WILKIE — I would like to start by recognizing a group of people who have helped keep our town up and running. A year ago, our resident doctor retired, leaving a hole in our community. With the help of the SHA and the town’s administrative staff, we were able to pull together a collection of doctors who are dedicated to the well-being of our citizens. However, the medical clinic doesn’t run itself. Clinic secretary, Wanda Kovach, also deserves recognition for her hard work and for sticking with us in what must have been a lot of change and uncertainty. The Town of Wilkie is very lucky to have everyone in that building.
The town office is currently accepting donations for the Wilkie & District Combined Appeal. This is a great opportunity to give to your favourite charities all at once and receive a single donation receipt. In doing so, please take the time to remember your local charities such as the Wilkie and District Health Foundation, Bethany Enhanced Living, Prairie Branches Enterprises, Prairie Sky Recovery Center, Wilkie and District Museum and the Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children. These organizations give back to the community in so many ways. You may not see them in the spotlight every week but know they are working diligently behind the scenes for the benefit of the community and to provide much-needed services. For example, over the past two years, the Wilkie and District Health Foundation committed to buying new beds for the long-term care facility that cost approximately $6,000 each and to date they have purchased eight beds for the facility.
Speaking of change, we have met with our contractor who will be building the new swimming pool. Details are being sorted out and the design is being collaborated. We look forward to sharing the completed design with everyone.
With winter around the corner, Saskcan Arena is open for the season. We fired up the ice plant Oct. 3 and the first skaters of the season took to the ice Oct. 18. If you are looking for the arena schedule it is on the Town of Wilkie website calendar. You will see a new face at the arena as well. Please welcome Dylan Warnecke as our new arena attendant.
We recently had to say goodbye to a service that has been around for quite some time. The decision was made to end the Wilkie Courtesy Car after years of little use. Years ago, the courtesy car ran Tuesdays and Thursdays and was used by many residents in town, but over the years that has changed. Most weeks the van was used by only one person and some weeks not used at all. This made scheduling a volunteer difficult. For these reasons, the decision was made to discontinue the service.
We had our Halloween Fun Afternoon Oct. 29 at the Saskcan Community Hall. Families dressed up and came out for snacks, games, a bouncy house and trick or treating. Thanks to the Wilkie Community Club and town for sponsoring this event.
Our annual fall tradeshow is Nov. 25 this year. We have many vendors registered and there will be a booth open for all to enjoy. There is still room for more tables so if you are interested please give the town office a call.
Some of you may have noticed that our Public Works team is busy in the back alleys. The first round is complete and all of the branches have been picked up. They are currently working on yard and garden pick-up. The time that they spend in back alleys is also the perfect time for them to lay down some gravel to improve the conditions. Please be aware they are operating heavy machinery and should be given a wide berth for everyone’s safety.
