District COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
*Current as of May 21, 2020*
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving. The travel and municipal information for the district on this page will be kept current as information becomes available.
If your questions are not addressed in the FAQs below, please refer to the additional contact information at the end of the FAQs.
Re: Checkpoints - The Emergency Planning Act delegates authority to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) through the Chief of Emergency Management when a provincial emergency is declared. A series of checkpoints have been established within and along the Northwest Region boundary, and the responsibility for these checkpoints has been delegated to the SPSA.
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving. The travel and municipal information for the district on this page will be kept current as information becomes available.
If your questions are not addressed in the FAQs below, please refer to the additional contact information at the end of the FAQs.
Re: Checkpoints - The Emergency Planning Act delegates authority to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) through the Chief of Emergency Management when a provincial emergency is declared. A series of checkpoints have been established within and along the Northwest Region boundary, and the responsibility for these checkpoints has been delegated to the SPSA.
On this Page
Northwest Region
General Questions
For Northern Municipal Services accounts payable/receivable
For Northern Municipalities
- Where is the Northwest Region? What communities are included in the May 20, 2020 Public Health Order?
- Are the resort subdivisions of Keeley Lake, Michel Point and Tower Beach included within the boundaries of the May 20, 2020 Northwest Region Public Health Order?
- I am an Aboriginal person. Can I exercise my right to hunt, trap, fish, and gather medicine in the Northwest Region?
- My primary residence is outside of the Northwest Region, can I travel to the Northwest Region to... (see multiple examples)
- My primary residence is in the Northwest Region, where can I travel?
- If I own property in a resort subdivision or northern settlement in the Northwest Region will my water be turned on?
- My business is not located in the Northwest Region
- Can I travel to northern communities in the Northwest Region to provide products or services or to purchase and pick up supplies for my business?
- My employee lives in the Northwest Region. Can they still travel outside or within the Northwest Region for work?
- Can I travel to other northern communities in the Northwest Region or outside of the Northwest Region to provide products or services or purchase and pick up supplies for my business?
- My employee lives outside of the Northwest Region. Can they still travel to the Northwest Region for work?
General Questions
- I see visitors/campers/non-residents in my community that I believe are disregarding the Public Health Order, what can I do?
- Where are the checkpoints and what happens at a checkpoint?
- I am unsure if I will be able to pass through a checkpoint. Will I need documentation to prove why I’m travelling? Will my travel be approved? Who can I talk to before my travel?
- I am an outfitter in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD). What guidelines do I need to follow?
- I, or somebody I know, needs additional mental health support? Are there resources available?
- Where do I find general health information for the north?
For Northern Municipal Services accounts payable/receivable
- How can I make a payment to the Northern Municipal Trust Account (water and sewer, taxes, land purchase, planning related invoices, etc)?
- How can my business send an invoice?
- How do I request a tax certificate or search?
For Northern Municipalities
Northwest RegionQ1: Where is the Northwest Region? What communities are included in the May 20, 2020 Public Health Order?
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Q2: Are the resort subdivisions of Keeley Lake, Michel Point and Tower Beach included within the boundaries of the May 20, 2020 Northwest Region Public Health Order?
A: No. These communities are not inside the Northwest Region. For a list of the communities that are in the Northwest Region, please see the Public Health Order List of Communities.
Q3: I am an Aboriginal person. Can I exercise my right to hunt, trap, fish, and gather medicine in the Northwest Region?
A: Yes. Whether you live inside or outside of the Northwest Region if you are an Aboriginal person, you can exercise your right to hunt, trap, fish, and gather medicine in the Northwest Region.
The Public Health Order says that "Aboriginal persons [can engage] in activities such as exercising their constitutionally protected right to hunt, fish and trap for food or engaged in other traditional uses of lands such as gathering plants for food and medicinal purposes or carrying out ceremonial and spiritual observances and practices.”
