ASSINIBOIA - As we head into 2024 full steam ahead, I would like to take a moment to reflect on 2023. It was a year that seemed to fly by, and generated so many great memories.
Now let me start by saying all the events, the projects and the progress are all due to the great team we have at the Town of Assiniboia. From council to our chief administrative officer to our management team to our public works crew. We have created a positive working environment that allows us to grow together as a whole organization. I am privileged to work alongside such a great group of individuals all working towards a common goal - the vision of making this community a thriving place to live and work.
Our CAO and management team, through guidance from council, work collaboratively throughout the year in order to make informed decisions to ensure budgets are adhered to. We as a council maintain that our priority is to be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of this community which will continue in 2024.
With that being said, let’s reflect on some of the accomplishments of 2023.
We started the year with the sale of the old rubber tire plant. An achievement that we are particularly proud of. The revenue gathered from this sale will go to future infrastructure improvement projects in the community. The new property owner has graciously donated over 4,000 plus yards of soil from the plant property which we will utilize at our old lagoon and at our landfill.
We have seen improvements at our landfill with some remodeling to increase safety and another town facility, the old library, was remodeled to become the Rotary Club of Assiniboia Family Centre where a new playschool program began.
The old Turbo station on Centre Street, after many years of being a derelict property, was demolished. The empty lot was then paved this past summer, and mural artist Stephanie Bellefleur painted “The Climb” on the adjacent wall of Shoppers Drug Mart. More plans are in the works for enhancement and beautification of this space.
Last spring brought about an auction and garage sale at the Assiniboia Civic Centre for fixtures and memorabilia.
We said goodbye to our “old friend” in 2022, council and management are working on plans for the demolition of this old recreational facility.
We also saw the construction of a mini golf course for the Assiniboia and District Museum. In its first year, many tourists and residents have tried their luck at the new course. A fun addition to the amazing vintage car collection and the boardwalk displays. We look forward to the seasonal opening of this facility every year.
In the face of proficiency new to town, equipment was purchased this year, including a post hoist for the town shop, a Genie Z40 lift, a new skidsteer and a dump trailer all added to our fleet of vehicles and equipment. Our town shop made some changes as we organized, cleaned and inventoried; creating a more efficient and productive place of work.
The public works crew was very busy this past year with snow removal, sanding/salting, street sweeping, water digs/repairs, infrastructure maintenance, daily work orders, all things Town of Assiniboia facilities and waste management.
It was no different in our administration office, where our team worked on building permits, taxes, water billing, invoicing accounts receivable, many meetings and all things to manage a municipality. All while keeping a smile on their face.
One focus of planning and development last year was creating our first video marketing project showcasing our Assiniboia. Local residents can check it out on YouTube! I have often said it takes a village to run this town, and no truer words could be said.
This past summer the Centre Street Revitalization Project began which is the start of some big improvements in our community. Gee Bee Construction worked efficiently to replace many of the water valves on Centre Street. We appreciate the businesses on Centre Street and residents for their patience and understanding during this revitalization project. This will be one of the largest infrastructure improvement projects our community will undertake. The time needed to complete a project of this magnitude will be well worth the wait.
Other improvements in 2023 included new sidewalks, continued asphalt crack sealing and new pavement completed. The three-year total cost at almost $3 million dollars are long overdue improvements needed in Assiniboia. The improvements will continue with more sidewalk and paving projects slated for 2024; all things which make your town, Assiniboia, better.
Another project that came to be through volunteers in this community was the Assiniboia Royal Canadian Legion’s Soldiers on Centre banners project. We are proud to have entered into an agreement with our local Legion branch and that the banners will continue to be seen year after year in honor of those who fought for our freedom.
Speaking of volunteers, we couldn’t do half of what we do if not for our various organizations and volunteers. We are so blessed to have all of you in our community. We look forward to showing our appreciation with our annual Volunteer Recognition event although it never seems like enough of a thank you. I hope each and every one of you know how much appreciation we have for you.
We also appreciate all the businesses in our community and welcomed some new businesses this past year. Strong businesses create strong communities and the continued working relationship we have with our local Chamber of Commerce helps to ensure this will occur.
Assiniboia is host to many different events during the year, bringing many folks from out of town to our community. Our recreation and wellness department as well as our many valuable organizations can keep us busy all year round – there is never a lack of things to do!
A few highlighted events last year included the hosting of the Saskatchewan Country Music awards, where we showcased our new Southland Co-op Centre and welcomed new visitors to our community. It was simply incredible!
The Canada Day events kept me busy from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. that night. It was a jam-packed day of fun in the sun!
The hosting of the first WHL pre-season hockey game was held right here in Assiniboia. The Moose Jaw Warriors battled it out with the Swift Current Broncos, what a night!
The Tuesday Better Together barbcues are still one of my favourites events of the summer. Every Tuesday at the pool concession. Good food, good conversation while we wear our Better Together T-shirts!
Another highlight of my year was being interviewed for my first podcast; Municipal Affairs with Chris Brown. I have met so many different people and have had so many interesting experiences this past year; all very memorable to me.
We hosted the SUMA Southwest Regional meetings here last October and welcomed 17 different communities of mayors and admin staff to our town for a day of meetings. SUMA President Randy Goulden was in attendance and commented on how lucky are to have so many amenities in our town, a truly proud moment for us!
Wow, what a year! Where do we go from here? Stay tuned…… we are just getting going!
It has been a pleasure and an honour to serve as your mayor for the past three years. I look forward to what this next year will bring. Here’s to a great collaborative 2024.
As you may all know, we in the “Heart of the Golden South” are truly “Better Together”.
