Pest Control
Strychnine Use in Saskatchewan – Training Now Required
The Province of Saskatchewan has introduced strict rules for anyone wishing to use strychnine for Richardson’s ground squirrel control. Strychnine is now available only under a mandatory stewardship and training program, and all users must meet the provincial requirements before purchasing or applying the product.
What Producers Need to Know
✔️ Training is mandatory — All applicators must complete the Strychnine Stewardship Training program.
✔️ Use is highly regulated — Only in‑burrow application is permitted, with strict rules for carcass monitoring, species‑at‑risk protection, and record‑keeping.
✔️ Not everyone will qualify — Eligibility is limited to specific areas and conditions set by the Province.
✔️ RMs are not responsible for training — Training is delivered through SARM and the Ministry of Agriculture.
Where to Get Training
SARM has launched the official Strychnine Stewardship Training Program, which includes the required modules, safety information, and certification steps.
🔗 Training details:
https://sarm.ca/strychnine-stewardship-training/
Provincial Rules & Requirements
The Government of Saskatchewan provides full guidance on approved use, restrictions, and stewardship obligations.
🔗 Provincial information:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock/pastures-grazing-hay-silage/richardsons-ground-squirrel-management/strychnine-use-in-saskatchewan
If you plan to use strychnine this season, please review the requirements carefully and complete the training before purchasing or applying any product.
Gopher Control Program – 2026–27 Guidelines Overview
The Gopher Control Program, delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) and administered by SARM, provides financial assistance to help RMs, First Nations, and producers manage ground squirrel (gopher) populations. Eligible species include Richardson’s, Franklin’s, thirteen‑lined, and Northern pocket gophers.
The program supports both registered gopher control products and non‑chemical predation tools such as raptor platforms and nest boxes.
Key Program Details
- Funding is prorated among all eligible claimants, up to 50% of eligible costs. The guidelines state: “Program funding will be prorated among all eligible claimants to a maximum of 50 per cent paid for pest control product registered for use on gophers…”
- Strychnine is not eligible for rebate. The document notes: “Strychnine is not eligible for rebate under the Gopher Control Program.”
- Raptor platforms installed during the program year are eligible for 50% of material costs, up to $125 per platform.
- Claims must include valid invoices, and GST/PST are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Restricted‑use products require a copy of the applicator’s licence.
Eligibility Window
Eligible purchases and installations must occur between January 1, 2026 and July 31, 2026.
Claim Submission Requirements
Stakeholders must:
- Complete the official 2026–27 Gopher Control Program Claim Form
- Attach all required invoices
- Provide legal land descriptions or GPS coordinates for raptor platform installations
- Submit the completed package to their RM office for certification
The guidelines specify: “Stakeholders… must complete and sign claim forms and submit to their RM or First Nation office prior to the above deadline.”
Claim Deadline – July 31, 2026
All claim forms must be submitted to the RM office by July 31, 2026.
After certification, the RM forwards all claims to SARM for processing.
Program Documents
Gopher Control Program Claim Form (2026 RM39)
Gopher Control Program Guidelines (2026–27)
Recycling
A recycling depot for RM of The Gap No. 39 residents is available at 413 – 1st Avenue West in Ceylon, SK.
Waste Disposal
The RM of the Gap No. 39 has an agreement with Goliath Disposal to provide waste disposal containers to residents at a reduced rate. Waste disposal container options include: 3 yard, 4 yard, or 6 yard bins with pick-up service once every 4 or 8 weeks. Ratepayers are responsible for payment of the empty fee billed directly from Goliath Disposal and the container rental rates ($15/month) billed annually to ratepayers through the RM. RM of The Gap No. 39 residents can apply for a bin through the municipal office.
Gravel Sales
Ratepayers may request to purchase gravel from the RM for private use to be delivered to locations within the boundaries of the municipality. Gravel is currently sold to ratepayers at a rate of ten dollars ($10.00) per cubic yard for the first 50 cubic yards and at a rate of twelve dollars ($12.00) per cubic yard for gravel over the 50 cubic yard limit. Ratepayers will also be invoiced for the actual cost of gravel loading and hauling.
Gravel Sales Rates
Up to 50 yd3 (2 loads) traffic gravel $10.00/yd3
Additional traffic gravel $12.00/yd3
Pit run $1.20/yd3 (minimum of $25.00)
Trucking and Loading Cost Recovery Rate
Bulk Water
Bulk drinking water is available at the Village of Ceylon water treatment plant. The bulk water truck fill system is operated through a fob system. Please contact the municipal office if you require a fob to utilize the truck fill.
Non-potable water wells are located at the following locations within the RM:
Click below for Google Map.
Laboratory testing is not conducted on the non-potable water wells by the municipality.
Laboratory test kits area available for pick-up at the municipal office. The test kits are available for testing privately owned wells and water sources. Water samples are to be submitted directly to the Roy Romanow Provincial Lab located at 5 Research Drive, Regina, SK.
Facility Rental Rates
Municipal Office Boardroom $50.00/day*
*Ceylon Regional Park Authority, Ceylon & District Fire Protection Board, and The Gap Recreation Committee are exempt.
Cemetery Rates
Plot Purchase $100.00 + GST
Cremation Burial $150.00 + GST
Custom Work Rates
Grader, Village of Ceylon $75.00/hour + GST
Grader, Agricultural Use $150.00/hour + GST
Grader, Fire Response $150.00/hour + GST
Grader, Commercial Use $220.00/hour + GST
Tractor, Village of Ceylon $75.00/hour + GST
Tractor, Agricultural Use $75.00/hour + GST
Tractor, Commercial Use $125.00/hour + GST
Custom Snow Removal $75.00/hour + GST
Foreman, Labour $40.00/hour + GST
Public Works Operator, Labour $35.00/hour +GST
Maps for Sale
Municipal Map $15.32 + GST & PST ($17.00)
Mailed $18.02 + GST & PST ($20.00)
Homesteader Map $15.32 + GST & PST ($17.00)
Mailed $18.02 + GST & PST ($20.00)
Grid Road Maps $2.97 + GST & PST ($3.00)
Culvert Sales
Culverts & Couplers, New Retail Value + GST & PST
Culverts & Couplers, Used 50% Inventory Value + GST & PST
Grader Blade Sales
Grader Blades, Used $2.00 + GST & PST
Payment Methods
Available methods of payment for custom work invoices (including grader work, dust control, gravel, etc.), permit fees, and map purchases can be paid by cash, cheque, e-transfer or debit /credit card. Debit and credit card payments are subject to administration fees.
Taxes and SMHI premiums can be paid by cash, cheque, e-transfer, or direct transfer (Credit Union Only).