The Public Health Order says that "Aboriginal persons [can engage] in activities such as exercising their constitutionally protected right to hunt, fish and trap for food or engaged in other traditional uses of lands such as gathering plants for food and medicinal purposes or carrying out ceremonial and spiritual observances and practices.”
Q4: My primary residence is outside of the Northwest Region, can I travel to the Northwest Region to:
(Note: There may be allowances for travel within the Northwest Region for compassionate or other reasons. For more information, please contact the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency at 1-855-559-5502)
(Note: There may be allowances for travel within the Northwest Region for compassionate or other reasons. For more information, please contact the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency at 1-855-559-5502)
Click to enlarge
| Travel Infographic FAQ |
Q. check on or stay at my seasonal residence in a resort subdivision?
A: No.
Q. check on or stay at my cabin?
A: No.
Q. go fishing, boating, canoeing or camping (RV, tent, etc):
A: No.
This includes:
A: No.
Q. check on or stay at my cabin?
A: No.
Q. go fishing, boating, canoeing or camping (RV, tent, etc):
A: No.
This includes:
- provincial parks, recreation sites or backcountry sites
- private campgrounds
- leased properties
- seasonal campsites
- wilderness/backcountry sites outside of provincial parkland or private campgrounds.
Q. visit my family and friends?
A: No.
Q. attend a wedding?
A: No.
Q. look at real estate?
A: No.
Q. go to a doctor’s appointment or for medical treatment?
A: Yes.
Q. attend my legally required court date?
A: Yes.
Q. go to work/employment?
A: Yes, so long as your employer is included on the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list.
Q: access essential goods and services included on the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list?
A: No.
A: No.
Q. attend a wedding?
A: No.
Q. look at real estate?
A: No.
Q. go to a doctor’s appointment or for medical treatment?
A: Yes.
Q. attend my legally required court date?
A: Yes.
Q. go to work/employment?
A: Yes, so long as your employer is included on the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list.
Q: access essential goods and services included on the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list?
A: No.
Q5: My primary residence is in the Northwest Region, where can I travel?
(Note: if you were outside of the Northwest Region when the Public Health Order was issued on May 20, 2020, you may return to your primary residence in the Northwest Region)
(Note: if you were outside of the Northwest Region when the Public Health Order was issued on May 20, 2020, you may return to your primary residence in the Northwest Region)
Click to enlarge
| Travel Infographic FAQ |
A: you can only travel outside of your community or the Northwest Region to:
You cannot travel outside of your community or outside of the Northwest Region even if it’s to:
- go to a doctor's appointment or for medical treatment.
- while travelling outside the Northwest Region for medical treatment, you may also stop to obtain essential goods and services. Only one person in the vehicle may enter a retail establishment outside of the Northwest Region to purchase such essential goods and services.
- attend your legally required court date.
- access essential goods and services included on the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list and only when those goods or services are not available in your community to a maximum of twice per week. Each household can only use one vehicle and can only contain household members. If supplies are available in your community, SPSA encourages people to shop within your community to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into communities throughout the province.
- to go to work, so long as your employer is included on the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list.
- permanently move to another northern community, so long as the property will be your new primary residence.
You cannot travel outside of your community or outside of the Northwest Region even if it’s to:
- check on or stay at your seasonal residence or cabin, whether it’s in a resort subdivision, on a lease or elsewhere outside of your community.
- go fishing, boating, canoeing or camping (RV, tent, etc) in a:
- provincial park, recreation site or backcountry site
- private campground
- leased property
- seasonal campsite
- wilderness/backcountry site outside of provincial parkland or a private campground.
- visit your family, friends.
- attend a wedding.
- look at real estate.
Q6: If I own property in a resort subdivision or northern settlement in the Northwest Region will my water be turned on?
A: please call your Northern Municipal Advisor. 1-800-663-1555, M-F 8-5.
Q7: My business is not located in the Northwest Region:
Q: Can I travel to northern communities in the Northwest Region to provide products or services or to purchase and pick up supplies for my business?
