Province launches rural policing grant with funding for Luseland officer
The Saskatchewan government has introduced a new grant program aimed at supporting small town and rural police services, with the Luseland Police Service set to receive $10,000 in 2026-27.
The new Small Town and Rural Police Services Grant Program will provide $10,000 for each sworn officer serving in eligible small town and rural police departments. In total, the province is investing $190,000 this year.
Luseland’s one-officer police service is among five departments receiving funding under the new program.
Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said small town and rural police services play a key role in public safety across Saskatchewan, often supporting RCMP operations over large areas while providing community-based policing tailored to local needs.
Until now, small town and rural police services have operated without direct provincial funding, relying on support from the municipalities and rural municipalities they serve. The province said the new grant program is intended to create a more consistent approach to policing support across Saskatchewan.
In addition to Luseland, funding will go to Corman Park Police Service, which will receive $110,000 for 11 officers; Dalmeny Police Service, $20,000 for two officers; Vanscoy Police Service, $30,000 for three officers; and Wilton Police Service, $20,000 for two officers.
The province said the grant will help smaller police services strengthen proactive policing, improve response times and support recruitment and retention by giving departments greater operational flexibility.
The program is also intended to reinforce partnerships between local police services and the RCMP in rural communities. Officials said small town and rural police services regularly assist with calls involving property damage, collisions, provincial statute enforcement, municipal bylaws and other local policing needs.
The STAR Grant Program complements existing provincial funding already provided to the RCMP, as well as municipal and First Nations police services, the province said.