The Rural Municipality of Reciprocity No. 32 has recently celebrated 100 years of operation. In 1883 the precursor to the R.M. system was developed in what was known as the North West Territories at the time. Legislative councils were developed and given the authority to make laws. These were Local Improvement Districts (LIDs) that consisted of a single township. The boundaries were later altered to encompass a larger area.
LIDs focused on roads, noxious weeds, gopher control, and a wolf bounty. They had the right to tax those who lived within the district. In the current area maintained by R.M. No. 32 the first LID was formed in 1899 under Allan O. Pringle, the overseer.
By 1907 the townships encompassed a larger area, while in 1910 and 1911 petitions were made to form the district into a rural municipality. The first petition was made by J.A. Lemay, the secretary of the municipal committee, in July. Finally on Dec. 11, 1911, the R.M. of Reciprocity came into existence with a population of 826 people.
Held on January 8, 1912, was the first meeting for R.M. No. 32. They were in charge of appointing health officers, providing financial assistance to school districts, and setting the tax rate. The hamlet of Alida secured particular services due to the support of the R.M. They petitioned for a C.P.R. station agent and assisted in placing a bid for a branch of the Union Bank of Canada.
In 1913, with the help of a government assistance grant, the R.M. undertook their first major road construction. This is the road known as Hull Road in Division 1 and the Nottingham or Redvers Road in Division 4. In March of the same year they joined the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities under the acting reeve, Andrew Fleming.
It was in 1918 that they procured a lot and built an office building, which was used until 1935 when the bank building was purchased. The bank building was used as an office and residence until it was decided, in 1975, that new facilities should be constructed. A house located in Alida on Lot 1, Block 5 was, thusly, purchased for the secretary-treasurer's residence until the convent building was obtained. On June 29, 1982, the new combination office and residence held its grand opening at the end of Main Street, which is still in use today.
Alida was removed from the governance of the R.M. in 1926 when it was incorporated into a village. Responsibilities of the R.M. were, therefore, returned to focus on agriculture. R.M. of Reciprocity has aided the area during many natural disasters, such as the 1930s drought and the vast 2011 flooding. During their tenure they have administrated livestock testing programs, livestock aid programs, and have closely been involved with the local veterinary clinics.
Health care has been a great priority for the R.M. becoming one of the founding bodies associated with the Redvers and District Community Health Foundation Inc. They have also contributed to the long term care facilities and have supported doctor recruitment activities in the area. Collaborating over the years with other municipalities they have partaken in the Red Coat Mutual Aid Area, an emergency measures organization, and the joint water well directive for ratepayer use.
One of their main functions has been keeping people connected through building and maintaining infrastructures. With the booming oil industry made present in the mid-1950s, which has grown ever since, makes roads in the area a top priority. Proving to be challenging and much work the R.M. of Reciprocity attempts to keep up with the demands in their area.
The centennial celebration was held on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Approximately 250 people attended the supper in the municipal shop, which was catered by P & A. MC for the night was Ralph White.
Addressing the crowd that night included Reeve Alan Arthur with congratulatory messages from past administrators. Arthur, Rod Heise (Lajord, SK.), and Dave Desautels (Penticton, BC.) read a certificate from Ed Komarnicki (MP) commemorating the 100 years R.M. No. 32 has been in operation. Dan D'Autremont (MLA), Jim Boettcher (Mayor) and SARM members, David Marit (President) and Don Taylor (Div. 1 Director) presented Arthur with a plaque recognizing the anniversary.
After making presentations celebrating the 100th anniversary of the R.M., Arthur acknowledged two employees. Andy Girard was given a set of binoculars to recognize his 35 years of service to the R.M. Lorne Junk received a pen set to mark his 10 years of service.
Cutting the anniversary cake, a piece was served to all, as the evening ended with much visiting amongst those in attendance.
R.M. of Reciprocity has already watched the small family farms become large corporate ones; while, the ever expanding oil industry has grown immensely placing a greater demand on roads and services in the area. "The next 100 years of the municipality will likely be as interesting and ever changing as the previous 100 years." The R.M. states excited for what the future holds.