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
Q: Can I travel to northern communities in the Northwest Region to provide products or services or to purchase and pick up supplies for my business?
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
Q: My employee lives in the Northwest Region. Can they still travel outside or within the Northwest Region for work?
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
Q8: My business is located in the Northwest Region
Q: Can I travel to other northern communities in the Northwest Region or outside of the Northwest Region to provide products or services or purchase and pick up supplies for my business?
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
Q: My employee lives outside of the Northwest Region. Can they still travel to the Northwest Region for work?
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
A: Yes, but only if your business or service is included in the Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services list. It is also highly recommended to contact the municipal office in advance to follow any local protocols for entering or doing business in that community.
Q9: I want to travel into and around the Northwest Region by airplane (private or commercial), is this allowed?
A: The Public Health Order applies to all travel, regardless if it's by air, road, snowmobile, quad, or boat. If your primary residence is not in the Northwest Region, or you are not an employee of, or person delivering Critical Public Services and Allowable Business Services, you cannot travel to the Northwest Region.
Q1: I see visitors/campers/non-residents in my community that I believe are disregarding the Public Health Order, what can I do?
A: You can use the online Non-Compliance Reporting Form to report situations where an individual or business is suspect of not being in compliance with Public Health Orders or call the RCMP non-emergency number at 310-RCMP (7267).
Q2: Where are the checkpoints and what happens at a checkpoint?
A: Checkpoints and signage are installed at different locations in the Northwest Region. They are rotating in location, and some of them are manned up to 24 hours a day. Regardless of where those are installed, all persons need to adhere to the public health order and limit travel as instructed. The SPSA will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed.
At designated checkpoints, vehicles may be stopped and occupants will be provided with information about public health order restrictions. Only travel eligible under the order will be allowed. No personal information will be collected about travellers by checkpoint personnel. Peace officers and law enforcement will be available to respond to enforcement issues.
Click here for the SPSA Checkpoint Question Guide.
At designated checkpoints, vehicles may be stopped and occupants will be provided with information about public health order restrictions. Only travel eligible under the order will be allowed. No personal information will be collected about travellers by checkpoint personnel. Peace officers and law enforcement will be available to respond to enforcement issues.
Click here for the SPSA Checkpoint Question Guide.
Q3: I am unsure if I will be able to pass through a checkpoint. Will I need documentation to prove why I’m travelling? Will my travel be approved? Who can I talk to before my travel?
A: Documentation may be needed to pass through a checkpoint.
Click here for the SPSA Checkpoint Question Guide.
- Provincial checkpoints: please call the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency ahead of your planned travel for more details at 1-855-559-5502.
- Municipal checkpoints: please contact the local municipal office in advance of your planned travel.
- First Nations checkpoints: please contact the First Nation office in advance of your planned travel.
- If you are not a primary resident but are an essential worker you should bring proof of employment (letter, ID badge or signage on vehicle). The letter should be signed by management, and include where you are going, the reasons and length and travel. Please contact the SPSA, local municipal office, or First Nations office in advance of your planned travel to confirm details.
Click here for the SPSA Checkpoint Question Guide.
Q4: I am an outfitter in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (NSAD). What guidelines do I need to follow?
Outside of the Northwest Region:
The May 19, 2020 Public Health Order eased restrictions in the NSAD, allowing outfitters outside of the Northwest Region to operate within the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan Outfitting Guidelines.
Within the Northwest Region:
Travel restrictions in the Northwest Region prevent guests of outfitters from travelling to the camps. Owners and employees of outfitting operations in the Northwest Region are allowed to travel to outfitting camps to prepare for the season and secure the premises. These operators must comply with the requirements of the public health order, including the travel restrictions within the NSAD. Accommodations are permitted for use by essential workers in the Northwest Region for the purpose of employment. More information can be obtained by calling the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688.
