ROCANVILLE — The town of Rocanville will see an increase to their annual municipal potash tax share this year. Council learned of the new amount via a letter outlining changes to area calculations.
“We’re expecting $185,567.99 for 2025, which is up from $179,000 last year,” Administrator Tanya Strandlund explained.
This is also ahead of a proposed change coming into effect on Jan. 1, 2026 which will see a shift from overlapping areas of influence no longer being applicable. Starting next year, an area of influence for each potash mine where ore is brought to the surface will replace the former variable. For a centre like Rocanville, that translates into a substantial increase.
Back in May 2024, municipalities learned of the coming change in 2026, with numbers at that time projecting Rocanville might receive over $386,000 under the individual calculation.
Summer student hired
Nolan Kruppi will return as a summer student for the town, receiving much praise for his work during the previous year. “He did a fantastic job, was an amazing worker, and he wants to do it again,” said Strandlund.
Flower watering contract
Howard McAuley has been contracted to maintain town flowers this summer.
“We really want to beautify our Main Street, and flowers are a huge part of that in the summer especially, but we also need to put in the work to make them beautiful,” Strandlund explained. “He’s done it previously in the past as a town employee, and now he’s going to do it as a separate contractor. So we’re going have beautiful flowers!”
Jessica Campbell sign coming soon
Last fall, council passed a motion to hire Graphic Ad of Humboldt, Saskatchewan to create a six-foot by 10-foot billboard to recognize local athlete Jessica Campbell. The project was quoted at $1,175 plus tax, including a seven-year warranty to resist fading and cracking.
If timing works out, the sign might be in Rocanville for a very important evening.
“Depending on when it is completed and shipped to us, we might be able to unveil it at our March 22 watch party,” Strandlund said.
Community Days planning continues
Planning continues for the June 7 Community Days with posters going up around town soon. Strandlund did note one big entertainment name confirmed to be in attendance.
“We have the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers coming from Winnipeg, and that’s going to be fun,” she said. “They are a phenomenal.”
The full day will also include a pancake breakfast, parade, garage sales around town, a kid’s zone, car show, trade show, minor ball, supper, and fireworks.
Why Rocanville campaign
The town of Rocanville is seeking to attract people to Rocanville with a “Why Rocanville?” campaign.
“We’re trying to advertise why people would move to Rocanville,” explained Strandlund. “So we’re just looking at some newspapers to advertise that in.”
The project will promote the tax incentives already in place, such as incentives for residential and commercial new builds.
“We’re super close to a bunch of amazing industries in regards to economy, our recreation and tourism is fantastic, our housing isn’t crazy expensive,” Strandlund listed when asked why people ought to move to the community. “In 2024, there were 24 residential houses sold, and the average selling price was $226,521. We’re close to a hospital, and we have a fantastic fire department.”
There’s also the Cameron Crescent area, which has 16 serviced lots open for residential builds.
