Meridian Source Scoops

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Two Battlefords-area infrastructure projects have reached substantial construction completion this fall, according to the Saskatchewan Monthly Construction Update released Sept. 30 by SaskBuilds and Procurement.

The update lists a new Operations and Service Delivery Maintenance Shop in North Battleford and an elevator upgrade at the King’s Bench Courthouse in Battleford as recently finished, alongside plumbing work at the Walter Scott Building in Regina.

SaskBuilds and procurement minister Sean Wilson said the province is tracking construction and renovation projects across Saskatchewan as they move through the fall season.

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The Saskatchewan government has officially proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), partnering with community advocacy groups to spotlight inclusive workplaces and invest over $10 million in targeted employment programming for 2026-27.

Read more: Expanded recycling options now available for Lloydminster residents

The annual campaign, organized alongside provincial non-profit organization SARC, highlights the benefits of inclusive hiring practices while encouraging businesses across Saskatchewan to remove barriers for job seekers experiencing disabilities.

“Saskatchewan’s workforce is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed,” said Eric Schmalz, Minister of Immigration and Career Training. “We are proud to support initiatives like Disability Employment Awareness Month and the work SARC is doing to create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the province.”

As part of the proclamation, the province announced it is allocating over $10 million this fiscal year toward workforce development programs designed to assist individuals with disabilities in preparing for, securing, and maintaining long-term employment. The funding aligns with the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, which targets expanding workforce participation through initiatives like the Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities program.

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A shelter-in-place order issued for a Wainwright neighbourhood on Oct. 2 has been lifted following the arrest of an armed suspect.

Earlier in the day, Wainwright RCMP instructed residents living near 9 Ave. and 7 St. to remain inside their homes as officers responded to a barricaded, armed male inside a residence.

Police have confirmed the suspect is now in custody and there is no further risk to public safety.

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Orange shirts filled the Border City on Wednesday as residents gathered to honour Truth and Reconciliation Day, learning about the history of residential schools and reflecting on ongoing efforts toward healing.

Saskatchewan formally recognized Wednesday, Sept. 30 as Truth and Reconciliation Day, flying flags at half-mast at provincial buildings from sunrise to sunset and encouraging residents to wear orange and learn more about the history of residential schools.

“Understanding the history and lasting impacts of residential schools is a responsibility we all share,” said Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan’s minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and northern affairs.

“By listening to survivors and learning from their experiences, we can strengthen relationships with First Nation and Métis people and support continued reconciliation efforts across Saskatchewan.”

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Wainwright RCMP has issued a shelter-in-place order for residents living near 9 Ave. and 7 St. as officers respond to an armed man inside a home.

Mounties are asking nearby residents to remain inside their homes and follow all instructions from officers on scene. Police are also requesting that the public refrain from sharing photographs or videos of responding officers on social media.

RCMP said they understand the situation may cause concern in the community, but assured the public that officers are working to ensure safety.

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The Alberta government plans to introduce legislation this fall that would significantly increase penalties for illegal dumping, a move that could carry weight for rural municipalities like the County of Vermilion River that have long dealt with garbage and debris left along roadsides and in ditches.

The proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act were announced Sept. 30, according to a government of Alberta release.

Under the proposed changes, individual offenders would face fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, up from a current maximum of $50,000, the province said.

Corporations caught dumping illegally would face fines of $100,000 to $1 million, up from a $500,000 maximum under the current law.

Courts would also gain the authority to impose jail sentences of 30 days to six months for individual offenders, a new tool not currently available under the act.

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Residential recycling in the City of Lloydminster is taking a new direction as the city transitions its collection operations to Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.

Beginning Oct. 1, non-profit organization Circular Materials took over management of the city’s residential recycling services under the provincial framework, with Integrity Waste Solutions handling collection on its behalf.

The shift transfers the financial and operational responsibility of managing recyclable packaging and paper products from municipal taxpayers to the producers supplying the materials.

Under the new management, residents can now recycle an expanded range of items, including glass bottles and jars, flexible plastic packaging such as chip bags and pouches, foam packaging and toothpaste tubes. These add to previously accepted items like cardboard, paper, cartons, plastic containers, metal cans and aerosol containers.

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Legion branches and veterans organizations on the Saskatchewan side of the border have a funding avenue worth a second look after the province highlighted its Veterans Service Club Support Program at an event south of Prince Albert last weekend.

On Sept. 27, parks, culture and sport minister Alana Ross joined local MLAs, Royal Canadian Legion members and community partners at the River Valley Resilience Retreat near St. Louis, Sask., to mark the completion of several projects funded in part through the program, according to a provincial government release.

The retreat, a volunteer-run, peer-based facility supporting veterans, first responders and their families, has received $145,000 from the province since 2021-22 to fund accessibility renovations and building construction at its permanent site.

“Our veterans service clubs and organizations like River Valley Resilience Retreat do important work supporting veterans and their families,” Ross said. “It is rewarding to see how this funding is helping improve facilities and support the work RVRR is doing for veterans, their families and others in the community.”

This year, 64 Royal Canadian Legion branches, Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans units and other registered non-profit veterans organizations across Saskatchewan shared $1.45 million through the program. It’s the third consecutive year the intake has been fully subscribed, a sign of how many small-town Legions are leaning on the province to keep their doors open.

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Community members, local organizations and runners gathered at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Sunday for the third annual Running for Shelter 5K, raising funds and awareness to support the Lloydminster Men's Shelter and its transitional housing initiatives.

The community event, held on Sept. 27, featured a 5K run/walk, local food vendors, a kids’ zone, and music, drawing between 50 and 60 registered runners alongside hundreds of attending supporters and families. Organizers set a fundraising goal of $50,000 for the event, aiming to bolster additional programming, education, counselling and transitional housing models.

Allan Bartolcic, CEO of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, noted the event highlights the collaborative spirit across the border city.

“What I’ve really learned is the openness of the community—the wanting to have the conversation,” Bartolcic said. “We identify ourselves as Lloydminster. What is the best approach to work with the model that we have? We want to create that sense of community.”