The May 19, 2020 Public Health Order eased restrictions in the NSAD, allowing outfitters outside of the Northwest Region to operate within the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan Outfitting Guidelines.
Within the Northwest Region:
Travel restrictions in the Northwest Region prevent guests of outfitters from travelling to the camps. Owners and employees of outfitting operations in the Northwest Region are allowed to travel to outfitting camps to prepare for the season and secure the premises. These operators must comply with the requirements of the public health order, including the travel restrictions within the NSAD. Accommodations are permitted for use by essential workers in the Northwest Region for the purpose of employment. More information can be obtained by calling the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688.
Q5: I, or somebody I know, needs additional mental health support? Are there resources available?
- Mental Health Services Government of Saskatchewan
- eMentalHealth.ca
- Mobile Crisis Services
- Kids Help Phone
- Emergency Crisis Services
Q6: Where do I find general health information for the north?
- Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Athabasca Health Authority
For NMS Accounts Payable/Receivable
Q1: How can I make a payment to the Northern Municipal Trust Account (water and sewer, taxes, land purchase, planning related invoices, etc)?
A: You can call, pay online, or mail. Please note that our office is closed to the public. In person payment options are not available at this time.
1. Call 1-800-663-1555 or 1-306-425-4330 to pay with credit card. Please note that the maximum credit card payment per tax payer will be $5,000.00.
2. Online Payment Option
a. Payments may be made online via an Electronic Bill Payment System with the following financial institutions:
- Bank of Montreal
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Conexus Credit Union
- Central 1 Credit Union (all participating Credit Unions)
- TD Canada Trust
When setting up this service for TAX PAYMENT your account number will be the 8 digit roll number as shown on the top left of your Tax Notice. If you have multiple properties, please set up an account for each roll number. When making payment please ensure the payee chosen is Northern Mun Trust Acct Taxes.
When setting up this service for UTILITY WATER AND SEWER PAYMENT your account number will be the alphanumeric digit number as shown on the top left of your Utility Notice. If you have multiple properties, please set up an account for each utility number. When making payment please ensure the payee chosen is Northern Mun Trust Acct Utilities or Northern Mun Trust.
3. Mail cheque or money order to: ***Note: Please make all payments out to ‘Northern Municipal Trust Account’***
Northern Municipal Trust Account
Box 113
La Ronge SK
S0J 1L0
1. Call 1-800-663-1555 or 1-306-425-4330 to pay with credit card. Please note that the maximum credit card payment per tax payer will be $5,000.00.
2. Online Payment Option
a. Payments may be made online via an Electronic Bill Payment System with the following financial institutions:
- Bank of Montreal
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
- Conexus Credit Union
- Central 1 Credit Union (all participating Credit Unions)
- TD Canada Trust
When setting up this service for TAX PAYMENT your account number will be the 8 digit roll number as shown on the top left of your Tax Notice. If you have multiple properties, please set up an account for each roll number. When making payment please ensure the payee chosen is Northern Mun Trust Acct Taxes.
When setting up this service for UTILITY WATER AND SEWER PAYMENT your account number will be the alphanumeric digit number as shown on the top left of your Utility Notice. If you have multiple properties, please set up an account for each utility number. When making payment please ensure the payee chosen is Northern Mun Trust Acct Utilities or Northern Mun Trust.
3. Mail cheque or money order to: ***Note: Please make all payments out to ‘Northern Municipal Trust Account’***
Northern Municipal Trust Account
Box 113
La Ronge SK
S0J 1L0
Q2: How can my business send an invoice?
A: Invoices may be mailed, faxed, or emailed.
Mail to: Northern Municipal Trust Account
Box 113
La Ronge SK
S0J 1L0
Fax : 1-306-425-2401
Email : nmtaaccountspayable@gov.sk.ca
Mail to: Northern Municipal Trust Account
Box 113
La Ronge SK
S0J 1L0
Fax : 1-306-425-2401
Email : nmtaaccountspayable@gov.sk.ca
Q3: How do I request a tax certificate or search?
