Council sees early progress after talks with provincial ministers

By Ian MacKay

Town councillors reported modest progress after recent meetings with provincial cabinet ministers, with a potential grant for future development emerging as a key opportunity.

Mayor Trevor Hay said discussions with Eric Schmalz focused on funding to help develop Rosetown’s planned eastern neighbourhood. The talks took place during the April 12-15 convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association in Regina.

“We need a lift station over there,” Hay said following the April 20 council meeting.

The estimated cost to develop the area is about $11 million. A federal-provincial grant could cover roughly 70 per cent, which Hay described as “a good start.”

Councillor Kimiko Otterspoor said the meeting allowed the town to highlight local priorities and strengthen future funding applications.

“We got to talk about some great things that are happening in Rosetown and get (Schmalz’s) advice on some grants that we will be applying for,” she said. The focus, she added, was on how to enhance those applications.

Discussions with Kim Gartner took place in an open forum alongside representatives from other communities, said acting chief administrator Amanda Bors.

Councillor Art Garrett said high demand limited opportunities to speak.

“It was hard to get to one of the mics because there were usually four or five” delegates already waiting, he said.

Garrett said concerns about highway conditions were common across the province.

“When we look at our highways, I kind of feel sorry for the guys up North,” he said. “Development’s going in there like crazy and their highways have been totally neglected.”

He added Gartner indicated about 80 per cent of the highways budget is directed toward maintenance.

Health care challenges were also a recurring topic. Garrett said physician recruitment and retention remains an issue across rural communities following discussions with Lori Carr.

“Everybody seems to have the same problem with doctor retention and getting doctors,” he said.

Hay said the convention provided valuable opportunities to connect with other municipal leaders and hear from speakers.

“It’s always interesting to go to,” he said.

He also pointed to a tour of a water treatment plant in Pilot Butte as a highlight.

“We heard a detailed explanation about going through the whole process, how they did it and costs,” he said.

Hay and Coun. John Kadler also attended the Ositis steak supper.

“They put on a really good show; (there was) really good support,” Hay said. “When you have a good purpose, people are willing to come out and support you.”