CANORA - Although town council has put several checkmarks on the community’s list of required and desired projects, the list does not ever seem to get any shorter.
The big accomplishment this past year was undoubtedly the completion of the new transfer station. This project was a major undertaking at a cost of $2.7 million, and is a first-class facility in the province.
Based on grant money of $70,000 received by the rec department, we were able to resurface the tennis courts to accommodate pickle ball as well as new basketball nets.
After council commissioned a study on the feasibility of a new rec center, which would include a skating arena, we applied for a grant. If the application is successful, the grant would pay for 50 per cent of the project.
The Canora tourism fundraising committee continued its awesome fundraising efforts in 2024, and raised money for new Canora entrance signs as well as a permanent outdoor stage in King George Park. This was the result of tireless enthusiasm by volunteer committee members. The projects undertaken by the committee help the town improve its appearance at no cost to taxpayers.
In 2024 we saw the first paving project in several years, when Eighth Avenue West was done at a cost of about $450,000.
As always, the town chipped away at bylaw enforcement, cleaning up nuisance yards and working with property owners to improve the condition and appearance of buildings as well.
Council receives many compliments from visitors on the appearance of the town.
Looking ahead to 2025
The biggest project in 2025 has been in the works for some time, decommissioning of the landfill is set for 2025. Cost estimates were $2.4 million of which $1.8 million will be funded by the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant.
Council now is looking forward to the grand opening of the new transfer station. The project will see a new depot to replace the existing landfill. Solid waste management has been a challenging part of long-term asset management and has tied up other capital projects.
Council was approached by Cote with a request to dump their existing fill at our landfill at a cost, since they are undergoing the same project. So far the town has received $941,000 from Cote which will significantly help with the overall budget of the transfer station as well as filling and capping of our old landfill. Now, with the project completed, council will have to make several decisions on new dump rates, hours, and a grand opening date.
With the transfer station now completed, council will be looking to start other capital projects.
Work on the water main replacements has been completed on Evelee Avenue, Seventh Avenue West and a portion of Mary Street. The town has been working diligently, benefitting property owners as a local improvement program. The town has worked at replacing water mains over many years, which brings the town to very nearly having replaced all water mains with only a few streets left. The result is fewer water breaks and disruptions to quality and service.
Canora was chosen as the winner/host of 2025 Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, the annual celebration of hockey and the community from Jan. 14-19, with many events planned throughout the week. Some of the highlights include the Goal Line Gala, an evening of dinner and entertainment with guest speakers Don Chesney and Marty McSorley and a live auction on Friday, Jan. 17. Saturday, Jan. 18 is the designated day for Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
This is a huge spotlight for our hometown and an incredible accomplishment. Hockey Saskatchewan picks a community that is working on a worthwhile project. Canora has hopes to construct a new community centre, which would include a new rink, and this event will kick off fundraising efforts.
Council members are taxpayers too, and are doing their best to keep taxes at a reasonable rate. Planning and education in long-term asset management will become more important and so will a realistic level of public expectations. Initial data already shows that as costs are increasing, some municipal services may not be sustainable in the long term.
Deliberations on the annual budget will begin soon. Many worthwhile projects are on the list and council will have to prioritize and see what is realistic in terms of available funding.
And, as always, council appreciates your feedback. I encourage residents to talk with and ask questions of your mayor or a councillor.
We are all working together to keep Canora a great place to visit and a better place to live.
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