), to attend a right of entry hearing or compensation hearing.