Note to Newcomers to Nipawin

• First, on behalf of the Council and the citizens, a very HEARTY WELCOME! Nipawin is proud of its community, its natural beauty and the friendliness of its citizens!
• Upon taking up residence in a new community, one often finds there are a number of laws and rules which differ from those of the last community. Below are some of the more common items which may arise, (the order of listing is not significant).
• If moving into a house you will want Power (1-888-757-6937); Gas (1-800-567-8899); Telephone (1-800-727-5853); Telephone Directory (1-800-667-8211).
• Water and Sewer applications are made at the Town Office, requiring a $100.00 deposit. This deposit is applied to the final account.
• New construction in Nipawin may be subject to tax incentives and a rebate program. Go to the tax incentive main page for more information on which forms of construction are covered under the program.
• If you are a newcomer to Saskatchewan, although no premiums are required you must make application for joint Medical and Hospitalization coverage within three (3) months. Application forms are available at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/how-to-register.
• If you own a dog, regardless of the size, it must be registered and licensed right away ($30.00 for male or female; $10.00 if spayed or neutered). Dogs and cats are not allowed to run-at-large. If you are missing your dog or cat call the Honeywood Veterinary Clinic at 862-4488 as soon as possible as we can only keep them for a short time. For more information, please read the town dog bylaw.
• The Town is policed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – 119 Nipawin Road East (862-6270).
• Speed Limits are 50 km./hr. unless otherwise posted. School Zones: 30 km/hr. – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on school days; playgrounds – 30 km./hr.
• Licenses are not required for bicycles. No cycling allowed on sidewalks.
• Jaywalking is not illegal, but not recommended. Jaywalkers must give motorists the right-of-way. Motorists must yield to pedestrians at intersections.
• A Building Permit is required in advance for new structures, extensions, and many renovations; also for moving buildings onto or from property. Check first with the  Nipawin Town Office for applications and information before proceeding.
• The Town has a Zoning Bylaw providing such districts as: Residential, Commercial, Highway Commercial and Industrial. New activities in these zones are limited to the uses permitted by the bylaw. If purchasing property check first to see if it is properly zoned.
• Recreation is assumed in large measure by the Town. A full-time Director co-ordinates activities of many volunteer organizations and manages town-operated facilities such as the swimming pool, playgrounds and arena.
• The water comes from wells in spite of our proximity to the river. You will find it among the best, if not the best in the Province. We have 2,000,000 gallons in storage.
• Entering Business? Check at the Town Office; Business License fees are payable in advance.
• Garbage is removed from residential areas weekly. The homeowner may check with the Town Office for day of pick-up. Homeowners are provided with a 96 US gallon container/cart for waste collection. Please place the cart on your front street with wheels facing toward the curb. Carts must be out by 7:00AM on pick-up day to avoid being missed. Please contact the town office for further details. Private citizens may haul to the disposal site, but are cautioned to keep loads covered and well secured en route, and to dump only in the designated areas. The Disposal Grounds are open from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday – Closed: Sunday & Stat Holidays, and is located 2 miles South – 1/2 mile East of Hwy. 35. A Town bylaw prohibits any burning within the Town limits.
• Compost (grass clippings, dry leaves, kitchen scraps – egg shells, vegetable wastes, etc.) should be placed in garbage cans (preferred), or plastic garbage bags, not in the MTN carts, and placed within 6 feet of your front curb by 8 a.m. on Wed. (mid-May to mid-Oct.).
• Property Taxes are payable commencing January 1st in each year with 4% discount in January, 3% in February, 2% in March, and 1% in April. Commencing August 1st in each year 1% penalty is added to unpaid current taxes, 1% in September, 1% in October, 1% in November, and 1% in December – a total of 5% penalty. The Town also offers a tax instalment payment plan. Details are available at the Town Office. Payments may be made through internet banking, at the Town Office, at your local bank or by mail. It is the responsibility of property owners to verify their property assessment at the Town Office.
• There are many churches to serve the spiritual needs of the community.
• Many Service Clubs and other organizations are waiting to welcome all newcomers to membership.
• The cemeteries are owned and operated by the Town. Graves may be paid for and reserved in advance.