Valleyview Resort

Buffalo Pound Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada

RM Stuff

The purpose of this website is to communicate with the rate payers within the development area of Valleyview resort and surrounding area. Recent tax increases have sparked an interest in the current operations of the municipality. We would like to thank both past & present council individuals who have dedicated there time and effort to manage the affairs of the RM.

Council works very hard making difficult decisions. Always keeping the rate payers best interests in mind.

An example of private sector and government working together to achieve common goals.

The accuracy of information on this site is most important, please notify immediately if misleading or wrong information exists.

Our mission is to help the RM achieve a positive outcome for all.

Base Taxes, Minimum Taxes, have been implemented in many municipalities. Property Assessments have increased substantially. Potash Revenue is controlled by both the federal & provincial governments. These tax increases has been distributed to Agriculture, Residential, Urban Centres and Commercial Operations . As you proceed through this website, you are able to experience a portion of the massive amount of unlimited Government Departments, Provincial Regulations, Permits , Forms, Etc. The RM Administrative employees form a protective wall, guiding council through this excessively complicated system. They are both efficient & professional aligning council to complete its goals and achieving positive results.

RM of Dufferin #190 Website

Important: Current Business

The RM is hosting a meeting with S.A.M.A. explaining the property tax assessment process

Details: RM of Dufferin #190

Council encourages rate payers to be aware of current affairs effecting municipalities. Meeting Agendas are posted monthly keeping people informed of current activities with in the RM. As property owners, it is our responsibility to be informed of current activities.

Council is aware of the damage created with the current method used to mulch trees, and is exploring new options. They would prefer, only where necessary to clear the large trees and maintain the lower growth with mowers, this is large expense when distributed throughout the total RM. The purpose is to enable road maintenance and prevent damage to RM equipment.
Council is currently looking at the repair of two bridges, these repairs are time sensitive, an expert in bridge repair explained the process and infrastructure required. The tendering process has demonstrated extreme price variances. Environment also plays a role restricting dates due to fish spawning etc. Council is considering other options, performing the project under the guidance of a bridge repair expert. See: Rural Infrastructure The RM is (380 square miles) (984 square KM) crossing 2 valleys with many bridges. The 2021 Consensus shows a population of 595 with 328 dwellings.
The Resort Village of North Grove is requesting annexation of Buffalo Vista . This can have a significant financial impact on the RM. The pressure on the infrastructure of the RM example: Water, Septic, Gravel, Concrete Trucks, Cars, Trailers etc. increases throughout the municipality, which in turn requires more maintenance at the RM of Dufferins #190 ratepayers expense. See: Municipal Boundary Changes Annexation A large amount of time and effort has been spent by Council & Administration on the planning and development of this project, A group representing "The Village of North Groove" explained that an impact study had been performed on the primary road through their village (Daniel Drive) the reports can be viewed at The Village of North Grove. Council continues in private discussions to settle this matter.
The 2026 budget is being created by our (Acting) Chief Administrator Officer, (Tobi Duck) she offers a great deal of expertise & experience in this extremely important area. Council will review & approve after careful consideration.
Larger municipalities with a low population, while maintaining a large service area. are complaining of pressure due to provincial funding being based on population numbers., The result rate payers are being negatively effected. Municipal Funding
Talks in regards to the maintenance of the existing K&S Legacy Road are on going, The Province of Saskatchewan, K&S and the RM are involved, it would appear that the province controls mine property taxes and potash revenues. The current arrangement with K+S and the province has become obsolete. The maintenance of Legacy Road is an inherited problem for council, solutions to paved municipal roads throughout the province are a major concern for municipalities. The mine has increased traffic throughout the entire municipality. Roads & Streets Construction & Maintenance K &S appears to have changed its policies in regards to its anticipated responsibilities. The original public informational meetings also promised addressing environmental concerns which included a tree belt encompassing the mine, light covers to reduce night light pollution and solution mining with no tailing ponds or salt mountains. Understanding the financial importance of potash to the province, the rate payers of the RM and Council should not be negatively effected either financially or other. See: 3 BILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION See: SOLAR INVESTMENT
The base tax abatement policy designed to accommodate individuals who own adjoining properties results in a short term revenue loss to the municipality. I understand this is to be reviewed annually.
RM zoning bylaws maybe reviewed. It has been identified that resort property bylaws in particular are obsolete. Public meetings could possibly be held. See: A Guide to Municipal Planning Process in Saskatchewan Changes are to keep in stride with provincial government goals. This could include permits for docks, pumps, boat lifts, trailers and other structures See: Zoning Bylaws
Regarding paving of Legacy Road (K+S Highway) to highway 2 is being considered. The RM has no interest in maintaining this infrastructure if completed.
Early payment discounts create an uninterrupted cash flow while saving bank fees and interest charges. The continuance of this policy is being discussed.
Gravel contracts for the new year have been concluded crushers are located and accessed by different operators in different places. The quality of gravel varies, reliability and the hauling distance all figure in as tenders are completed.
Road Traffic has increased throughout the RM. This is obviously a concern in regards to maintenance.
The RM has been fortunate that a local individual has filled the position as a "Pest Control Officer" he is currently stepping aside. This position requires experience, regulations continue to grow yet formal training does not exist. Gophers, Grasshoppers, Mice, Rats and other pests all need to be controlled or eliminated. Fortunately an individual has been located an agreement is being established.
The purchase of a new grader is going to be tendered different manufacturers promotions and options are considered. Apply to Borrow Money for a Municipality
National Building Codes for large commercial projects is having a negative effect throughout Saskatchewan Municipalities. Fire regulations adopted in the east are not practical to the Saskatchewan landscape. The province has been notified corrective measures are being considered. This has been delaying building permits throughout the province.

