Rural Municipality of Val Marie No. 17

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The Rural Municipality of Val Marie No. 17 is a large rural area in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan, Canada. It surrounds the village of Val Marie and sits along the Canada–United States border with Montana. The RM covers about 3,059 square kilometers and had 425 residents in 2021.

Quick facts
- Location: Census Division No. 4, SARM Division No. 3
- Formed: January 1, 1969
- Reeve: Larry Grant
- Administrator: Cathy Legault
- Office: Val Marie
- Area: 3,059.22 km2
- Population: 425 (2021)
- Population density: 0.1 per km2
- Time zone: CST (no daylight saving)
- Postal code: S0N 2T0
- Area codes: 306 and 639
- Coordinates: about 49.226°N, 107.717°W

Geography and economy
- The area has a semi-arid climate. Ranching and crop farming are common.
- Large community pastures are found here.
- The Val Marie Irrigation Project uses two artificial lakes on the Frenchman River to run drip irrigation near the village.
- Grasslands National Park (West Block) lies within the RM, boosting tourism. The RM has two guesthouses and the park’s operations compound.

Nearby features
- Monchy Compressor Station sits on the Canada–United States border.
- A major pipeline passes through the RM.

History of the name
- The name Val Marie means “Valley of Mary.” Earlier proposed names were Rivière des Français and Libreval, but Val Marie was chosen.

Demographics
- 2021: population 425 living in 99 of 115 private dwellings
- 2016: population 413 living in 97 of 114 private dwellings
- 2011: population 420

Government
- The RM is governed by an elected council, with an administrator. The council meets on the second Tuesday of every month.