KIPLING — It’s been a busy year in Kipling throughout 2024, and going into a new year, that list of projects will not dwindle.
Looking back at some of the highlights from the year that was, Mayor Pat Jackson noted 2024 saw a new administrator for the first time in two decades, but that appointment was ultimately short-lived.
“We hired a new administrator, and now that administrator has resigned,” she said, crediting town staff for their ability to pivot while the effort to fill the role continues into 2025.
“I think it’s going to be a challenge for all of us trying to find what we need and some of what we want for an administrator because it’s a big job,” Jackson said. “Without exaggerating too badly, I think it’s probably the most important job in this community.”
Another recent highlight was the purchase of a sweeper, which came in under budget, is the same make and model as the current one the town already owns, but is newer and with lower hours.
“There’s no way we can afford to go out and buy really expensive brand new equipment,” Jackson said. “It was nice to know that we got something that was considered well looked after and well rated.”
There were a few items that council didn’t quite get to this year, the washrooms at the ball diamonds topping the list.
“They were not outhouses, but they were very limited,” Jackson explained. “They were single-stall for each of men and women, and there were issues.”
Engineered designs on the project have been completed, and Jackson is hopeful that construction can begin this coming spring.
“We are ready to go this spring. Hopefully, before things get insanely busy we can have that project move on to construction,” she said. “And I’m very hopeful for completion this year.”
Other topics hoped to be addressed in 2025 include a splash park, reviewing zoning amendments, and updating bylaws.
Casting her gaze further afield, Jackson would like to see some moderate growth in Kipling.
“Four years ago, we said we wanted an increase in population,” she said. “According to StatsCan—which I did not then and still do not believe—in 2021 we had an increase of two people. I don’t want to see our town double its size or anything, we have the infrastructure to sustain another 500 people. I can’t imagine that we’re going to grow that much, but I would like to see an incremental growth. I think it’s a doable thing.”
What’s the key to that growth? Jackson believes the answer lies in attracting more industry, with the notion that once people have a taste of what life is like in Kipling, they’ll be more than tempted to establish firm roots.
“The wind farm has brought people—not just construction people, but some on a more permanent basis,” she said as an example, listing several amenities including industries such as oil and gas, construction, and agriculture in addition to the Bekevar Yôtin wind project. Throw in the hospital, a pre-K to Grade 12 school and two licensed, subsidized daycares, and she says Kipling becomes an appealing option for a range of prospective residents.