Employee Responsibilities

RM Employees include 1: Chief Administrator Officer, 1 Development Officer, 5 public works (1 foreman,4 operators), 1 contracted summer Grader operator. Salaries & Wages are controlled by council, recommendations are suggested by various groups. See: Rural Municipal Association of Saskatchewan (Salary Schedule) U.M.A.S.S. Urban Administration These are well trained individuals, competitive salaries are essential in the smooth operation of the Municipality.
Chief Administrator Officer duties include: The day to day operations of the municipality, assisting council with the implementation of policies, programs and strategic planning all approved by council. Coordinating municipal services and operations, ensuring compliance with provincial legislation like The Municipal Act. Assist & prepare annual operating and capital budgets. Act as point of contact between the administration, Council and the public. Management of accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Development Office duties include reviewing development permit requests, and other office duties as necessary. In more complex issues a planner may be contracted Community Planning Needs Assessment
Graders are very expensive to acquire approximately $650,000.00 ea. The RM operates 4 Graders 3 on a continuous bases. Breakdowns are always a concern particularly in the winter. Managing the hours on each machine is extremely important, it eliminates or postpones expensive warranty extensions. The RM is aware of the time frame in regards to the replacement of the graders. Having the 4th (oldest grader) as a stand by helps out in emergencies, special circumstances and breakdowns. Grader replacement is expected and planned. The grader operators are well trained in operating, maintenance and repair. Ditch mowers are also extremely expensive machines and require similar management. Operators are under consistent pressure to avoid road hazards,culverts etc. Thus saving the municipality expensive repairs.
The RM facility cost 2.2 Million this facility is paid for, it houses & maintains the admin staff and all the RM equipment. A tour of this facility demonstrates the progressive nature of both Council & the community.
The Village of Bethune pays 50% of the Office Managers Salary and benefits. It pays 22% and benefits of the Chief Officers Administrators Salary & Benefits. In 2023 rent to the Village of Bethune was set at $350.00 a month, billed annually software, labour, Rent etc. billed monthly, office supplies. This relationship is beneficial to all involved and has been recently reviewed. Fees for Municipal Services The Village of Bethune collects & manages its own taxes and operating budgets and are financially independent of the RM.
Findlater is referred to as a Special Service Area, this allows the RM to provide different services, mill rates, and special assessments. See: Communities in Transition Funding List of Special Service areas Funds for capital infrastructure projects paid by the RM are refunded in the form of Grants The Communities in Transition Fund (CIT). RM costs are reflected in the mill rate.

Other

The complexity of government regulations, infrastructure and lack of the ability to form councils, is effecting Rural Municipalities, villages, and hamlets. Currently our Reeve can receive up to 4-5 calls per day in this volunteer position. This does not include calls to our individual volunteer councillors.
Our resort primarily is made up of what would be considered low improvement property assessment value. Our property land values is very high, governments are hungry for cash. This explains why base taxes, minimum taxes, and other forms of taxation are increasing in many municipalities. It also demonstrates the current mill rate formula possibly needs review at the provincial level.
Reserve funds in regards to certain capital assets is good financial management. Unfortunately revenue in regards. to rural municipalities fluctuates both provincially & federally. Potash revenue sharing is also not in the control of the RM . New grants are issued old grants expire. The budget process is now beginning for 2026 actual costs & revenue will be compared to the 2025 budget figures. This is when council often has to make difficult decisions. Final Budget 2025 Municipal Potash Tax Sharing
Sask Environment controls the foreshore of Buffalo Pound Lake. It has long been the wish of the provincial government to transfer the foreshore management to the municipality. This can be an extremely time consuming & costly arrangement for the rate payers. Municipalities & The Subdivision Process
Northshore Lands (Glamping) has 64 lake front lots 247 lots total This development completed will contribute needed funding to our large municipality.
SE 1-20-25 W2 N Sask Power Solar (News Release) This is the location of the new solar facility. Signage and Construction has been started.

Government Links Around the Lake Shop Local Others * Depicts Inside the RM

Contact: RM Stuff valleyviewbpl@gmail.com

E