ESTEVAN - Estevan city council gave first reading Monday night to a bylaw that will govern fees and services for its departments in 2024.
Most of the fees will remain the same for this year, but there are some changes in engineering, building permits and other land development services offerings, and leisure. Many of the changes for leisure services are connected to ice rentals, the fees for renting out facilities, swimming lessons and more.
The bylaw will still need second and third readings before approval. Council's next meeting is Dec. 18.
A full breakdown of the fees and charges can be found on the City of Estevan's website.
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Council received a request from Hailey Weber to have a sidewalk constructed on Perkins Street, from McDonald Road to the end of the residential area between Second and Third Avenue. There is no sidewalk for pedestrians on the other side of Perkins, other than on the north side from Fourth Avenue to First Avenue.
"There are many families with children who live on this street, and I believe the south side of Perkins would be able to facilitate the space for the sidewalk, so that pedestrians are not walking on the busy street," said Weber.
Some families need to walk to bus stops with their children each morning during the school year, and most end up walking through people's yards, she said.
Perkins is part of the city's truck route.
Coun. Shelly Veroba said she has seen young kids walking on grassy areas and through snow banks to get to the bus stop or to school. She suggested talking to homeowners and apartment building owners to see if they're supportive.
Coun. Rebecca Foord recommended an online survey on the city's Facebook page to gain feedback from the community.
The request was deferred to council budget deliberations, which occurred Dec. 4.
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The City of Estevan will apply for funding through the Targeted Sector Support program, which would help with the efforts to diversify the local economy.
It provides municipalities with 75 per cent grant funding for eligible costs, up to $100,000. The city would use the money for discussions with neighbouring municipalities, community leaders and industry experts.
Through roundtable meetings delivered by Southeast College, energy knowledge gaps would be determined. Workshops would be held to discuss energy transition and such concepts as geothermal power, and carbon capture and storage.
The projected cost would be $60,000.
In a report, city manager Jeff Ward said the city has been trying to capitalize on strategic grants that promote economic diversification and progression in Estevan. The proposed grant would facilitate positive programs toward increasing Estevan's capacity, sharing and learning best practices with energy transition.
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Council passed its annual resolution to be eligible for municipal revenue sharing grants from the provincial government. The city needs to take several measures to ensure it receives the money.
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Council gave its blessing for a proposed 557-square-metre residential lot at 1333 Eighth Street. The proposal would divide the property in half and then add each half onto adjoining developed properties.
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Council gave second and third readings to the updated building bylaw. It contains some changes for service fees, including an increase for the first time since 2018. Demolition permits will expire in 45 days, but an extension would be available. Also, all measurements will be in metric numbers.
