New irrigation act will reduce red tape for irrigators

A new irrigation act has been introduced in the Saskatchewan Legislature with approval expected in the spring. The act, updating one from 1996, retains user pay philosophy, required infrastructure replacement funds for districts and details on ministerial powers in irrigation districts, said Aaron Schweitzer, provincial director of irrigation services.

He told the Saskatchewan Irrigation Projects Association (SIPA) conference the act was re-written after consultation with irrigators. “The government wants to strengthen and empower irrigation districts to become more self-reliant.” During consultation the government heard irrigators want clarification on government’s intention, he said. Red tape will be reduced by eliminating the need for ministerial approvals for district bylaws setting boundaries and reporting. And irrigation districts will no longer be required to consult before withdrawing funds from replacement reserves.

The new act will give irrigation districts more authority to enter into agreements for non-irrigation purposes to allow them to realize revenue from alternative streams. A clause on liability and immunity is strengthened to further protect irrigation districts from non-negligent damages, similar to Alberta law.

Changes in the definition of irrigation works include wetlands.

“One thing we heard from you is maybe government hasn’t worked with you enough on identifying what should be invested into replacement funds.” “That’s something we want to consult further on with you” before determining regulations for the act. Fines for contravening the act increase from $5,000 to $100,000, but he said no one has ever been fined by a court for contravening the act.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net