A: Requests may be mailed, faxed, or emailed.
Mail to: Northern Municipal Trust Account
Box 113
La Ronge SK
S0J 1L0
Fax : 1-306-425-2401
Email : nsadinfo@gov.sk.ca
Request must include:
Tax certificates and tax searches cost $10.00 each. Please send proof of payment with request or call 1-800-663-1555 to make payment with credit card. Originals of the request result and invoice will be mailed.
Mail to: Northern Municipal Trust Account
Box 113
La Ronge SK
S0J 1L0
Fax : 1-306-425-2401
Email : nsadinfo@gov.sk.ca
Request must include:
- legal description of property (lot, block, plan number)
- full name and mailing address of individual or company making request
- request for tax certificate or tax search
Tax certificates and tax searches cost $10.00 each. Please send proof of payment with request or call 1-800-663-1555 to make payment with credit card. Originals of the request result and invoice will be mailed.
For Northern Municipalities
COVID-19 Information for Municipalities: includes information on council meetings, assessment appeal extensions, financial statement deadlines, and more. This document is updated by Advisory Services and Municipal Relations, Ministry of Government Relations.
Public Participation and Electronic Meetings: A Guide for Meeting the Requirements of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 for Northern Municipalities
COVID-19 Resources for Municipalities SUMA, including webinars on electronic meetings, responding to COVID-19 logistics, northern caucus meetings, etc.
Water Security Agency - Maintaining Proper Oversight of Drinking Water Systems During the COVID-19 Situation
Nine Steps for Emergency Plan Development
Declaration of Local Emergency - a template for a council resolution declaring a local emergency. Please note that if an emergency declaration has been made by the Province, a declaration of local emergency for the same area may not be needed (see subsection 22(5) of The Emergency Planning Act)
Emergency Management Plan - template created by Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency for a comprehensive emergency plan for your community.
- The May 21, 2020 newsletter provides information on the impacts COVID-19 is having on upcoming elections.
Public Participation and Electronic Meetings: A Guide for Meeting the Requirements of The Planning and Development Act, 2007 for Northern Municipalities
COVID-19 Resources for Municipalities SUMA, including webinars on electronic meetings, responding to COVID-19 logistics, northern caucus meetings, etc.
Water Security Agency - Maintaining Proper Oversight of Drinking Water Systems During the COVID-19 Situation
Nine Steps for Emergency Plan Development
Declaration of Local Emergency - a template for a council resolution declaring a local emergency. Please note that if an emergency declaration has been made by the Province, a declaration of local emergency for the same area may not be needed (see subsection 22(5) of The Emergency Planning Act)
Emergency Management Plan - template created by Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency for a comprehensive emergency plan for your community.
Additional Contacts
- Main Government of Saskatchewan COVID-19 website: saskatchewan.ca/covid19.
- COVID-19 professional health advice: dial 811 or email COVID19@health.gov.sk.ca (COVID-19 case numbers: saskatchewan.ca/covid19).
- Non-health COVID-19 questions (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency): 1-855-559-5502.
- Addictions and mental health resources: 211.ca or dial 211 or 811. Northwest Saskatchewan (former Keewatin Yatthé Health Region): 1-844-235-5595 or text 1-306-235-7887.
- Business: Saskatchewan Business Response Team toll free at 1-844-800-8688, supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.
- Re-open Saskatchewan Plan: saskatchewan.ca/covid19.
- Food security and shelter assistance: Ministry of Social Services 1-866-221-5200.
- Provincial Parks: Tourism Saskatchewan or 1-877-237-2273.
- Paying taxes in northern hamlets and the district (outside of towns and northern villages): Northern Municipal Services.
1-800-663-1555, M-F 8am-5pm. - On-reserve for non-health related questions: FSIN 1-877-626-6448, M-F 9am-9pm.