The past year was another event-filled year for the Estevan area, Mayor Roy Ludwig said during his annual mayor’s address at the start of Monday night’s council meeting.
Ludwig noted the past year started with record amounts of snow, but the management team, staff and contractors were up to the challenge and kept the community drivable and safe.
It was a busy year for the various departments. Rick Davies was hired to be the new deputy fire chief, working alongside Fire Chief Dale Feser. The city also purchased the former Murray GM dealership building to serve as the new fire hall.
“Kudos to Dale, Rick, our firefighters along with all of the volunteers and contractors for all of their work in transitioning the Murray building into a fire hall that we can all be proud of,” said Ludwig.
The Estevan board of police commissioners promoted Murray Cowan from inspector to deputy police chief. The Estevan Police Service’s K9 unit was brought back with Const. Paul Chabot and police dog Max.
Fitz Bramble was hired as the city’s new economic development officer, and with Bramble in place, and with the new economic development board’s direction, Ludwig said the city is looking to expand its economic base.
The residuals management project at the water treatment plant was completed, eliminating the dumping of residuals into the Souris River. The water intake project, which will switch the primary water source from Boundary Dam to Rafferty Dam, began last year. Both projects have federal and provincial support.
King Street was rehabilitated from Souris Avenue North to Pine Avenue, and was widened from Bannatyne Avenue to Pine Avenue. Sister Roddy Road south of Wellock Road was resurfaced.
Several community events also took place, including the Aboriginal Day celebrations and the Canada 150 bash in June, and the Living Skies Airshow at the Estevan Regional Airport in September.
Numerous fundraisers in the community were well-supported, and a variety of initiatives were completed. All of these events brought out the best in the community, he said.
“The common theme throughout many of our important events is our volunteers,” said Ludwig. “As I have mentioned before, the volunteers are the backbone of the community.”
Upcoming projects for this year include resurfacing King Street from Pine Avenue to Kensington Avenue, and starting construction of the water pipeline from Rafferty Dam to the water treatment plant. Ludwig also hopes people will attend the SaskTel Tankard men’s provincial curling championship, and he commended the new nursing home committee for their support.
