SARM delegates to discuss rural crime

By Nigel Maxwell, paNOW

Rural crime has been a big issue for many municipalities across the province, and the President of the Saskatchewan Association Rural Municipalities (SARM) said he expects more discussion on the topic at this week’s convention in Regina.

“Many of our members are getting really frustrated; we don’t think we have enough RCMP in Saskatchewan, and we want them to be more visible,” Ray Orb said.

Orb’s comments come on the heels of another shooting incident in the province, involving a property owner in the Spiritwood area. Four people have now been arrested in connection with Tuesday’s alleged break-and-enter, and although no injuries were reported the RCMP urged property owners to avoid confrontation whenever possible.

Despite the frustrations felt in some municipalities, Orb said he was encouraged by the emergence of rural crime watch programs across the province in recent months. The SARM President also said he was also happy with the provincial government’s creation of a protective services response team, which includes conservation officers tasked to assist he RCMP.

“Even though members are frustrated, we are hoping they will be somewhat patient and give this response team a chance to work,” Orb said.

Orb said there is talk from Ottawa a private member’s member is coming that would request the federal government strike a committee to look a rural crime nationally.

What else is on the agenda this week:

Among the 25 resolutions on the agenda this week, there are several resolutions that directly address the emergence of Clubroot in northwest and north-central Saskatchewan. Orb said there is a lot of concern from municipalities, particularly in the eastern and western corners of the province.

“Those resolutions will be debated and, if they are passed, it will change a few things as far as reporting and more places where people can sanitize their equipment,” he said.

The SARM convention wraps up Friday.