Saskatchewan Rural Pilot 2023-24

Rural communities in Saskatchewan are facing the same challenges as their urban counterparts but with reduced accessibility to services and support. Issues such as rural transportation emphasizes the need for initiatives that are grounded in and for the benefit of local/regional community residents.

During the period from June 2023 to March 2024, the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA) was pleased to facilitate Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) plans in four rural Saskatchewan communities. The Ministry of Justice, Community Safety and Well-Being Branch (Ministry) provided funding for this important initiative. The goal of the pilot was to empower participating communities to proactively address safety and wellness issues, and to build sustainable plans for ongoing improvement.

The pilot illustrated a high level of receptivity to CSWB concepts, leading to a broader discussion on community economic development and regional versus local CSWB plans. Having conversations about the long-term implications of industry investment and growth, as well as potential shifts in the global economy also added value to the process.  The potential to develop community benefit agreements with major industry became part of the conversation in one of the pilot communities, to assist in addressing local socio-economic priorities.

It is notable that most community stakeholders did not view this pilot as a new project but rather as a restructuring of existing priorities within their respective organizations. The collaborative cross sector conversation and realignment of individual organizational priorities had a tangible impact, leading to a mobilization of resources around the CSWB plans.

CSWB planning was found to be highly relevant, as it directly embraces an integrated socio-economic environment at a local level with potential for strategic community economic development planning.  The level of engagement of various stakeholders exceeded expectations, as organizations recognized the benefits of working together to achieve common goals.